The Meanings Behind Three Easter Traditions

After the darkness of winter and the quiet, reflective period of Lent, Easter is a welcome celebration of life, faith and Christ’s resurrection. This time of year is replete with colors, festivities and foods. Read on to learn the meaning of three Easter traditions that we always look forward to.

Easter Eggs

The tradition of dyeing, painting and hiding Easter eggs (and, by association, eating chocolate and Cadbury cream eggs) grew out of the medieval ages. At this time, rules about what could and couldn’t be done during Lent were extremely strict, and forbade laughter and bright colors, as well as the consumption of certain foods, including eggs. To not waste eggs that were laid during Lent, the faithful boiled or otherwise preserved them to be eaten later. This evolved into the tradition of dyeing eggs or painting them with bright colors, a tradition now upheld by the faithful and by secular folk alike.

Easter Colors

Eastertime is distinctive for being suddenly awash in bright colors, everywhere from department stores to cathedrals. Pastels are popular among churchgoers for their associations with renewal, spring rains, new grass, sunshine and blooming flowers. This time of year, many of the clergy shirts, suits and dresses purchased from Divinity Clergy Wear are of pastel hues. Churchgoers also see a strong presence of colors like red, purple, black, gold and white, all of which have special meanings specifically pertaining to Easter. Red symbolizes the blood of Christ, and purple symbolizes His suffering as well as His royalty. Black symbolizes original sin as well as the mourning period that the faithful endure during Lent. Gold indicates the richness of God’s presence and heavenly, spiritual reward for the faithful. Finally, white symbolizes the purity and renewal brought on by Christ’s death and resurrection.

Easter Lilies

These fragrant white flowers can be found everywhere at the start of spring. In churches, they are strewn on altars and around crosses to honor their symbolism. According to the Bible, these flowers grew from Christ’s sweat at the base of the Cross, a portent of His resurrection. Not only do they symbolize His rebirth, but they also symbolize virtue, hope and innocence, qualities that are all celebrated during Easter festivities.

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