Skip to main content

The Egg, The Bunny, and The Cross

Look back over the Easter weekend and the days leading up to it and recall whether or not you  entertained questions from the inquisitive child who wanted to know the how and the why of everything pertaining to the celebration.  Whether it was your own child or one you serve in ministry, the Egg, the Bunny and the Cross are points of curiosity.  You like many others may already know the historical origins of each or at least have a general idea.  I believe there are still quite a few of us who perhaps raised a quizzical brow as questions came up.  Here's a brief explanation of each.  So next time before a question is asked, you can be prepared to ask them questions yourself.  It's a great teachable moment.   
Why is the EGG? the BUNNY? the CROSS celebrated at Easter?
All three are said to represent new life, and all three are celebrated during the arrival of spring or as we call it the Easter season. In truth they are not related at all. The egg and the bunny are known to have their roots in non-Christan traditions which have made their way into the Christian celebration of Christ's resurrection.
The egg and the bunny are said to have been introduced into American culture around the 17th century with the arrival of German immigrants in Pennsylvania. Over the years merchants fill our favorite shops with isles of candy bunnies, and baskets. Thus the reason for the association is with the season but not the biblical story.
From a religious perspective the practice of penitence and denying the eating of eggs and other foods during Lenten season is said to be celebrated at its end by the painting of eggs and giving them as gifts. It is only in the Scriptures do we find the story of the Cross and the sacrifice made upon it.  We are told not only of Christ death but also his resurrection. We celebrate because He is alive!


:
                                          Click here for more info on:  History of Easter


Labels:

Comments

  1. Joyce HolmesApril 2, 2018 at 1:35 PM

    Love this ! People place more value on the Easter Bunny than what's most important HIS RESURRECTION

    ReplyDelete
  2. Henry Jackson IIIApril 4, 2018 at 7:47 PM

    Great blog! I never knew the history of the egg and bunny. I agree, this would be a good teaching moment as students inquire. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Child's Perspective

Back in the day when Easter rolled around on the calendar my sisters and I found ourselves shopping for Easter dresses, patent leather shoes, gloves and those lace top socks we would wear on Easter Sunday morning. It was exciting times. I remember too the chatter in the kitchen mingled with the rattling of pots and pans as we helped Momma prepare the Easter Sunday meal for our family and friends. Sunday was coming and everything had to be ready! The next morning we would wake up very early and make our way to Sunrise Service. We would try to sit still and listen to the sermon without falling asleep in hopes we would get a nap before dinner.  Our day was not complete until we had the after dinner gathering and we children were called upon to share with everyone either what we learned in Sunday School, recite again the speeches we memorized and yes, to even sing one of the old familiar hymns "He Arose", "The Old Rugged Cross", or "Were You There?". Ov...
1 comment
Read more

Little people, big Ideals!

A few days ago a friend of mine shared how he was pleasantly surprised to discover his seven year old son face-timing his grandparents and deeply engaged in promoting the support of a missionary with whom his son is acquainted. Even though I was not there I know Dad beamed with pride when he saw first hand the fruit of his labor and relationship with his son. I could still hear the delight in his voice as he shared the story with me. And if that were not enough his son later asked if he could extend his support effort at school.  You gotta love 'em! When a child adopts a cause they are not silent and they expect results. Where does this caring, concern and generosity come from? It's nothing new. Children watch and imitate parents and significant others in their lives.  As leaders and parents we are modeling whether we want to be doing so or not. When children see us being supportive of others, generous with out time and money they follow suit with a passion that is their ...
1 comment
Read more