Whenever I ask children what happens on Easter, usually their first response has something to do with the Easter bunny and Easter eggs. So how did these symbols become associated with Easter, the day we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord and God?
The title "Easter" for this holiday has its roots in the Pagan equinox festival. The ancient Saxons (on the isle now known as Britain) devoted the month of April to celebrating their goddess of fertility, Eastre or Eostre. Eastre's sacred animal is the hare, rabbit, which is a common symbol of fertility and birth. The Easter bunny bringing eggs and gifts to children is believed to have its origins in 16th century Germany. The Germans then brought this tradition to America.
Eggs have long been associated with springtime and life. The ancient Romans and Greeks used eggs in their rites to their fertility gods. Even the Jewish ritual of the Passover seder includes eggs. In the spring, new birds and animals are born, so nests of eggs are a natural part of springtime. Coloring eggs and giving them to people you love is a tradition that goes back to 16th century Germany.
Life comes from eggs. All animals - mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians - are born of eggs. (Parents, there are some really good books to help you help little ones understand how mammals, including humans are born from eggs!) So it is natural for eggs to be associated with life on Easter, the holiday that we celebrate new life in Christ's Resurrection.
This weekend, have some fun with your family. Color and decorate Easter eggs. Have an Easter egg hunt. For more Easter crafts and games, visit http://www.familyeducation.com/search/results/?keywords=easter
For more information about the history of Easter traditions, visit these websites: http://holidays.net/easter/ or http://www.easterbunnys.net/traditions.htm or http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05224d.htm
