PetsJubilee

Easter Symbols

I love Easter. It's like a fresh start. It's a reminder that life goes on. That this isn't all there is. That Jesus made eternity a possibility for all who repent and believe. It gives meaning and purpose to each day, to each struggle, to each joy. Easter is the hope of Christianity. 
Enjoy this little history lesson and the goodies that go along with it! 

The Cross

 Since the Council of Nicaea in A.D. 325, the cross has been the official symbol of Christianity. The cross itself, is symbolic of our Good Friday faith--that Jesus died by way of crucifixion and rose again to save us from sin. 

Flowers

 The Easter Lily has long been a symbol of the new of life of Jesus. By itself, it stands as a Resurrection symbol and is often depicted in works of art as such. The Lily reminds us that all the events of Jesus' life point to His death and resurrection.

Flowers such as daffodils, narcissus' and the tulip are symbols of Easter because they bloom in the Spring - usually during the Easter season.

Lambs

 A lamb is also a symbol of Easter because Christians view Jesus Christ as "The Lamb of God" because He was sent as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. Also, Christians refer to the Lord as "The Good Shepherd" who watches over them. Among Eastern Rite Christians, especially the Greek Orthodox, lamb was considered the primary Easter symbol. Jesus was seen as the sacrificial lamb (1 Peter 1:18-21). This lamb, known as the Pascal lamb, was borrowed from the Jewish feast of Passover, also a spring feast. 

Rabbits and Bunnies

 Rabbits are popular during Easter time because they are a reminder of spring and the new life that is abundant during springtime. They were the favorite animal of the spring goddess Eastre. The Easter bunny has its origin in pre-Christian fertility lore. The Hare and the Rabbit were the most fertile animals known and they served as symbols of the new life during the spring season.

The bunny as an Easter symbol seems to have its origins in Germany, where it was first mentioned in German writings in the 1500s. The first edible Easter bunnies were made in Germany during the early 1800s. These were made of pastry and sugar.

Eggs

 For many years people have used eggs to symbolize rebirth and abundant life. Throughout Europe it has been customary to give colored eggs to friends and family at Easter. Christians were forbidden to eat eggs during Lent. They were brought out in splendor on Easter Sunday. They had, in the early centuries of Christianity, been associated with the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.


Patty from Catcalls