Easter History

What is the meaning of Easter and its symbols?

Easter History

Easter originated in the second century. It was originally a pagan festival.  It is a celebration of the coming of spring. Its date was set by the Council of Nicaea, as the first Sunday after the Vernal Equinox.

It is an internationally celebrated holiday. It is celebrated in Africa, Australia, Europe and Mexico.  It celebrates the resurrection of the lord, and therefore new beginnings of spring as well as all life.

It is where the three main religions of the world, Hebrew, Islam and Christian, unite as one. Easter owes its origin to Teutonic Mythology, who were of Germanic descent.

Easter Egg

            The Easter eggs are eggs that have been dyed and or decorated for Easter. They are usually dyed pink or blue or green or other spring colors as well as other springtime designs. They are traditionally hard boiled chicken eggs; however jellybeans and chocolate may be used as a substitute or in addition to the eggs.

           
 Decorating eggs is much older then Easter. Both the eggs and the rabbits are age old fertility symbols. The Passover Seder uses hard boiled eggs flavored with salt water as a symbol of new life as well as the temple service in Jerusalem. This tradition may have been borrowed from Roman Spring Feasts. Persians also painted eggs for their New Year celebration which fell on the Spring Equinox.  Greeks dye eggs red the color of blood, for the renewal of springtime, which later signified Christ’s blood.

Easter Bunny

            The Easter Bunny originates in Western European cultures. This is an example of folklore mythology, which children often grow out of. Bunnies symbolize spring fertility of the Earth at the Vernal Equinox.