So what comes to your mind when you think of Easter? Memories of egg decorating, gift baskets, chocolate bunnies, sunrise church services, family dinners, and, of course, a house full of Easter Lilies?

The Easter Lily, the traditional time-honored flower of Easter, is highly regarded as a gorgeous symbol of purity, hope beauty, and life. Its beautiful trumpet-shaped blossoms serve as a beautiful reminder that Easter is a time for rejoicing and celebrating. Prior to 1941, the majority of the Easter Lily bulbs were exported to the United States from Japan. Commercial bulb production moved to the west coast of the United States during WW II and been a top seller here ever since.

The Latin name for the Easter Lily is Lilium longiflorum.

So how did the Christian celebration of Easter become a day of Easter Bunnies delivering Easter Eggs?

Rise & Shine Bouquet

The origin of the word Easter can be traced to the Scandinavian word ‘Ostra’ and the Germanic ‘Ostern’ or ‘Eastre’. These both came from the names of mythological goddesses of spring and fertility, for whom festivals were held at the time of the Spring Equinox.

Easter bunnies and Easter eggs have their origins in paganism. Rabbits were the most potent symbol of fertility and the egg, the start of all life, was often thought to have magical powers. Since birds (eggs) and rabbits give birth to large litters in the early spring, these became symbols of the rising fertility of the earth at the Spring Equinox.

Spring Waltz Bouquet

Many believe that the legend of the Easter Bunny originated in Germany and the idea of an egg-giving bunny came to the U.S. in the 18th century. According to the legend, only good children received gifts of colored eggs.

The oldest tradition is to use dyed and painted chicken eggs, but the modern custom is to add chocolate eggs, or plastic eggs filled with candy or jelly beans.

However you celebrate Easter, Conklyn’s has great decorating ideas for your home or as a gift. We Deliver Nationwide!