Easter is not a time for groping through dusty, musty tomes or tombs to disprove spontaneous generation or even to prove life eternal. It is a day to fan the ashes of dead hope, a day to banish doubts and seek the slopes where the sun is rising, to revel in the faith which transports us out of ourselves and the dead past into the vast and inviting unknown. (Author unknown)
The signs of Easter were around everywhere I went during the last month or so. Most of the shops and malls had lovely displays of Easter bunnies and eggs. The images in this collage were taken in many different places.
Easter bunnies and eggs are synonymous with Easter.
| The Easter Bunny is not a modern invention. The symbol originated with the pagan festival of Eastre. The goddess, Eastre, was worshipped by the Anglo-Saxons through her earthly symbol, the rabbit. The Easter bunny has its origin in pre-Christian fertility lore. The Hare and the Rabbit were the most fertile animals known and they served as symbols of the new life during the spring season. |
| Receiving bunnies and eggs is a highlight of the Easter season for boys and girls. I observed many parents and grandparents buying Easter eggs and bunnies for their special boys and girls ~ chocolate ones. |
Another favourite symbol of Easter for me are the Easter lilies. These along with the daffodils, tulips, hydrangeas, and other types of flowers that are in abundance in the flower shops make me aware that Easter is here. In Toronto, no flowers are out of the ground yet, but there are flowers everywhere for Easter and, of course, Spring. We are looking forward to the earth’s rebirth here and, hopefully, it will be very soon. In fact, we know by this time of year, that it will be very soon. Whatever hope we have buried in us this Easter, may it come alive.
Whether Easter is steeped in religious symbolism for you or whether it is about Easter bunnies and eggs, or about Spring and rebirth, have a Happy Easter! Don’t forget your Hot Cross Buns. We had some for breakfast this morning.
