As you look for an egg-laying bunny rabbit this Easter, consider his role in the Resurrection Story. He will deliver brightly colored eggs, chocolates, and jellybeans to commemorate Jesus Christ’s Resurrection. The exact moment the Easter Bunny hopped into the Resurrection Story remains a mystery. However, it’s a role that dates back to the early days of our nation’s history. The Easter Bunny, a symbol of fertility and new life, was likely adopted by Christians to represent the Resurrection, a time of spiritual rebirth and renewal. Have you ever wondered how a bunny rabbit became the official mascot for the Resurrection?
Since childhood, I have never understood the association of a bunny rabbit, eggs, and chocolates with Jesus’ Resurrection. The truth is, there is no direct connection. Yet, Christians have embraced the symbolism of Easter fertility celebrations and incorporated them into the Resurrection of Jesus. Is it right to call the Resurrection ‘Easter’? That’s not for me to decide. However, I’ve come to believe that we should not blend Pagan customs into the Christian Resurrection Story. By the end of this article, you’ll understand the personal journey that led me to this conclusion.
Easter, the Pagan Fertility Celebration, and the Christian
Before the birth of Christ, the celebration that we now know as Easter already existed, but under different names. In ancient times, it was a joyous commemoration of the Spring Equinox, a tradition that has continued to this day. Many symbols we associate with Easter, such as eggs and rabbits, have their roots in these ancient pagan celebrations. One such celebration was dedicated to Astarte, the Greek/Mesopotamian fertility goddess Asherah or Ashtoreth in the Christian Bible (2 Chronicles 33:3; Judges 3:7; 1 Kings 15:13; 1 Kings 18:19; 2 Kings 21:7; 2 Kings 23:4). It was during the spread of Christianity that these symbols were adopted and adapted to represent the Resurrection of Jesus, a process that was likely influenced by the need to attract and convert pagan populations.
The name “Easter” is derived from the ancient Anglo-Saxon goddess Eostre or Ostara, the German goddess of spring. The Anglo-Saxon people held annual festivals in her honor to celebrate the arrival of spring. Due to its rapid reproduction, the Anglo-Saxons incorporated the rabbit, a fertility symbol, and brightly colored eggs, reflecting the newness of life and the beauty of spring into their celebrations. These symbols continue to inspire us with their positive associations.
Many ancient fertility celebrations involved traditional rituals. Baal, the universal god of fertility, was known as the Prince and Lord of the Earth. Baal worshipers also worshiped an idol, the Asherah, shaped like an enlarged male sex organ. The Christian Bible mentions the Ashtoreth in 2 Kings 23:13.
What the Resurrection Means to Christians
Easter, the most sacred and celebrated day on the Christian calendar, powerfully reminds us of Christ’s victory over sin and death. This victory, symbolized by the Resurrection, solidifies God’s promise of eternal life for those who believe in Jesus Christ. The scripture says, “And God raised the Lord and will also raise us by His power” (1 Corinthians 6:14). Therefore, the Resurrection gives us hope and empowers us to live in light of this promise.
The Christian Easter celebration revolves around the death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Bible says Jesus died for our offenses, and he walked out of the grave because we were justified. Because we have been justified, we have a profound peace with God through Him (Romans 4:24-25; 5:1-2). This peace, this reassurance, is a comforting truth that underlines the significance of Easter. Had Jesus not been crucified for our sins, or if He had not risen from the dead, all of humanity would have been lost.
No Common Ground
Where is the connection between Easter and Resurrection Sunday? There is none. The only thing the two have in common is both occur in the spring. However, Resurrection Sunday stands alone as a unique celebration of victory over death and the redemption of humanity. It is a day of unparalleled significance, distinct from the secular celebration of Easter. Let us not blur the lines between these two distinct observances. They are as far apart as the East is from the West. What part has sexual perversion to do with holiness?
The scripture says that Christians should not conform to the standards of this world. Transformation comes by renewing our minds (Romans 12:2). However, the church seems to have conformed to many of the world’s ideas. We have incorporated the Pagan celebration of Easter into the sacred and holy observance of the Resurrection of Christ. I believe Easter Bunnies and eggs take away from the sacred story of Easter. They make light of what God has done for us. We must reflect on the true meaning of Easter and Resurrection Sunday. What is there about a bizarre egg-laying rabbit that would make you think of Jesus conquering death?
What the Bible Says About Easter
As I said, no one knows when the Easter Bunny hopped into the Resurrection Story. But somewhere between the ancient pagan festival of Ashtoreth, a celebration of fertility, and the Resurrection, Christians adopted the symbolism of Easter and made it a tradition. Here is what the Bible says about tradition:
Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ (Colossians 2:8).
Let us celebrate the Resurrection according to scripture. Remember why we celebrate Easter and the profound significance of Christ’s Resurrection, a beacon of hope for all humanity. Include Christ in your Easter celebration, and remember that He triumphed over death, rising from the grave.
It’s Resurrection Sunday. So glad Jesus got up for humanity.
Thanks Eric for reminding us the celebration is not about the Easter bunny.
I laughed out loud; bunnies do not lay eggs.