As springy weather returns we are reminded that Easter is on its way. And as with most holidays there is a very commercial side to Easter. I wondered if perhaps the commercial elements of the holiday had any religious symbolism. After doing a little research I have found that they do. The Bunny or hare is a symbol of fertility – new life. The same holds true for the yellow chick that we see usually made of marshmallow fluff. Easter is celebrated in the Spring, the season of renewal. After the long winter, signs of new life are emerging at this time of year. But the most symbolic is the Easter egg. The hard shell is symbolic of death and the tomb and then when it is cracked open we have new life in the birth of a baby chicken.
Jesus Christ atoned for all of our sins and was crucified in the spring. But more importantly he was resurrected three days later. He made new life and eternal life possible for everyone and that is the real crux of the Easter Holiday. It is that sacrifice that we should keep in mind as we are munching on chocolates and jelly beans. And perhaps we should renew our commitment to living a Christ-like life as well.
I once read the story of a teacher and the assignment that reminded her of Easter’s real meaning. She gave each of her students an empty plastic Easter egg and told them to bring it back filled with something that symbolized new life. The next day the students piled their eggs on her desk and one by one she opened them to reveal all kinds of things. Then she open one egg and there was nothing in it. It was from a little boy who had several disabilities, both mental and physical. The teacher thought he hadn’t understood the assignment and tried to gloss it over. But he stopped her and said that his egg was empty like Jesus’ tomb and that meant new life for everyone.
As I think of this Easter season I am reminded of the great plan of salvation. How grateful I am that God thought of everything and that His son, Jesus Christ, was willing to atone for our sins and make it possible for all of us to be together again with each other and with our Father in Heaven. Happy Easter!
Thanks for this explanation of how the commerical side of Easter ties in with the symbolisim of religion. Very good.
In the past I have had a problem with the commerciality (don’t know if this is a word or not) of Easter. I do love marshmallow chickens however. I was raised in the Church and mostly understood what Easter meant.
Now, I will look at Easter with a renewed respect, etc.. Thanks for the wonderful article here.