Lilium longiflorum 'Easter Lily' at Planting Fields Arboretum. Photo by June Stoyer

Lilium longiflorum 'Easter Lily' at Planting Fields Arboretum. Photo by June Stoyer

It is believed that the Lily in Christian art is a well known symbol of chastity, innocence and purity. In pictures of the Annunciation, or Salutation, the Archangel Gabriel is sometimes depicted holding a Lily branch, or Mary herself is clasping a Lily, or there is a Lily in the vicinity.