Have you ever browsed the internet for Easter images expecting to see pictures of the crucifix, only to find colourful eggs and cute bunnies? Many have pondered the connection between this festive holiday held in high esteem by Christian Faithfuls and some crate of eggs and a bunch of bunnies/rabbits.
Is Easter truly about these symbols? Are these supposed “Easter symbols” biblical or adopted?
Join us as we uncover the truth and explore the origins of Easter eggs and bunnies to shed light on the myth behind them.
To start with, let’s delve into some interesting facts about Easter
- Easter is a highly esteemed and sacred festival celebrated annually by millions of Christians worldwide.
- The festivities typically conclude a 40-day period of fasting known as Lent, observed by Christians.
- Interestingly, traditions like Easter eggs and bunnies have historical roots in pagan customs rather than biblical origins.
- In the United States, Easter ranks as the second most favored candy holiday, just behind Halloween.
- Remarkably, over 16 billion jelly beans are manufactured in the U.S. each year for Easter celebrations.
Easter, a significant season in Christianity, commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. This four-day celebration concludes a preceding 40-day period of Lent observed by Christians.
Among the Easter rites mentioned in the Holy Scriptures is the Holy Communion, often observed on “Good Friday” evening, symbolizing Jesus’s last supper with His disciples before His crucifixion. Yet, the presence of eggs and bunnies raises the question: How do these symbols fit into the Easter narrative?
Easter Eggs
The tradition of Easter Eggs traces back to the 13th century when eggs, once forbidden during Lent, became a symbol of celebration.
Children were told that if they behaved well, they would be rewarded with colorful eggs laid by hares on Easter Sunday morning. Eggs have symbolized fertility, rebirth, and new life since ancient times, aligning with the themes of Easter and spring. For some Christians, Easter eggs symbolize Jesus’ resurrection and emergence from the tomb.
Easter Bunnies
According to Time.com, a theory surrounding the Easter festival suggests that the rabbit symbol originated from ancient pagan practices, particularly the “Festival of Eostre”.
The rabbit symbol, particularly associated with Easter, originates from the religious customs of the Teutonic people, notably the worship of Eostra (also called Ostara or Ēostre), a significant figure in their pagan belief system.
Eostra, whose animal symbol was the rabbit, was revered as the goddess of fertility and spring, representing themes of rejuvenation and growth. Rabbits, known for their prolific breeding, have traditionally symbolized fertility for this reason.
Furthermore as stated by History.com, according to some sources, the concept of the Easter bunny arrived in America during the 1700s with German immigrants who brought the tradition of an egg-laying hare known as “Osterhase” or “Oschter Haws.”
Their children created nests for this creature to lay colored eggs, and over time, the custom spread throughout the United States. The Easter bunny’s deliveries expanded to include chocolates, candies, and gifts, with decorated baskets replacing nests. Children often left carrots out for the bunny as a snack during his hopping adventures.
Other Easter Traditions
In addition to the classic Easter egg hunt and bunnies, there are other delightful traditions that many people embrace to celebrate the season such as exchanging vibrant baskets brimming with Easter candy and chocolates, joining in the festive Easter parades, and savoring the preparation of special lamb dishes, all adding to the joy of the season.
Research has proven Easter to be the second most popular candy holiday in America after Halloween. Among the most popular sweet treats associated with this festival are chocolate eggs, which date back to early 19th-century Europe.
In the 1930s, another egg-shaped candy – the jelly bean became associated with Easter. According to the National Confectioners Association, over 16 billion jelly beans are made in the US each year for Easter, enough to fill a giant egg measuring 89 feet high and 60 feet wide.
Overall, while we enjoy the holiday and embrace the arrival of spring, it is crucial to recognize that Easter isn’t just about eggs, bunnies, candies, or chocolates. Easter is a time to celebrate love, hope, redemption, sacrifice, and the newness of life. Let’s share love and joy with our family and friends as we embrace the season together.
If you’re seeking inspiration for Easter activities, check out this article on 5 Egg-Citing Holiday Ideas for Easter 2024.
Happy Easter!
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