We're getting closer and closer to Easter!
Happy Easter!!! 😁
Do you know how Easter Traditions came about?
Why do we dye eggs? Why are there rabbit and chick decorations and chocolates? Why is lamb usually eaten on Easter Sunday?
Well... I stumbled upon a wonderful Easter site https://www.whyeaster.com/customs/ that is packed with information about Easter!! Check it out and I'll go ahead and answer the questions above!! 😊
First of all, Easter is a deeply religious holiday which celebrates the day Jesus arose from the dead after the Crucifixion. Easter traditions differ in many countries, but many are the same. To find out about a specific country, you'll have to do some targeted research! 😆
1. Why do we dye eggs red?
One tradition regarding dyeing Easter eggs red is related to Mary Magdalene, the first person to see Jesus after the Resurrection. It is said that she was holding a plain egg in the presence of an emperor, proclaiming the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. When the emperor said that "Jesus’ rising from the dead was as likely as that egg turning red" the egg in her hands turned bright red!!
It is also believed that the color red symbolizes the blood that Jesus shed for the salvation of the world.
Nowadays, Easter eggs are dyed in many colors and are decorated in many ways and for many years Easter was known in Western Europe as Egg Sunday, because eating eggs on that day was one of its joys because of Lent.
2. Rabbits, bunnies, lambs, chicks and chocolates
Rabbits, bunnies and lambs are often associated with Easter because most babies of the animals are born in Spring around Easter time. Chicks represent life and rebirth.
Chocolate comes from the tradition of the Easter Bunny, which gives chocolates, usually in the shape of eggs, to children on the morning of Easter Sunday or hidden in the house or garden. Tradition has it that for children to receive the special Easter eggs, they had to make special baskets so that the Easter Bunny had a place to leave them!
In some countries, egg hunts take place over Easter. Eggs are hidden around a house or garden and children have to find them.
Chocolate has become a usual sacrifice for many during Lent, so it is a great joy to indulge in chocolate on Easter Sunday!
3. Why do we eat lamb on Easter Sunday?
The Lamb is a symbol of Jesus in the Bible as He was called 'the Lamb of God' and lamb is a traditional meal on Easter Sunday because Jesus' last supper was the Passover meal. So we eat lamb because it symbolizes Jesus' sacrifice to humanity.
I wish you all a Happy Easter and an enjoyable and rejuvenating holiday!
😊😊💖💖🌼🌼🐣🐣🐇🐇
