A Quick Guide To Easter Flowers

As Easter is associated with spring time, it has also become the holiday period most associated with flowers. Floral gifts, tributes and decorations are all central to Easter celebrations in both religious and secular cultures, and beautiful floral blooms add something special to what is often a quiet holiday.

The most well known of the Easter flowers is the lily. This is a tradition that comes directly from scripture; according to the Bible, when Jesus was crucified, drops of his blood fell to the ground. Wherever the blood fell, lilies sprouted and bloomed to mark his passing and eternal imprint on the earth. Interestingly, many people who enjoy lilies at Easter may not even be aware of where this association with lilies and Easter comes from.

While the lily is universally popular as a Easter flower, different countries and regions have their own recognisable Easter flowers. In the United Kingdom, the pussy willow is a favourite, as its soft, felt like buds inspire thoughts of new life and the coming of spring.

In Germany and other Western European countries, any flower that is red in colour is frequently used as an Easter flower. The reasons behind this vary, though one continued suggestion is that in Catholicism, red is the colour of a martyr – and Jesus is perhaps the most recognisable martyr of all. The red may also symbolise the agony and blood of the Passion of Christ.

Some cultures also emphasize the type of receptacle that Easter flowers are displayed in. Against usual usage, Easter flowers are best displayed in ceramic or pot holders rather than the standard glass.