The Symbols of Easter ~ The Cross and The Lamb

The Cross

The Cross is the most common symbol of Christianity and, in fact, was decreed by Constantine at the council of Nicaea in 325 A.D. to be the official symbol of Christianity.  

From Wikipedia we read, "During the first two centuries of Christianity, the cross may have been rare in Christian iconography, as it depicts a purposefully painful and gruesome method of public persecution." but with time, the Crucifix and the Cross came to be representations of Christ's goodness to mankind. The Crucifix, which is a cross with the image of Jesus Christ on it, is a symbol of Jesus's sacrifice of suffering and ultimate death for the sins of mankind. The empty cross reminds Christians of Jesus Christ's resurrection and victory over death, along with the promise of new life and hope for mankind. 

Easter is a time for Christians to reflect, remember, and rejoice about the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Thus, the cross which is a symbol of His resurrection, is also a symbol of the Easter season.

The Lamb

During the time of Abraham, lambs, which were a highly valued possession, were offered to God as a sacrifice for sin. The most perfect lamb from the flock was chosen as the sacrifice. The practice of sacrificing the most pure and perfect lamb for sin was a representation of the coming Savior, who, without blemish of sin, would one day sacrifice His life for mankind. John the Baptist proclaimed in John 1:29, "Behold, the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world!" With the death of Jesus Christ, the Atonement was made sure and the practice of sacrificing animals ceased. 

The Lamb continues to be a symbol of Jesus Christ and his atoning sacrifice.    

Sources: i love india  Wikipedia

The Symbols of Easter ~ Eggs and Chicks

Eggs ~ A Symbol of New Life

Along with rabbits, eggs have a connection to ancient pagan festivals of celebrating spring. Eggs have been considered a symbol of new life and fertility for centuries. In ancient times eggs were painted bright colors to represent the sunlight of spring.

Eggs and Christianity

With the advent of Christianity, not only did the egg represent the re-birth of spring but it came to be a symbol of Jesus Christ's resurrection from the tomb. Just as a baby chick emerges from the shell so Christ emerged from the tomb. In modern times as well as ancient times people have held egg-rolling contests. Some say that the rolling of the egg is a representation of the stone being rolled away from the entrance of Christ's tomb. 

The Lenten Season

In Medieval Europe, it was forbidden to eat eggs during lent, so the eggs that were laid during that time were preserved by boiling in water or by other means. With Easter signaling the end of the Lenten fast, the preserved eggs were then a delightful addition to the Easter feast as well as a prized gift for children and servants.

A Couple of Side Notes

Today, many families and communities throughout the world hold Easter egg hunts in which hard-boiled eggs and candy filled plastic eggs are hidden for children to find. It is interesting to note that since 2008, The International Association of Bomb Investigators and Technicians have sponsored a nationwide charity campaign in the U.S., building beeping Easter eggs every year for vision impaired children. 

Also, did you know that an intentional hidden message, in-joke or feature in a work such as a computer program, web page, video game, movie, book or crossword is referred to as an Easter Egg? Uh-huh, it is.     

Sources: The Holiday Spot  Wikipedia

Image: InfoBarrel

The Symbols of Easter ~ Bunnies

Bunnies ~ A Symbol of New Life
Most of the major holidays have symbols or icons associated with them. Easter, perhaps, is the most iconic holiday of them all.

Easter is a time of remembrance of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. For many non-Christians (as well as many Christians, for that matter) it is a celebration of the advent of spring. Many Easter symbols represent new life as in the new, resurrected life of the Savior and the promise of salvation for mankind, as well as representing the re-birth of the world from cold winter days to warming springtime.

Some Easter symbols originated, not out of the event of Jesus Christ's resurrection but rather from ancient pagan symbolism. In fact, the very name Easter takes it's origins from an ancient pagan festival. Eostre or Eastre was an Anglo Saxon goddess of fertility. Each year in the month of April, festivals were held in honor of the goddess Eastre and the arrival of spring. With the rise of Christianity, missionaries thought it best to keep some of the pagan festivals and symbolisms rather than to ask the new converts to make a 360 degree change. The symbols were then adapted to coincide with Christian practices. Over the years, the springtime festival name was changed from Eastre to Easter and became connected with the celebration of Christ's resurrection.

Rabbits
Rabbits and hares were a symbol of fertility and abundant new life in ancient times. It is said that Eastre, goddess of fertility, had a rabbit as her constant companion, and I think we all know why a goddess of fertility would choose a rabbit for a pet. Rabbits and hares are both prolific breeders. In fact the females of some species of hares can conceive a second litter of offspring while still pregnant with the first (superfetation). Now that's what I call a fertile Myrtle!

The story is told that Eastre arrived late one spring, feeling bad about that, she decided to make amends by saving the life of a poor bird whose wings had frozen in the snow. Eastre made the bird her pet, and feeling compassion for the bird because he no longer had the ability to fly, she turned him into a snow hare and named him "Lepus". In remembrance of his life as a bird, Eastre gave Lepus a special gift. For one day a year, he was given the ability to lay eggs, and not just any old eggs, but eggs of all different colors.

The Easter Bunny
The Easter Bunny was introduced to America by German settlers who arrived in Pennsylvania Dutch country during the 1700's. The German children would each make a nest, which they believed if they were good, the "Oschter Haws" would fill with colored eggs. Over the years, the nests would eventually become Easter baskets which the Easter Bunny would fill, not only with colored eggs, but candy and trinkets as well.

Sources: Wikipedia  Professor's House   History.com