| THE SYMBOLS OF EASTER ~ Author Unknown THE EASTER EGG: Many ancient cultures believed that the world began with a single egg. Eggs were given as springtime gifts in ancient China, Greece, and Rome. Based inthis tradition, the egg came to symbolize the resurrection of Christ. Lavish decoration of Easter eggs began in England, during the Middle Ages. Members of royal families gave one another gold-covered eggs as Easter gifts but, most people could not afford this and instead decorated them with dyes and other materials. The most famous example of decorated Easter eggs were the Faberge Eggs. From 1870 until 1918, Peter Faberge designed eggs of gold, silver and precious gems for European and Russian royalty. Those eggs are now valued as priceless works of art found only in museums and private collections. THE PALM BRANCH: It was the Roman custom to welcome royalty with waving palm branches. When Jesus entered Jerusalem on the first Palm Sunday, people cut branches from palm trees, blanketed the streets with them, and waved them in the air. Today, Christians carry palm branches in parades, create palm crosses, and weave palm leaves to decorate their churches. THE LAMB: Long before the time of Jesus, families gave lambs as offerings to God. And since the first Passover, the symbolism of serving lamb as an important part in the Passover feast. Since Jesus died during Passover, his death was interpreted giving himself as an offering to God for the sins of all the world. It's for this reason the Bible calls Jesus the Lamb of God. Early Christians saw the lamb as a symbol of Jesus and continue to use it as a part of their Easter celebrations. Salt, when dissolved in water, may disappear, but it does not cease to exist. We can be sure of its presence by tasting the water. Likewise, the indwelling Christ, though unseen, will be made evident to others from the love which he imparts to us. Holiday Ideas Home  |