Dear Reader,
The Easter lily native to Japan's Ryukyu Islands, became a symbol of Christ's Resurrection and purity. Introduced to England in 1819 it was later popularized in the US after WW1 by Louis Houghton, who brought bulbs to Oregon, establishing the "Easter Lily Capital of the World".
Legend holds that white lilies sprang up in the Garden of Gethsemane where drops of Jesus's sweat fell during his final hours. They are often called "White Robed Apostles of Hope'.
In the Christian tradition the white lily symbolizes purity, rebirth, new beginnings and hope and is most often associated with the resurrection of Jesus Christ as observed on Easter. In Pagan traditions the Easter lily is associated with motherhood and is often gifted to mothers as a symbol of gratitude. Across many religions and beliefs the white lilies are symbols of purity and grace.
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The Easter lily is my favourite flower but unfortunately since I have aged I can't breath in the strong scent without feeling faint, and having difficulty breathing.
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From James Woodforde February 1st 1799 in Norfolk
'Very hard frost with much snow and very rough easterly wind.... I don't know that I ever felt a more severe day. The turnips all froze to blocks, obliged to split them with beetle and wedges, and some difficulty to get at them on account of the snow - their tops entirely gone and they lay as apples on the ground.'
From Francis Kilvert February 2nd 1872 in Radnorshire
'The morning was superb, warm, and brilliant, like a May morning, and the hundreds of yellow stars of the Cape Jessamine between the drawing room and dining room windows, were full of bees.'
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MOMENT
The church is cool from summer sun,
organ music plays.
We walk down the aisle
enjoy the scent of lilies
filling the holy air
point out ruby stained glass windows
depicting Christ on the cross,
examine oak and stone carvings
plaster heads of saints
the altar cloth rich in green and gold.
He runs up the pulpit steps
says a few words in Latin.
I laugh
then we kneel together in a back pew
say a prayer.
He takes my hand.
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With very best wishes, Patricia
