Wear an Easter Lily

The Easter Lily was designed in 1925 by Cumann na mBan. Its dual purpose 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.

One year later, the Easter Lily Commemoration Committee was formed and existed until 1965. One of its founder members was Sighle Humphreys. The original lily was hand-made by faithful republicans, who sold it at great risk throughout the country. Over the years many republicans have been arrested, attacked, jailed and reviled for keeping alive the memory of the men and women of the Easter Rising. The symbol is associated with the 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin, due to the seasonal decoration in churches during that period.

The lily has always had strong symbolic value, though its meaning and symbolism have changed through the ages. The Romans saw the lily as a symbol of hope. In Western Europe, the lily was viewed as a symbol of innocence and resurrection... During the Renaissance, the lily was often portrayed by Christian scholars and artists as a symbol of the Virgin Mary. Perhaps due to this link, the lily has been considered by some to be the sacred flower of motherhood.

The use of lilies at funerals symbolises the restored innocence of the soul at death. Today, republicans continue to honour the heroic sacrifice made in 1916, when the IRA, hopelessly outnumbered and ill-equipped, took on the might of the British Army and showed the world that Ireland unfree shall never be at peace.

Republicans wear the lily to honour all those who have given their lives in the cause of Irish freedom.

• Easter Lilies are now available from all republican outlets or from 44 Parnell Square, Dublin 1