The Meaning of Easter Flowers By Bryanna Sweeney
The Meaning of Easter Flowers
By Bryanna Sweeney
"Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime."
– Martin Luther King Jr.
Easter is nearly upon us. The clocks are going forward. There's an abundance of chocolate eggs in the shops. New plants are emerging bringing colour back to our side of the planet. Flowers in egg yellow, mauve, mint green, lavender, baby pink and blue. Like many traditions, Easter could not be honoured without flowers. It is rejoiced by many different countries and faiths to symbolise a time of fertility, rebirth and renewal.
Originating from the Christian celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Easter festivities are vastly different today. Pagan and Christian traditions were infused in the form of egg hunts and bunny motifs. However, Easter is really about flowers to help us remember Christian stories and rituals. Churches are decorated with pedestals and vases brimming with palm leaves, goldenrod solidago and calla lilies also called the Easter lily. Some might curdle upon hearing the word lily which often reminds people of death. However, the Easter lily symbolises purity and goodness, hope and life. It represents Jesus and the resurrection. The lily is significant for another reason. In Ireland, Easter is forever entwined with the island’s political history. In 1926, the Cumann na mBan sold a badge called the Easter Lily outside churches on Easter Sunday to commemorate the 1916 Easter Rising. Many political parties wore the badge but it soon fell out of grace when relations deteriorated and the badge’s meaning changed. The badge has re-emerged several times since then as it is still viewed as a symbol of remembrance with Cumman na mBan continuing to sell it today.
Even if you’re not a person of the faith, flowers play an important role in Easter festivities and without them, we could not acknowledge the beauty in the changing seasons. Any spring flower can be used to make an Easter arrangement however daisies, tulips, lilies and roses are the most popular as well as azaleas, orchids and ranunculi. At home, if you are allergic to lilies, have pets or you just can’t stand the sight of them, then you can substitute with stalks of gladiolus, sometimes called a sword lily. You can keep it super simple this year with a hand-tie in a vase, sprouting from a wicker collar. Don’t forget to throw several eggs at the neck to keep it relevant adding some fuzzy chicks if you are feeling festive. Easter wreaths are a common sight year on year as well as garlands, baskets, and egg trees. Even the humble bean tin can be used as a vessel for your Lent lilies or more commonly called daffodils.
So, whatever you choose to pop on the kitchen table this Easter Sunday, make sure it's pleasing to you. Celebrate Easter with plenty of chocolate and fresh florals and a sensible glass of wine. Be sure to check-in with your florist for the latest selection of Easter blooms and bring a little spring into your home.
