Why do Christians use lilies at Easter in their churches and even in their homes? As a minister, every Easter the front of our church held a number of Easter Lily’s in full bloom. They gave off a strong fragrance which, if I am honest, actually bothered my allergies. I still, however, appreciated their beauty but did not know of and appreciate their religious symbolism. 

Here is a quote from www.countryliving.com

“Christianity’s most important holiday is rich in symbols, some secular, some religious, from the Easter bunny who brings treats and toys to children, to the Easter lily, a tall, stalky plant topped by graceful, trumpet-shaped blooms. But while the fragrant flower that fills churches and homes come Easter might seem simply a beautiful decoration welcoming springtime, over the course of its fascinating history it has come to feature a far deeper connotation. Today’s Easter lily meaning is most commonly tied to the Bible and even Jesus Christ himself.”

This same website also goes on to point to a closer connection to Jesus Christ. White Lilies embody purity, the trumpet shaped blooms seem to be horns announcing the good news of Christ’s resurrection. Also, the life cycle of an Easter Lily, which spends several years beneath the earth before coming into full blossom, is very much like Our Lord’s time in the ground after his crucifixion and then his bursting forth in absolute glory on Easter morning.

Lilies are mentioned a few times in the Bible

“My beloved is mine, and I am his; he grazes among the lilies.” (Song of Solomon 2:16, ESV)

“I will be like the dew to Israel; he shall blossom like the lily; he shall take root like the trees of Lebanon;” (Hosea 14:5)

In the Gospel according to Luke, Jesus refers to the beauty of lilies: “Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!” (Luke 12:27-28, ESV)

Beautiful lilies then are visible signs that Almighty God will take care of each of us. Are we not more valuable than a lily? Therefore, we need never worry about our future.

I invite the reader the next time he or she sees an Easter Lily to study the white purity of the flower, notice the trumpet shape announcing the resurrection of our Lord, and take in again the blessed hope of our own that comes to everyone who embraces Jesus as LORD and Savior. The Easter Lily is a physical reminder that death is not the end for anyone who believes and trusts in the LORD.