Lilium longiflorum, often called the Easter Lily, is a plant native to the Ryukyu Islands of Japan. In the early part of the 20th century, Lily bulbs were a thriving trade from Bermuda. But once it was discovered that the bulbs were affected by disease the supply diminished and an alternative had to be found. The Japanese variant of the Easter Lilly first appeared in the states in the 1920’s. However this source of bulbs was soon cut off with the advent of World War II.
Today, Lilium longiflorum is cultivated extensively as a cut flower. Because of its irregular blooming periods it can be forced to bloom during particular times. Because of its strong ties with the Christian tradition this flower has come to symbolize both the resurrection of Christ and of the Virgin Mary and accordingly is a popular flower at Easter celebrations.
Another interesting aspect of the Easter Lilly is that the trumpet shape of the flower itself demonstrates the Golden Mean in that the rotation of leaves around stem is that ratio which gives each leaf perfect exposure to the sun.
