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In my yesteryears , all mothers and ladies wore Easter corsages . In current times , the corsage , whether it be roses , orchids or tulips on the wrist or dress , seems to be passé .

I chatted with Frank DeNigris of May Floral in Mayfield Heights . He ’ s been a florist for 26 years and guesses the store would be lucky to sell 15 or 20 corsages for Easter . DeNigris explains a lot of people simply don ’ t get dressed up anymore . Years ago corsages cost an arm and a leg , and orchid prices were out of sight , yet , they were everywhere . Even the drugstores went into the flower business and sold tiny wrist corsages at more affordable prices .

Though the corsage is now mostly history , Easter flowers will always be a way to celebrate renewal . Tulips , irises , and daffodils will remain favorite plants and table centerpieces . Of course , the Easter lily is at the top of the list . White is traditional and represents love and hope . There are more colorful lilies , like the speckled tiger . Another popular Easter flower and plant is the daisy which represents purity . The floral moguls added dyed varieties to the mix . Everyone loves the range of colors of tulips including the deer that raid my garden ! Tulips symbolize a variety of love . I believe nothing says Easter and unrequited love more than yellow daffodils . I also believe the purple hyacinth symbolizes the religious background of the season and forgiveness , and we all need that . Roses are always popular , whether pink , yellow or peach . We appreciate their beauty . Other Easter favorites are the hydrangea expressing gratitude , chrysanthemum for truth and the dainty and elegant orchid symbolizing love , strength and beauty . I love the azalea plant . It represents everything from good health to passion . And , in their finest glory , you have to see them lined up and down the Spanish Steps in Rome .

Whether it ’ s a passé corsage , a table centerpiece , flowers in a vase , or a lily plant , it ’ s the season of the Triumph of the Cross . Easter flowers are always a way to celebrate renewal . May all the joys and blessings of this glorious season be yours .

Buona Pasqua ! Happy Easter !

Paul Sciria , Managing Editor

PS : We are excited to feature Italian immigration in April ’ s issue . Do you have photographs of your immigrant ancestors ? We would love to publish them ! Please send all photos to jspitalieri @ lagazzettaitaliana . com . Deadline to submit is March 15 .

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LA GAZZETTA ITALIANA | MARCH 20163