Easter is a time of springtime festivals. In Christian countries Easter is celebrated as the religious holiday commemorating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. But the celebrations of Easter have many customs and legends that are pagan in origin and have nothing to do with Christianity.

Easter eggs

Of all the symbols associated with Easter the egg, the symbol of fertility and new life, is the most identifiable. The customs and traditions of using eggs have been associated with Easter for centuries.

Originally Easter eggs were painted with bright colours to represent the sunlight of spring and were used in Easter-egg rolling contests or given as gifts. After they were coloured and etched with various designs the eggs were exchanged by lovers and romantic admirers, much the same as valentines. In medieval time eggs were traditionally given at Easter to the servants. In Germany eggs were given to children along with other Easter gifts.

The Easter Bunny

The Hare and the Rabbit were the most fertile animals known and that is why the bunny was chosen to serve as a symbol of the new life

during the Spring season.

The bunny as an Easter symbol seems to have its origins 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. These were made of pastry and sugar.

Facts about Easter

Easter is of course the time of year when Christians around the world celebrate the Resurrection of their savior Jesus Christ. Three days following His crucifixion, Christ arose, and this rising is now celebrated worldwide at the Easter holiday.

There are many symbols of the Easter holiday, but perhaps the most appropriate Easter symbol is that of the cross. The cross is a symbol of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The lamb is another appropriate symbol of the Easter holiday. Jesus is often referred to as the “Lamb of God” and Christians around the world feel that Christ sacrificed his own life for the sake of the world.

As with many holidays, lights, candles and even bonfires play a role in Easter celebrations around the world. Candles are put out in the church on Good Friday and then are lit again with the Easter Candle during Easter morning services.

Easter eggs are an ancient symbol of new life, entirely appropriate for a springtime holiday like Easter. Easter is all about renewal and new life, so the egg is not that out of place after all.

Like the egg, the rabbit is a symbol of new life and rebirth, and it is probably this association that gave rise to the famous Easter Bunny. Rabbits have long been associated with fertility and birth. The actual Easter Bunny legend is rooted in German tradition. The legend holds that a poor woman living in Germany decorated colourful eggs for her children to find. As soon as the children found the hidden eggs, a large bunny was seen hopping away. This ancient legend is thought to be the root of the Easter Bunny we know and love today.

Even though Easter has a long history, dating back more than two thousand years, every family continues to add to this tradition by adding their own touches. Whether it is a family Easter egg hunt or a special tradition decorating eggs with the family, Easter has a special meaning for every Christian around the world.

Did you know?

The National Confectioners Association offers the following bits of information about Easter traditions

The first chocolate eggs were made in Europe in the early 19th century and remain among the most popular treats associated with Easter.

According to the Guinness World Records the largest Easter egg ever made was just over 25 feet high and made of chocolate and marshmallow. The egg weighed 8,968 pounds and was supported by an internal steel frame.

In the United States

• Seventy-six per cent of people eat the ears on chocolate bunnies first.

• Ninety million chocolate Easter bunnies are made for Easter each year.

• Sixteen billion jelly beans are made for Easter.

• Each day, five million marshmallow chicks and bunnies are produced in preparation for Easter.

• Easter is the second top-selling confectionery holiday, with Halloween in first place.

• Eighty-eight per cent of adults carry on the Easter tradition of making Easter baskets for their kids.