The Story of the Easter Lily

The Easter lily, correctly lilium longiflorum, has a long association with the Easter holiday. Legend maintains that there were lilies in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed before he was arrested and killed. It is said that lilies grew up from the spots where Jesus’ tears fell.

Other facts about the Easter Lily include:

* The lily is native to Japan’s Ryukyu Islands

* During the 1880s, this lily was widely cultivated in Bermuda and is sometimes called the Bermuda Lily.

* Prior to World War II, the majority of Easter Lilies were imported from Japan. That ceased after Pearl Harbor and today more than 95% of Easter Lilies are grown in the United States, primarily along the Northern California and Oregon coastlines.

(photo credit: Newscom)