Thursday 24 March 2016

How Bunnies and Eggs came about on Good Friday?

This Friday marks the Easter Weekend. The true meaning of Easter isn't much about bunnies and eggs, but an important holiday Christians celebrate. In short, Good Friday is referred to the day Jesus was crucified on the cross and on resurrection Sunday, the third day after His death, He rose up from the dead. 

"For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance; that Christ died for our sins according to scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures" (1 cor 15:3-4)



Christians are firm believers that Jesus is risen and alive today.

This year, Jazz finally popped the question of asking, how are eggs and bunnies related to Easter? I'm glad I was asked.

Bunnies and Easter
Like Santa in Christmas, bunny is a symbolic character to Good Friday. There's no story in the Bible that mentions Santa or Bunnies.

It was however version-ed that long before Jesus was born, some people in Europe worshiped the Goddess of Spring, whose had the name 'Eostre'. They thought the goddess brought spring and with it the sun would get stronger. Some believe that Easter got its name from her and associated her earthly symbol with that of bunnies.

Bunnies being prolific creators are symbol of fertility since they give birth to large litters in the early spring. This was also extended to the new life of the followers of Christ.

We certainly know we should Not be telling our children that bunnies, hares or rabbits lay eggs. Or worse, only Easter bunnies lay colourful eggs. Let's be sure that bunnies being mammals, give live birth and that number of young brought from birth is called, litter. How about a little more for education? The male is called a buck, the female is a doe and a young rabbit is a kitten or kit.

I do like the association of fertility and rabbits though. Jazz will tell you that Judy Hopps from Zootopia has 275 siblings!




Easter in the Bible
The words Easter and Christmas are not mentioned in the Bible. It was only in later church history that these were mentioned. 

Since it is myth that Easter could have gotten its name from the goddess, Eostre, many Christians do prefer calling this Holy week, Good Friday and resurrection Sunday.

Eggs and Easter
The eggs are symbol of new life. Think red eggs on a baby's full month celebration in the Chinese tradition. From a Christian perspective, Easter eggs are said to represent Jesus’ emergence from the tomb and resurrection. As when they are cracked open they stand for the empty tomb. 

Again, there's no story of eggs mentioned in the Bible. This is however one nice symbolic representation of new life, resurrection and empty tomb.



I’m most glad to dispel any doubts the kids have about the Holy week. Jazz was also highly curious about the passover, as well as how the date of Easter changes every year. We're thankful for the Bible classes in school. 

You do know your child is maturing when the questions get more intelligent throughout the years. That's how Google became my best friend. It's good to have intelligent questions answered to the best of our resources.

In an evolving world, many facets of different festive, whether religion, tradition or cultural linked have surfaced. I will say the biggest winners are the businesses who tap on occasions to convince you of your spending. Well, let's boom the economy together. Creative ideas are to be appreciated after all.

If you were to ask if we participate in the Easter or Christmas activities with no factual stories within, I will say, “Yes!” The kids love egg hunting, painting, gifts giving and receiving, and of course, the jolly candies too!  

As long as we don’t advocate any essence of evil or bad play, we do know what fun we are in for.

So then, have a great time soaking in God’s love this weekend and have much fun with the many Easter activities going around the Island. 

Or if not, how about a home activity of egg hunting with much fun within?!! Maybe an online Biblical story of Easter for kids is a great read too.

Have a blessed weekend ahead!


References:
Easter symbols and traditions
Origin of Easter bunnies and eggs


18 comments :

  1. As a new Christian I didn't also know how Easter, bunny were all related to Good Friday. I always thought it was a gimick just like Santas on Christmas. So this was good revelation and timely reminder for the true meaning behind Good Friday.

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    1. Oh wow Adeline, hope you are loving your new walk with Christ! Have a great week ahead.

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  2. I'm not a Christian but I'm sure the kids will enjoy the Easter activities. Just have to let them know the real story and meaning for celebrating Easter.

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    1. Indeed Jolin! There are so many fun Easter activities around the Island. Kids will be thrilled.

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  3. I'm not Christian but I do know the how bunny and eggs are associated with Easter. Good reminder to teach our children about the true origin of each religious holiday.

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    1. Haha. As long as we remember not to tell our kids bunnies lay eggs. Have a great weekend ahead!

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  4. It's great you took the effort to blog about this effort so that more people, your readers, may understand better the true meaning of Good Friday and Easter

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    1. Thanks Lil Bookworm, guess I wouldn't have shared if my girl didn't ask about it. It was an opportunity!

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  5. Very informative post. I am not a Christian but totally love the spirit of Easter and love to decorate Easter eggs with my kids.

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    1. Decorating eggs are just so fun! Jazz loves it too.

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  6. That was a good read!! I hope your family will have a great Easter and Good Friday!

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    1. Thanks Jacqualine! We are having loads of holiday fun. Hope you have a good one too.

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  7. Great that you took the opportunity of that teachable moment to explain how Easter came about and that it's not about what Good Friday is about. Better to come from you than unreliable sources, anytime!

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    1. Indeed Danessa! I'm thankful for the opportunity to clarify and solve their curiosity.

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  8. Very informative :) I like how you explain this whole Easter bunnies and Good Friday thing with your child. And yesssss, kudos to you for bringing in some Science to this!

    ~ Mary (Simply Lambchops blog)

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    1. Thanks Mary! Jazz did wonder for a moment if bunnies lay eggs. Gotta be quick to clarify.

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  9. Thank you for the info! I hope you and your family enjoyed easter!

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    1. We did, Ju Ann! Hope you had a great one too.

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