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The Easter Bunny
The Easter bunny is believed to have originated from the pagan festival of Eostre. The goddess, Eostre, was worshipped by the
Anglo-Saxons through her earthly symbol, the hare or rabbit. This came from the fact that rabbits and hares were the most fertile animals known and
served as symbols of the new life that arrived in the spring.
The bunny as an Easter symbol began in Germany, where it was first mentioned in German writings in the 1500s. The first edible Easter bunnies were made in Germany during the early 1800s and were made of pastry and sugar. The Easter bunny was introduced to American folklore by German settlers in the Pennsylvania Dutch country during the 1700s. The arrival of "Oschter Haws" as he was called was considered "childhood's greatest pleasure" next to a visit from Christ-Kindel on Christmas eve. The children believed that if they were good, the bunny would lay a nest of colored eggs.
The Easter Egg
The "Easter egg" also originated from the pagan celebrations. From the earliest times, the egg was a symbol of rebirth in most cultures. In pagan times, it represented the rebirth of the earth and was believed to have special powers. With the advent of Christianity the symbolism of the egg was changed from the rebirth of the earth to the rebirth of man. It represented the tomb from which Christ had risen. From this belief, came that of the hatching chick which symbolized Christ's emerging from the tomb.
Originally Easter eggs were painted in bright colors to represent the light of spring. They had egg-rolling contests and also exchanged the colored eggs as gifts. Eggs colored and etched in various designs were often exchanged by lovers in the same way we exchange valentines. They were also given as gifts to servants in medieval times and in Germany colored eggs were given to the children as gifts.
The coloring of eggs varies from culture to culture. In Greece, people exchanged crimson eggs to honor the blood of Christ. In Germany and Austria, eggs were colored green and the Slavic people decorate their eggs in patterns of gold and silver.
The Easter Lily
The lily came from an island near Japan and when first brought to America, wasn't considered a spring-time flower. As the story
is told, when Jesus walked the earth, all plants and animals, ugly and beautiful, bowed their heads in respect. All except the lily
that is. The lily was too beautiful and proud to bow. After Christ's crucifixion, however, the lily felt so badly that it bowed its
head. As an everlasting show of respect the lily continues to bow its head.
It is considered a reminder of how Christ was resurrected and came back to life. It is used in Easter services and is supposed to be a symbol of the purity of the Virgin Mary.
New Clothes
Tired of wearing their winter clothes, many people began wearing new clothes in the spring. The new light clothing represented a new beginning. Some believed that wearing from one to three pieces of new clothing at Easter would bring good luck all year.
The Easter Parade
The early Christians before Baptism wore white robes throughout Easter week to represent their new lives, while those who had already been baptized work new clothes instead to symbolize the sharing of their lives with Christ. In Medieval times, after Easter Mass, the parishioners would follow someone holding a crucifix or an Easter candle. These walks were the origin of the "Easter Parade".
In New York City, the Easter Parade dates back to the mid-1800s when the "upper crust of society" would attend Easter Services at various churches along Fifth Avenue and then stroll outside afterwards showing off their new spring outfits and hats. Later they were joined by average citizens like you and I. The tradition reached its peak in the mid-20th century and was popularized by the 1948 film titled "Easter Parade" starring Fred Astair and Judy Garland. One of the most famous title songs of the time was written by Irving Berlin in which he wrote: In your Easter bonnet, with all the frills upon it; you'll be the grandest lady in the Easter Parade.
The tradition still lives on in Manhattan with Fifth Avenue from 49th Street to 57th Street being shut down to traffic. The participants are often seen sporting elaborately decorated bonnets and hats. While the event has no religious significance, Easter processions have been a part of Christianity for centuries. Other cities across America also have Easter parades.
Lamb and Other Foods
We've all heard the expression the "sacrificial lamb". Before the first Passover, lambs were offered as sacrifices to God by the Hebrews. When Christ died, he gave himself as an offering to God for the sins of the world. The early Christians saw the lamb as a symbol of Christ and adopted it in their Easter celebration.
There are other foods served on Easter which are considered Lenten foods. The pretzel with its twisted shape represents arms cross in prayer. While in Great Britain, the traditional breakfast fare on Good Friday is hot cross buns. The icing on top of the bun represents a cross.
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