Today’s Weekly Calendar Fun Fact:
The Easter Bunny is thought to symbolize the rebirth of Spring from the harsh winter because hares, known for their energetic breeding, typically represent fertility.
Easter is traditionally a Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It usually concludes the time of Lent, the 40 day period of fasting, prayer and sacrifice that honors and observes the Last Supper and Jesus’ crucifixion. It is considered one of the highest religiously significant holidays for the Christian faith but many traditions we carry today actually pre-date Christianity, and even Pagan times.
Easter as we know it today is a mix of both religious and celebratory traditions. Aside from the obvious religious symbols, everything else has to do with celebrating the arrival of Spring, when the Earth would bloom anew with life and a fresh start. It was a symbol of joy, hope, prosperity and new beginnings. There were festivals honoring Spring’s arrival and the symbols – bunny, eggs, etc. – that stood for it’s magnificence. Eventually, as what happens to all good things, commercialism found its way into the holiday and traditional blessings given were expanded to include a wide array of confectionery and novelty items.
A bit of Easter trivia to unveil at your Sunday feasts this year: Easter baskets arose from the tradition where German children made nests so the “Osterhase”, the egg-laying hare, could lay its colored eggs.
Want to know the truth behind those Easter traditions? Check out the vid below!
What is your favorite Easter tradition?
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Thank you for the post! I had no idea about the German hare.
Your blog is the best and keeps me thinking about Same Day Dumpster. It sticks out in my mind now!
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