Some churches will ask for donations for Easter lilies in memoriam of loved ones. These then form part of the floral display for the week’s services. Potted Easter lilies can be replanted for the following year, which continues the theme of resurrection. But if cut lilies are past their best, there is nothing to be done but recognize the fact that death follows life. As Shakespeare wrote: “For sweetest things turn sourest by their deeds; Lilies that fester smell far worse than weeds.”

Simultaneously with the hoisting of the flag a proclamation, stating their aims and objects, signed by Padraig Pearse, James Connolly, Tom Clarke and the four other members of the Provisional Government, was issued from the GPO. Since the 1930s, successive Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael governments attempted to suppress sales of the Easter Lily. Over the decades many republicans have been harassed, arrested and jailed for keeping alive the memory of the men and women of the Easter Rising through promotion of the Easter Lily. Martin Ferris TD and Senator Pearse Doherty recently wrote to all TDs and senators, encouraging them to wear the Lily this Easter.

Easter 

The Lily has long been associated with the 1916 Rising and the first badges were designed in 1925 by the republican women’s organisation, Cumann na mBan. The dual purpose of the original badge was to raise money for the Republican Prisoners’ Dependents Fund and to honour the sacrifice made by the men and women of the 1916 Rising.

A few stems of lilies tied with ribbon are always a lovely present whatever the occasion, but it is true that some associate these flowers more with death than life. In depictions of the Annunciation, the angel Gabriel sometimes arrives clutching a spray of lilies. Did the Virgin Mary flinch slightly when her bouquet was delivered, laden with meaning? Every succeeding year has seen the lily more widely worn until last year (1932), when the emblem was displayed by 99 per cent of the population. An English paper describing last year’s (1932) display, wrote: “Every man, woman and child in the procession wore an Easter lily, the emblem of the Republican Ireland, which pledges the bearer to use every endeavour to break the connections with England and to establish a free and sovereign Irish Republic. Not only that, but what was more significant, the lily was worn by nine out of 10 of the throngs of spectators who watched the marching thousands.” The original Easter Lily badge was hand-made by republicans, who sold it often at great risk throughout the country. Cumann na mBan created the Easter Lily nine years after the Rising. It was sold to raise money to help support the families that had lost their husbands and fathers. At the time, people in Ireland were still suffering the after effects of war. The Irish War of Independence had followed the Easter Rising, with an estimated 550 republicans and 750 civilians being killed. The fleur-de-lis, a stylised depiction of a lily, became the official emblem of Florence in the eleventh century. In Italian cities, as in much of medieval Europe, the new year used to be celebrated on March 25, the feast day of the Annunciation, nine months before Christmas. Also known as “Lady Day,” unlike Easter, it was fixed in the calendar. In Britain, the new year began on March 25 until 1752, when our calendar changed from the Julian to the Gregorian and the dates were adjusted so that the new new year started on April 5, which became an important feast day for accountants and tax lawyers.Both the Officials and the Provisionals also saw the Easter Lily as a symbol of remembrance for their members who died on "active service". With the decline in the Official IRA, the Easter Lily became more and more associated with the Provos. [3] Michael Collins, leader of the IRA, then signed the Anglo-Irish Treaty. The treaty allowed Ireland status as a free state, but as a dominion of the British Empire. This was unacceptable to some members of the IRA and the organisation split. The anti-treaty began fighting with their former comrades, the pro-treaty. This led to the Irish Civil War, during which Michael Collins was assassinated.

It signifies the union of North and South through love and friendship. It is the symbol of republican Ireland. Today, Irish republicans continue to wear the Easter Lily to honour all those who have given their lives in the cause of Irish freedom in 1916 and in every decade since.

The Easter Lily was introduced in 1926 by Cumann na mBan. Proceeds from the sale of the badge went to the Irish Republican Prisoners' Dependants Fund. Traditionally, they were sold outside church gates on Easter Sunday and worn at republican commemorations. In the early years of their existence, people from a broad political spectrum – from Fianna Fáil to Sinn Féin – wore lilies, which were sold by members of those political parties as well as the Irish Republican Army (IRA), Fianna Éireann, and Conradh na Gaeilge. [1] Fianna Fáil alternatives (1930s) [ edit ] It has recently (1933) been suggested that a monument fitting to the memory of the Men of Easter Week should be erected on the GPO. The greatest, nay, the only, monument worthy to commemorate their sacrifice is the realisation of their aims and objects - the enthronement of the Irish republic. Enthusiasts buy their potted Easter lilies early, ideally on the Monday of Easter week to give the flowers time to open. Pollen is hell to get out of clothes so it’s sensible to remove the stamens as soon as they are visible. If pollen does brush against clothes, do not try to use water to remove the yellow dust. It will only set the stain. Instead, use a piece of Sellotape to lift it off.

The Easter Lily was sold in front of churches on Sundays in the period before Easter, as a way of raising money to help support the families of the men that had died in Ireland’s fight for independence. It would then be worn as a mark of respect for those who had lost their lives, and also as a sign of hope and peace for the future. The original Easter Lily badge was hand-made by republicans who sold it often at great risk throughout the country. The Easter Lily is a powerful symbol of peace in Ireland. It is traditionally worn over the Easter period, as an act of remembrance for people who died fighting for their country. Irish republicans wear the Easter Lily to honour all those who have given their lives in the cause of Irish freedom in 1916 and in every decade since. No Irishman worthy of the name dare accept less than the fundamental claims laid down in the Proclamation.

Hanukkah 

For this simple statement of our fundamental and inalienable rights, the signatories paid the supreme penalty. But their work was done. They had laid down the goal at which all future patriots would aim. In the 1990s, metal versions of the Lily became popular and are worn by some at any time of the year. Their sales and usage has increased with the rise in electoral support of Sinn Féin.