Easter Traditions: Why Do We Do the Things We Do?

Easter is when Christians around the world celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. Unlike Christmas, we know that the first Easter Sunday occurred in spring. Jesus was executed during the time of the Jewish Passover, which is observed in the spring. It is believed that when we pass from this world we will enjoy new life in heaven. For these reasons, many of the traditions associated with the holiday have to do with new life and spring. Many traditions continue for generations and the origins of those customs are lost.  Here are just some of the holiday traditions of Easter and where they came from.

Easter Eggs

Eggs have long been a symbol of new life. They also symbolize the tomb from which Jesus emerged when he rose from the dead. There are many theories as to why we decorate eggs. One legend says that Mary Magdalene brought a basket of eggs with her to Jesus’s tomb, and when he spoke to her, the eggs transformed into the various colors of the rainbow. Another legend involves King Edward I of England, who is believed to have had dozens of eggs decorated and given to the royal household in 1307.

Easter Bunny

We all know rabbits reproduce, well, like rabbits, so naturally they are a symbol of new life. Some claim the bunny became associated with Easter because the ancient Greeks believed that rabbits could reproduce as virgins. The rabbit then became associated with the Virgin Mary. It is believed that the Easter Bunny came from the German-American Protestants who told children the tale that if they were good, the bunny would hide decorated eggs for them.

Easter Lily

Flowers decorate many churches and are also given as gifts at Easter. One of the most beloved blooms is the Easter Lily. It is associated with the resurrection because, like Jesus after his death, the lily bulb lies buried in the ground.  Then from the earth new life arises. The white trumpet-like flower symbolizes the purity of Jesus, and the trumpet shape recalls Gabriel’s trumpet call to rebirth and new life.

Easter Clothes

The tradition of wearing new clothes on Easter has dimmed somewhat in recent decades. Many remember buying new outfits to wear on Easter Sunday. If you grew up prior to the 1970s, you may remember getting a new outfit to celebrate the occasion.  Boys got new suits, shoes, shirts and ties. This tradition recalls the newly baptized Christians. They wore white linen robes at the Easter vigil to signify that they were cleansed of sin and have put on the garment of salvation.

Easter Chocolates

There is no religious significance or traditions associated with chocolate eggs or rabbits. It was Englishman John Cadbury who popularized chocolate eggs in the late 1800s. Chocolate rabbits and jelly beans soon followed.

Easter Baskets

On Holy Saturday, Catholics traditionally took baskets filled with the food that would become Easter dinner to church to be blessed. As Easter egg hunts became more popular, children used Easter baskets to gather eggs.

Easter Ham

Many people eat lamb for Easter because that is what Jesus and the Apostles ate during the Last Supper. But many other people in the United States eat ham. Before refrigeration, hogs were slaughtered in the fall. Their cured meat wasn’t ready to eat until spring, right in time for Easter.

We may not always be aware of  it, but there is often a reason for the traditions during Easter.

By Janice Lane Palko