Easter Symbols

Easter is a Christian Festival that celebrates the
Resurrection of Jesus Christ. On the third day after Good
Friday, the day of his crucifixion, now called Easter Sunday,
He rose from the dead. Mourners went to His tomb to collect
His body. However, He was not there and they were greeted
by an angel who said "He is Risen". The cross is a symbol of
His crucifixion and Resurrection.

Easter Symbols

Hot cross buns, a cake or biscuit eaten by many during this
season, are also, symbols of these events.

The lamb is another symbol associated with Jesus. He is
often referred to, in scriptures, as the, 'Lamb of God', who
sacrificed his life for all mankind's eternal life.

Lights, candles and bonfires mark celebrations in many
countries. Roman Catholics often put the candles in the
church out on Good Friday and light them again with the
Pascal Candle or Easter Candle, on Easter Day.

Eggs are a symbol of the new life that returns to nature at
Easter Time. The custom of exchanging eggs began long
before Easter was celebrated. It was a custom of the
Egyptians and the Persians. They exchanged eggs decorated
in Spring colors. They believed Earth hatched from an egg
which contributed to this custom. Early Christians used red
colored eggs to symbolize the Resurrection. In England they
began writing messages and dates on their eggs and
exchanging them with friends and loved ones. In the 1800's,
candied eggs were made. They were open on one end and a
scene was put inside. They were used as table centerpieces.

Rabbits symbolized new life and rebirth in ancient Egypt.
They considered it a symbol of the moon as the moon
determines the date of Easter. The Easter Bunny's visit is
based upon a German Legend. The legend goes that a poor
woman decorated eggs for her children to find during a
famine. At the moment they found them, they looked up to
see a big bunny hopping away.

Other Easter Pages:

The Easter Story

Three Trees

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