13 Easter Symbols and Traditions  

1. The word Easter is probably  derived from the ancient goddess of Spring, Eostre (EE-ah-tra).  Her festival was held in late March during the vernal equinox.
2. In ancient Egypt, Persia, Greece and Rome, eggs were dyed and eaten to celebrate Spring.  The egg is a symbol of the beginning of life.
3. Near East Christians adopted the egg as a symbol of the resurrection and the empty tomb. 
   
4. In medieval times, eggs were dyed red to represent the blood of Christ.
5. Hares and rabbits serve as symbols of the abundance of new life in the Spring.
6. According to one legend, the Easter bunny was originally a large, handsome bird belonging to the goddess Eostre. One day she magically changed her pet bird into a hare. Because the Easter bunny is still a bird at heart, he continues to build a straw nest and fill it with eggs.  (so that explains it)
7. The Easter lily is a symbol of purity because of its white color and delicate form.
8. Sunrise services are held because it says that Mary went to the tomb in the early morning hours.
9. A lamb is a symbol for christ, and was also served at Passover.
10. Chicks (e.g. Peeps) symbolize new life.
11. Hot cross buns have a cross made of icing on top to represent the crucifixion.
12. Pretzels are often eaten during Lent to represent arms crossed in prayer.
13. People wear new clothes and have parades because originally Christians who were baptized on Easter wore white robes and took a long walk after Mass.  New clothes represent our new life in Christ.
    

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Posted by Anonymous

Interesting; I'd heard different stories about the origin of eggs and the bunny. And the lamb was also important in the Exodus from Egypt -- the Jews were commanded to put the blood of the paschal lamb on their doorposts, and the Angel of Death would pass over their homes, knowing them to be Jews. Thus, the name for the holiday: Passover.

Happy TT from Susan at West of Mars.

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Posted by D Cootey

Easter has become one of my least favorite holidays because I find the whole Easter Bunny thing a distraction from Christ's resurrection. However, Christians have had centuries to add all sorts of symbolism to the holiday and that's what made your list fascinating.

Thanks for dropping by my TT, but you didn't leave a comment. I'd like to know what a homeschooling parent has to say about AD/HD children.

My <a href="http://thesplinteredmind.blogspot.com/">Thursday Thirteen</a>
http://thesplinteredmind.blogspot.com

~Douglas

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Posted by D Cootey

Easter has become one of my least favorite holidays because I find the whole Easter Bunny thing a distraction from Christ's resurrection. However, Christians have had centuries to add all sorts of symbolism to the holiday and that's what made your list fascinating.

Thanks for dropping by my TT, but you didn't leave a comment. I'd like to know what a homeschooling parent has to say about AD/HD children.

My <a href="http://thesplinteredmind.blogspot.com/">Thursday Thirteen</a>
http://thesplinteredmind.blogspot.com

~Douglas

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Posted by Anonymous

This is a great list!

I usually remember to do a list on the holiday coming up that week, but this is an unusual week for me and it completely slipped my mind. I can't believe it!

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Posted by Anonymous

Oops...I am not a registered user, and I forgot to add a link to my TT. Here it is: http://www.penny-penn.blogspot.com.

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Posted by Anonymous

Have a happy Easter! Thanks for stopping by.
<a href="http://joelysueburkhart.com/blog">Joely</a>

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Posted by Anonymous

JAM from Least Significant Bits:

Interesting list. Easter's another day that got mixed with pagan imagery. Our pastor doesn't even say Easter, he always calls it Resurrection Sunday.

Thanks for visiting my blog.

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Posted by Anonymous

Great list. I knew most of them - but I'm glad there are alternatives to Peeps!

Denise
http://denisesden.blogspot.com/

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Posted by Anonymous

What a terrific, inspirational post. I'm going to share these with my kids.

Wylie

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Posted by Emma Petersen

In medieval times, eggs were dyed red to represent the blood of Christ.

I always wondered about that one! Thanks for the info.

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Posted by Frigga

That was a very interesting TT13, especially the one about the bird being turned into a bunny (and explaining the Easter basket.)
http://anyapples.blogspot.com/

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Posted by Anonymous

Great list! Thank you for sharing these symbols.

Christine d'Abo

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Posted by Anonymous

What a great TT13 List. I learned quite a bit from reading the post.

And thanks for dropping by my blog :)

Happy Easter!
Michelle Hasker

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Posted by Anonymous

I love lists where I'm able to learn something new. When ones like yours appear, they peak my interest to go out and learn as much as I can about the topic - and origins of Easter seems like a great place to start!

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Posted by PJ

I always like to learn something from a TT. Thanks for visiting mine. Happy Easter.

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