March 20, 2013 (Wednesday)
What’s in a name? that which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet”–Juliet to Romeo
Where did all the “add-ons” for Easter come from (Easter eggs, Easter Bunny, etc)?
To start with, the word,”Easter,” is from pagan origins, but authorities don’t all agree on specific explanations for this.
Since Easter is always celebrated in the Spring season, new life and fertility are ever-present themes. The Easter egg is a symbol of such.
The coloring of eggs emerged as a variation in different countries for reasons unique to the culture.
The Easter Bunny was created in much the same way as fairy tales, just for fun. Of course, rabbits are known for fertility.
The practice of sharing Easter cards has grown to fourth place after Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day.
A waning custom is the Easter Parade, which may have originated with the wearing of white robes during Easter week by early Christians. The parade eventually deteriorated into a show for finery.
All these customs and others vary around the world.
For Christians, Easter means one thing: “He lives!” As the song reminds us, “He lives! He lives! Christ Jesus lives today. He walks with me, and talks with me, along life’s narrow way. He lives! He lives! Salvation to impart. You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart!” Many prefer the term, “Resurrection Sunday,” but, then, every Sunday is Resurrection Sunday, isn’t it?