Easter Practices that are not Christian

 

The only symbol listed that does not have a religious meaning is the poor Easter Bunny. The rabbit was a fertility symbol long before the Christian era due to their reputation for reproducing rapidly.

The connection of the rabbit and and Easter eggs (Easter Bunny bringing the Easter eggs) goes back several hundred years to obscure German legends. The chocolate Easter Bunny was also invented in Germany.

The Easter Egg is a very ancient and natural symbol of creation. Many ancient creation myths centered around the cosmogenic egg from which the universe was born. The egg is also a symbol, not only of creation, but also of re-creation and resurrection.

In ancient Egypt and Persia friends exchanged decorated eggs at the spring equinox as a symbol of fertility. To these ancient people the egg was a sign of fertility because seeing a live creature emerge from an egg was so surprising to them.

Christians of the Near East adopted this tradition and the Easter egg became a religious symbol.

In the Christian symbolism the egg represented the tomb from which Jesus came forth to new life. Because eggs were at one time forbidden by the Church's lenten discipline of fasting and abstinence, they were a precious Easter food.

The tradition of New Easter Clothes can be traced to the new white robes in which the newly baptized at Easter were clothed. They are also symbolic of the newness of resurrection.

This symbolism has been mostly lost. The practice, still evident today, is probably more associated with the change of seasons along with a desire to look one's best at Easter church services -- especially if it is a rare appearance! There is also a possibility that this wearing of new clothes may have originated in ancient times as part of New Year festivities originally held at the spring equinox.

The Easter Parade originates in Middles Ages Europe. The people in their new Easter clothes would take a long walk after Easter Mass. This was a kind of procession preceded by a crucifix or the Easter Candle. The Protestant revolutionaries condemned this practice.

Even though its original meaning was forgotten, the tradition evolved into the Easter Parade still popular in many cities.