A Lily At Easter

In many symbols used in early Christianity, the lily has been adopted in many ways, as seen for example, with the Easter lily. Since the lily blooms during the Easter season, it is only natural that it should be chosen as the symbol of our Lord's resurrection. Even as the Easter lily bursts into bloom at Easter, so the Glastonbury thorn flowers during the Christmas season, and is, therefore, used as a symbol of our Lord's nativity. F.R. Webber, in his book, Church Symbolism, says that the ancient thorn-tree, Crataegus oxyacantha praecox, which stands within the gates of the great ruined abbey at Glastonbury, Somersetshire, England, is believed by many to be a descendant of the thornwood staff planted by St. Joseph of Arimathaea. He is said to have introduced Christianity into England in the year 63 A.D.

The pomegranate is often used in different emblems to signify royalty, hope, immortality, and the unity of the Church. The pomegranate symbolizes the Resurrection. The fruit is bursting to give forth its fruit, just as our Lord burst the tomb on Easter day and came forth. The power of our Lord is symbolized by the bursting of the seed coats by the fruit of the pomegranate. There are some authorities who are of the opinion the bursting pomegranate represents the resurrection of all believers.

Perhaps no symbol is more widely known and loved than the Shamrock. The legend of the shamrock is familiar to old and young alike. St. Patrick used the shamrock to prove to the pagans that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three persons, but one in essence. Just as the three leaflets, equal in size, are supported on one stem to signify a simple lea, so the Trinity expresses the union of three in one Nature or God. No emblem is more symbolic of the atonement of our Lord than the Pelican-in-Her-Piety. Legend has it that the pelican tears open her breast in time of famine to feed her young with her own flesh and blood. She gives her life that her brood may live, even as our Lord shed His blood on the Cross that all mankind might live and enter into life eternal.

To study the symbols is an education in itself, and one that will contribute greatly to a Christian way of living. Perhaps Thomas a Kempis was studying the symbols when he wrote: "If thy heart were right, then would every creature be to thee a mirror of life and a book of holy doctrine."

By: davidbunch

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