Lily – Mercy and St. Faustina
The lily is a springtime flower and traditionally represents new life and new beginnings and is associated with Easter. At Easter we remember God’s mercy in a special way as we celebrate the salvation that Jesus’ death and resurrection give us. This gift of salvation gives a new life and a new beginning as children of God.
Yucca – Courage and Bl. Margaret Pole
Courage is a virtue that demands endurance over a long period of time and in harsh circumstances. The yucca, which is also called the Joshua tree, grows in the desert and can live for up to 150 years. In the Bible Joshua leads the Israelites into the Promised Land after Moses’ death, overcoming many obstacles with great courage.
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Tulip – Joy and St. Clare
The tulip is another flower associated with Easter and springtime and yellow tulips also traditionally represent simple joy and cheerful thoughts. Easter is one of the most joyous celebrations of the Church because we commemorate God freeing us from sin and giving us new life.
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Daisy – Generosity and St. Katharine Drexel
The daisy is a simple wildflower that can be found in all parts of the world; it doesn’t have much monetary value and just be given freely. Daisies are a common gift but do not tend to carry any messages other than wishing to bring cheer to the recipient. Similarly generosity must be freely given without asking for anything in return.
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African Violet – Prudence and St. Angela Merici
When we strive to live a virtue it can be easy to fall into recklessness, to be so excited to do something virtuous that we don’t take a moment to think about what might be right in the specific situation. It can also be easy to fall into cowardice though, to be so afraid of messing up that we end up not doing anything virtuous at all. Prudence is called the mother of virtues because it guides all the other virtues; it helps us find a balance. The violet is a very delicate flower and must receive very balanced care to thrive. Just like there are many types of violets, one for every occasion, we must also use prudence in every situation.
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Iris – Wisdom and St. Theresa Benedicta
Irises are associated with wisdom and eloquence in traditional flower language.
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Aster – Justice and Bl. Marie of the Incarnation
The aster’s stem is so strong it remains standing long after the petals fall, unlike some other flowers whose stem wilts as the petals fall. Justice must remain standing even when it isn’t pretty, no longer seems useful or important. Justice remains.
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Poppy – Loyalty and St. Lucy
Since World War I poppies have been represented remembrance of a great loss of life in war. The poem In Flanders Field by Lt. Col. John McCrae talks about the poppy flowers which bloomed on the battle fields. Poppies call us to remember those who were so loyal to their communities and their values that they sacrificed their lives for them.
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Lotus – Perseverance and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
Lotus flowers grow in shallow, murky bodies of water and need water to survive yet the petals are hydrophobic – they let water roll right off them. Perseverance is like this. You only need to persevere when you are in the middle of a difficult situation yet you can’t let the hardship get to you, you have to let it roll right off your back and not affect you.