The traditional Easter lily, scientifically known as Lilium longiflorum, is a pristine, pure white. This iconic flowering plant is cultivated specifically to bloom around the spring holiday, making it a recognizable seasonal staple. The flower’s singular color and elegant form hold deep cultural significance. The pure white bloom is a defining characteristic of the plant designated for the holiday.
The Signature White of the True Easter Lily
The species Lilium longiflorum is characterized by its large, fragrant, trumpet-shaped blossoms. These flowers typically measure between five and seven inches long, a size reflected in the plant’s specific epithet, which translates to “long flower.” The most popular commercial cultivar, ‘Nellie White,’ produces a flawless, unblemished white petal. This pristine appearance is linked to the plant’s cultural meaning, representing purity, innocence, and hope. Commercial growers use precise timing and temperature controls to force the bulbs to flower exactly around the Easter holiday, which is far earlier than the species’ natural summer bloom time.
Why the Lily is Associated with Easter
The lily’s long-standing association with Easter is rooted in Christian tradition and symbolism. The white bloom became a powerful symbol of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the hope of new life. Its life cycle, where a beautiful flower emerges from a seemingly dead bulb buried in the earth, served as a compelling metaphor for the transition from death to eternal life. A popular legend suggests that white lilies sprang up in the Garden of Gethsemane where Christ prayed the night before his crucifixion. The flower’s trumpet shape is often said to represent the trumpet blast announcing the Resurrection.
Are There Other Colors
While the true Lilium longiflorum sold for the holiday is always white, many other colorful lily varieties are available in the spring. Other true lilies, such as Asiatic and Oriental hybrids, come in a broad spectrum of hues, including pinks, yellows, oranges, and reds. These vibrant flowers are often sold alongside the white Easter lily, leading to occasional confusion. However, the plant specifically given the name “Easter lily” remains exclusively the white-flowered species. Any instance of a blue or purple Easter lily would involve artificial dyeing, not a natural color variation of the holiday plant.