Also, German settlers in America are said to have brought over the tradition of a bunny named "Oschter Haws" who would visit houses on Easter eve, leaving colored eggs for children. Easter eggs were painted different colors to represent the sunlight of spring. Christians later used eggs to symbolize the rebirth of Christ.
Another Easter tradition is the eating of Hot Cross Buns. These cakes were marked by the Saxons to honor Eastre, the fertility goddess. The crosses
on the buns are said to represent the moon's quarters, while Christians see the cross as a reference to the crucifixtion.Such festivals, and the stories and legends that explain their origin, were common in ancient religions. A Greek legend tells of the return of Persephone, daughter of Demeter, goddess of the earth, from the underworld to the light of day; her return symbolized to the ancient Greeks the resurrection of life in the spring after the desolation of winter. Many ancient peoples shared similar legends. The Phrygians believed that their omnipotent deity went to sleep at the time of the winter solstice, and they performed ceremonies with music and dancing at the spring equinox to awaken him.
An article from Funk & Wagnalls® New
Encyclopedia. © 2005 World Almanac Education
Group, A WRC Media Company
Being a festival originating in the northern hemisphere it occurs at the beginning of spring. A time of renewal, growth, awakening. Here in Australia it occurs at the beginning of Autumn. A time of slowing down & retreating in for the winter. Deciduous plants are loosing their leaves & others are going dormant for the winter rest.
So what does that mean for us?
After a little chat with the Autumn faeries it was agreed they would pass a message on to this Easter bunny to bring us not chocolates, but bulbs. Bulbs to be planted in the ground with a blessing & a wish. For safety, health & hope through the winter & for joy & abundance in the spring as they push through the ground & stretch their little heads up towards the warm sun.
And so it was. The bunny brought the bulbs & left them in the garden. Little M found the basket & promptly shoved a few in his mouth. Then into the garden they went. A delightful morning had by all. So many great pics this post has a part 2!
