Easter is a Christian feast that celebrates the resurrection of Christ from the dead on the third day of his crucifixion. Believers celebrate the festival on Easter Sunday, two days after Good Friday and three days after Maundy Thursday. Easter is a moving festival and does not have any date fixed for celebration; it can fall on any date from March 22 to April 25th. Some of the symbols commonly associated to Easter celebrations are Easter Bunny, Easter egg, Easter card, Easter bun and Easter sunrise service. Today Easter has no longer remained confined as a Christian festival; rather it is seen as a secular festival in most places with people from all region, religion and language taking part in the celebrations.
Origin of Easter
Although Easter is a major Christian festival its origin can be traced back to pagan beliefs and practices. It is believed that the name Easter is derived from Eostre, the Teutonic Goddess of Spring. When the Christian church was initially converting pagans to Christianity, it was found that the pagans were reluctant to give up their own gods and festivals. To take care of this, many of the pagan practices were incorporated into Christianity, some which changed and some did not over a period of time. Some of the practices have been Christianized to a large extent though these practices have pagan roots.
Symbols of Easter
There are various symbols that have been associated with Easter celebrations. Some of these symbols are recognized worldwide while some of them have local origin famous within the city or country. Some of these symbols have pagan origins, while some have social and some have religious associations as well. Some of the Easter symbols are briefly described below:
Easter Eggs
Easter Eggs represent the season (spring) and the new life of the plants that wake up after the winter sleep. Easter eggs are painted with vibrant colors generally depicting the rising sun and the northern light. Easter eggs are hard-boiled eggs colored with bright red to indicate the blood of Jesus that was spilled.
Easter Bunny
Easter Bunny is a humanlike rabbit, who according to legends baskets filled with colored eggs, toys and candy to the homes of children on the previous night of Easter. The bunny hides the basket inside the house which the children have to find out after waking up on the morning of Easter. The symbol of Easter bunny is said to have originated in Germany.
Easter Parade
Easter Parade is a cheerful strolling procession where people take part wearing new fashionable clothes and hats. After the morning Easter mass churchgoers take a walk on the streets of the town which is led by a crucifix or an Easter candle.
Easter Bun
Easter Bun comes with a cross at the top to remind people about the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified, they are also known as Hot Cross Bun. Since the early times it is customary to eat hot cross bun on Easter.
Easter lily
Easter lily is one of the prominent symbols of celebrating this festival of resurrection. The lily flower is a symbol of purity, fertility and sanctity and it is commonly used for decoration.
Easter celebrations
As part of Easter celebrations, families gather to commemorate the occasion of the resurrection of Christ by eating a traditional Easter meal. Easter eggs are hidden by the elder members of the family and the youngsters take part in hunting them.
|
