FLOWERS: Perhaps it is because gardens begin to bloom around Easter time that the holiday is so closely associated with flowers.

We wondered about the meaning behind the flowers in connection with the Christian celebration of Easter. There’s a website for that — flowermeaning.com

Easter lilies, which are pure white, are thought to symbolize purity and hope, and as such, represent the resurrection of Christ.

All tulips symbolize passion, belief and love, but white and purple ones hold special meaning. White tulips represent forgiveness, and purple tulips represent royalty.

Baby’s breath represent the Holy Spirit and white daisies symbolize the innocence of the Christ child.

Irises symbolize faith, wisdom and hope, while hyacinths represent peace of mind.

Old-fashioned wild roses with five petals represent the five wounds of Christ. Red roses symbolize the shedding of Christ’s blood for the forgiveness of sins, while white roses symbolize his innocence.

The flowers hold secular meanings, too. Brightly colored tulips signal the coming of spring. Red tulips symbolize true love, while yellow tulips “tell the lady that her eyes are beautiful,” the website noted.

Daffodils can represent true love, unrequited love or friendship.

Hyacinths, in secular displays, hold meaning based on their colors. Red hyacinths say “let’s play,” while white indicate the recipient is lovely. A purple hyacinth is a request for forgiveness.

Gerbera daisies, with their bright colors, has a lot of meanings, most dealing with happiness. They can symbolize energy and rejuvenation, youthfulness and joy.