EVERYTHING EASTER: Jesus, bunnies and eggs

Easter Sunday is a beautiful day, not just because it's a holiday, but because it marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ! As Christians, nothing is more alluring and reassuring than knowing that our Lord has risen from the grave, and that our sins have been paid for in full.

That being said, Easter is also one of the most celebrated holidays in the whole world! But not entirely because of biblical reasons. Do you ever wonder why Easter eggs and bunnies are half the talk of the town when it comes to this time of the year?

Religious practices have pointed out that Easter is indeed the culmination of lent. Scripture tells us that Jesus was raised from the dead on the third day after his death on the cross -- which, consequently, is celebrated on Good Friday, the Friday before Easter.

While there are ongoing debates as to the exact dates of Easter, it has been a steady practice to observe the event on a Sunday. It is noteworthy that the very death of Christ on the cross goes beyond symbolism, but at the same time, also bridges the gap between God and man.


On the other hand, the whole concept of bunnies are believed to have originated from Germans who migrated to the US a long, long time ago. Some scholars also say that the word Easter originates from the pagan holiday paying tribute to the goddess of Spring, Eostre. Spring, at the same time, also symbolizes rebirth, which makes sense as to why bunnies would be one of the first choices to represent such a holiday because of their effortless ability to procreate.

Today, establishments and businesses make good use of associating Easter to bunnies and eggs as this concept proves to be marketable to families. Egg painting and Easter egg hunting are just some of the activities kids engage in.

TRIVIA

A little exploration on the internet will also educate us even more about what we already know about the holiday.


Did you know that the practice of exchanging painted eggs began in ancient civilizations? Egyptians and Persians would exchange eggs as a symbol of new life. In fables and myths, the Easter bunny is a hare, not a real mammal as it lays eggs. But truth is, rabbits don't lay eggs. A famous German belief is that the Easter Bunny is a white hare that would benefit good boys and girls as it would leave colorful eggs on Easter morning.

Having said that, a fable about a rabbit laying eggs and keeping them from view in a garden was also published in 1680. According to the Center for Children's Literature and Culture, these kinds of stories were brought to America by the Germans who migrated to Pennsylvania in the 1700s.

In terms of consumerism, did you know that Americans spend close to $2 billion on Easter candy alone? This is also considered the biggest candy holiday next to Halloween. On top of that, 70% of Easter candy purchased is made of chocolate.

Pinoy tradition

Just like any other holiday that calls for family reunions, Easter also binds loved ones and friends together. Whether you decide to go to the beach and grill meat by the sand, or escape the city and go to an adventure park, the things people do after going to church on that day can be endless.

Malls, parks, ice cream parlors, and even cafes are extra swamped during this time of the year. It is safe to say that Easter is indeed one of the most celebrated holidays in Christian traditions. All-you-can-eat buffets and Easter-themed gimmicks are also abundant in Hotels and other restaurants.

Indeed, this holiday should be celebrated because it symbolizes hope for us sinners. Christ died on the cross that we may enter heaven through Him. The Bible says in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me."

So don't be afraid to celebrate! Knowing the truth about why Easter came to be gives us every right to make merry!



Bjorn Tabanera
Contributor