Fun Facts about Easter

By Johann Erickson

Easter is at once one of the most sacred dates in the Christian world and a fun day for children of all ages. Few holidays share this special dichotomy but Easter means many things to many people.

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, and crosses figure prominently in the celebration of the holiday.

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. Many of the Roman Catholic faith put candles in the church on Good Friday and then light them again with the Easter Candle during Easter morning services.

Other symbols of the Easter season are more difficult to fathom, but they are wholly appropriate the celebration of the Easter season. For instance, the ever popular 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 colorful eggs for her children to find. As soon as the hidden eggs were found by the children, 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.

Source: Johann Erickson, OnlineDiscountMart.com