The Symbols of Easter
The Easter bunny
Although Easter is a Christian festival, it has many pre-Christian, Pagan traditions. The origins of the word "Easter" are not certain, but probably derive from Estre, an Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring and fertility. In ancient times a month was dedicated to her, corresponding to our month of April. Estre’s festival was celebrated on the day of the vernal equinox. A symbol associated with the festival - a bunny (a symbol of fertility) is now a part of Easter celebration.
Although Easter is a Christian festival, it has many pre-Christian, Pagan traditions. The origins of the word "Easter" are not certain, but probably derive from Estre, an Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring and fertility. In ancient times a month was dedicated to her, corresponding to our month of April. Estre’s festival was celebrated on the day of the vernal equinox. A symbol associated with the festival - a bunny (a symbol of fertility) is now a part of Easter celebration.
EGGS
When some people think of Easter, they think of eggs. Eggs represent the new life that returns to nature during the spring. Christians also view it as a reminder of the tomb from which Jesus Christ arose. Early Christians used red colored eggs to symbolize the Resurrection.
When some people think of Easter, they think of eggs. Eggs represent the new life that returns to nature during the spring. Christians also view it as a reminder of the tomb from which Jesus Christ arose. Early Christians used red colored eggs to symbolize the Resurrection.
THE CROSS
The cross is a symbol of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. Jesus' resurrection is his victory over the power of sin and death. That is why the cross has become the major symbol for God's power to forgive sins and give new life to people. People often bake hot cross buns to symbolize this event.
The cross is a symbol of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. Jesus' resurrection is his victory over the power of sin and death. That is why the cross has become the major symbol for God's power to forgive sins and give new life to people. People often bake hot cross buns to symbolize this event.
THE LAMB
The lamb is another symbol associated with Jesus. He is often referred to in the Bible as the the "Lamb of God". John the Baptist described Jesus as the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world"
The lamb is another symbol associated with Jesus. He is often referred to in the Bible as the the "Lamb of God". John the Baptist described Jesus as the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world"
EASTER LILIES
In ancient Rome, people thought a goddess Flora made the flowers bloom. They celebrated the Festival of Floralia by having big parades and carried garlands of blossoms throught the streets to honor her every Spring. The statues of Flora were decorated with flowers. In ancient Greek , people believed that the goddess Demeter's daughter was kidnapped while picking the flower narcissus. She was allowed to visit her mother only during spring and summer. The Greeks believed that this made Demeter really happy and made the flowers bloom. They thought that winter is caused by her sadness when her daughter went away again. This flower thus hold a special meaning to the Greeks. The narcissus is also a favorite Easter flower in many parts of the world because of its bright and fragrant blossoms. The Easter lily is a new but popular easter flower. The easter lily was brought into the United States in 1882 from Bermuda. They serve as a reminder of the purity of Christ.
In ancient Rome, people thought a goddess Flora made the flowers bloom. They celebrated the Festival of Floralia by having big parades and carried garlands of blossoms throught the streets to honor her every Spring. The statues of Flora were decorated with flowers. In ancient Greek , people believed that the goddess Demeter's daughter was kidnapped while picking the flower narcissus. She was allowed to visit her mother only during spring and summer. The Greeks believed that this made Demeter really happy and made the flowers bloom. They thought that winter is caused by her sadness when her daughter went away again. This flower thus hold a special meaning to the Greeks. The narcissus is also a favorite Easter flower in many parts of the world because of its bright and fragrant blossoms. The Easter lily is a new but popular easter flower. The easter lily was brought into the United States in 1882 from Bermuda. They serve as a reminder of the purity of Christ.
THE CANDLE AND THE BONFIRE
The Celts, a prehistoric race or people, practiced a religion called Druidism. They believed in good and evil spirits. It was believed that evil spirits captured the sun god and that was why there was winter. Every beginning of Spring, they would lit up huge bonfires to frighten away the evil spirits into releasing the sun. The lighting of bonfires are still a part of Easter celebrations in some countries today such as in Germany and Belgium. Today, bonfires represent the light coming to the world through Christ.
The candle is also used as a symbol of the light of Christ.
The Celts, a prehistoric race or people, practiced a religion called Druidism. They believed in good and evil spirits. It was believed that evil spirits captured the sun god and that was why there was winter. Every beginning of Spring, they would lit up huge bonfires to frighten away the evil spirits into releasing the sun. The lighting of bonfires are still a part of Easter celebrations in some countries today such as in Germany and Belgium. Today, bonfires represent the light coming to the world through Christ.
The candle is also used as a symbol of the light of Christ.
HOT CROSS BUNS
In Great Britain people have always enjoyed the traditional Good Friday breakfast of hot cross buns. They are also served throughout Easter. Each bun has an icing cross on top to remind people of Christ. Street vendors used to used to sing a song when they went around selling their hot cross buns. This song is now a favorite nursery rhyme for children.
In Great Britain people have always enjoyed the traditional Good Friday breakfast of hot cross buns. They are also served throughout Easter. Each bun has an icing cross on top to remind people of Christ. Street vendors used to used to sing a song when they went around selling their hot cross buns. This song is now a favorite nursery rhyme for children.