Jesus, Eggs and the Easter Bunny

WHY IS RESURRECTION DAY CALLED EASTER?

Have you ever asked when did a rabbit become a prominent part of one of Christianity’s most important celebrations of rebirth and renewal? Easter is Christianity’s oldest and most important holiday in the liturgical year and the basis for our faith.  Although its first observance was recorded in the 2nd century, it was most likely celebrated before then.  The Bible makes no mention of a mythical hare that delivers eggs to children on the day of Jesus’ resurrection so where did these odd traditions come from?

There are many theories but none have beeen proven by documentation.  It is believed that the hare and eggs are symbols of fertility that hark back to pagan festivals to the German goddesss Ostra. Much of Germany was converted to Christianity by Anglo-Saxon clerics such as St Boniface (C.AD 673–754), who could have introduced the Old English name Eastron during the course of their missionary work.

WHY DO WE COLOR AND HIDE EGGS?

The tradition of painting eggs began in the 13th century probably because during Holy Week eating eggs is prohibited.  This tradition was then brought to Great Britain by Queen Victoria, who participated in egg hunts by her German mother.  It was fun to learn that other countries have different animals that bring the eggs such as a cuckoo bird or a fox.  In Germany you can buy and make an Easter egg bouquet.  (picture right ). In more modern times we have capitalized on everything just like we do with Christmas.  We have costumed life size bunnies to visit, real eggs dyed or eggs made of different materials, decorations and candy galore.  Because of its ancient roots many Christians choose to not celebrate in this way but is there any harm?

EASTER TRADITIONS

I grew up with both activities and so did my children.  It was made crystal clear that we celebrate Easter as Resurrection Day and attended church. Jesus who loves us so much was crucified, buried and three days later rose from the grave and was physically seen by many people. He paid the price for our sin so we can believe in Him, be forgiven and go to heaven when we die.

Actually an egg can be used to explain the  Trinty. There are three parts to an egg – the shell, the white and yolk but it is all an egg.  We allowed the commercial side in our home  as a way to celebrate a special holiday with friends and family. The Easter Bunny is just a fairy tale for young children and like the Tooth Fairy will be outgrown. However, each family must decide what is right for them.  ( Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8 give guidelines for our conscience)

There are many ways to reinforce the truths of Easter and still have candy and fun. With the price of real eggs this year, wooden ones seem like a good idea. The idea  of “resurrection eggs” was first introduced by Family Life to teach children the true meaning of Easter. Each egg is filled with a symbol of the story such as a palm branch or a nail. For older kids you can be clever and use scripture clues for a hunt such as “seek and you shall find” and “He is not here”.  I myself enjoy most of the “Hallmark” holidays because I like refreshing the decor of my home with the season. If that isn’t your thing it is okay!

WHY WE CELEBRATE EASTER

I believe that the bottom line to celebrating any holiday is to teach it’s truths, share old family traditions and make your own.  The meaning of Easter is very clear in scripture.

The gospel in a nutshell:

John 14:6    Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

1 Corinthians 15:3–5    For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures,  that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,  and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.

1 John 1:9   If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.