Easter Symbols

Easter Symbols

March 23, 2008

Western Christianity observes Easter on the first Sunday following the Paschal Full Moon, this is the first full moon of spring. Today, March 23, 2008 Easter Sunday arrived. The last time Easter was this early it was 1913. Easter won't arrive this early again for another 152 years, in the year 2160. May we spend it together.

There are a number of symbols related to Easter or the Resurrection, such as the Butterfly, the Lily, the Peacock, the Phoenix, and the Pomegranate.

The butterfly represents the Resurrection and eternal life. It emerges from its cocoon or chrysalis and gloriously rises into the sky in its splendid new body. Similarly, Jesus and his followers are born into a new life on Easter.

The lily is commonly displayed during Easter worship services and blooms during this time of year. The lily's bulb decays in the earth, yet new life sprouts from it in the form of the flower, reminiscent of the new life that emerged from the tomb so many years ago.

The peacock sheds his feathers annually. Each year the feathers grow back more beautiful and more brilliant in color. This renewal symbolizes eternal life or resurrection. There also exists a myth that the peacock's flesh doesn't decay after death, representing immortality.

The phoenix was a mythical bird that lived in the Arabian Desert for five hundred years. It set its nest on fire and perished in the flames. On the third day, it rose from its own ashes and ascended into the sky as a new and beautiful creature. It is easy to see the symbolism of Resurrection and immortality.

The pomegranate symbolizes the power of Christ and His Resurrection because of the many seeds that comes forth from the fruit. The seeds represent the many believers who follow Christ and the fertility of the Word.

In closing, I wish to share with you a popular reminder found across the internet:

Only two defining forces have died for you.

1. Jesus Christ.
2. The American Soldier.
One died for your soul, the other died for your freedom.

On behalf of my family to yours, we wish you a Happy, Healthy, and Blessed Easter.

Resource, Church of Saint Rita