When people think of Easter, they often think of bunnies, eggs, chicks, and chocolate. For Christians, though, Easter is the holiest of days, forming the foundation of the church and their faith. It’s the celebration of the resurrection of Christ, who died on the cross for their sins.

The Story of Easter

Easter has its roots in a prophecy that appears in the book of Isaiah in the Bible. It states that a Messiah would be prosecuted and crucified for the sins of the people, and then rise again on the third day. According to the New Testament, this prophecy was fulfilled by Jesus, the Son of God, who died for the sins of the people. In the eyes of the church, this death and resurrection provides eternal life in heaven for those who believe in Jesus Christ as the Savior. 

The celebration of Easter begins 40 days before Easter Sunday. Known as Lent, this is a time of personal sacrifice and is meant to symbolize the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness. It begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter Sunday, the day of resurrection. The week leading up to Easter is known as Holy Week. It begins with Palm Sunday, commemorating Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem, and includes Maundy Thursday, the day of the Last Supper, and Good Friday, the day of Jesus’ crucifixion.

The Origins of Common Easter Symbols

If Easter is a church holiday, then why is it symbolized by eggs, bunnies, and chicks? The exact origin of these symbols is unknown, but the prevailing belief is that they stem from pagan celebrations of Easter. The rabbit or bunny, for example, is believed to be symbolic of new life, due to the animals’ fertility. Rabbits also symbolize the moon, which determines the timing of the Easter holidays each year.

The use of eggs at Easter also has murky origins, but some believe that because eggs were considered sacred symbols of new life in ancient times, they eventually became associated with Easter. By the fourth century, people presented eggs to be blessed in the church as part of Easter celebrations, a tradition that continues in some parts of the world today. The custom of dying eggs in bright colors most likely stems from the practice of painting eggs for spring festivals in different parts of the ancient world.

If you’re interested in learning more about Christian holidays and traditions, Dr. Michelle Corral in Yorba Linda, CA, can help. For more than 40 years, she has shared the Word of God to Southern California and internationally as a minister, author, and teacher. Specializing in Hebrew Messianic and Christian ministry teachings, Dr. Corral regularly speaks at events worldwide. Call (714) 694-1100 today to book a speaking engagement or visit her website to learn more about the church’s teachings and her spiritual books.