There are several theories about Christian symbolism surrounding the Easter lily. Often referred to as “white-robed apostles of hope,” their color symbolizes the purity of Christ, who was free from sin. In many paintings, the angel Gabriel is depicted as handing Mary white lilies, which symbolizes her purity as well.
The trumpet shape of the Easter lily represents a trumpet sounding the message that Jesus has risen, and the nature in which lilies grow is symbolic of the resurrection as well. From ugly bulbs that are underground for three years or longer, they become beautiful flowers. This process is reminiscent of Jesus’s brutal death and holy resurrection. Thus, lilies represent rebirth and hope, just as the resurrection does in the Christian faith.
The lilly is also mentioned or alluded to several times in the Bible. Some think that it was white lilies that sprouted in the Garden of Eden as Eve’s remorseful tears fell to the ground. There are also theories that Easter lilies grew where Jesus’s tears and blood fell from the cross, and lilies were supposedly found in the Garden of Gethsemane after the crucifixion, tying them even closer to Easter.
summertime 1978
Willie was dying from cancer
Bob & I we were in the room when Willie left us for about a minute
then he opened his eyes looked right at Bob
” make your peace with God”
then he was gone
back in the truck
Bob says “did you smell something in that room?”
yeah, it was scent of Lilly
Besides being bummed out
Bob was shaken up about what Willie had said
was a quiet ride
If memory serves
Bob really never discussed religious views or faith
it like he was afraid of death or something
Bob is gone now as well
I’ve never forgotten the smell of the Lilly in the room