April 19, 2025 | 08:11 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Easter is an important moment in the Christian calendar, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day after the crucifixion. However, behind its religious significance, Easter is also known for unique symbols such as eggs, rabbits, and chocolate that have become ingrained in popular culture. Why are these three things so synonymous with Easter?
Rabbits and Eggs
Various religious and pagan customs influence the Easter tradition we know today. For example, rabbits have long been seen as symbols of fertility and new life. These animals are known for their high reproduction rate, so they symbolize renewal and rebirth, themes that align with the meaning of resurrection in Easter.
In European folklore, a mythical figure named the Easter Bunny, or Easter Rabbit, emerged. According to the popular story in Germany since the 18th century, this rabbit would come on the night before Easter to hide colorful eggs and gifts for well-behaved children, similar to the role of Santa Claus during Christmas.
As for eggs, they have symbolized new life since ancient times. Easter eggs represent the empty tomb of Jesus Christ and the new life that has risen. Therefore, decorating and sharing eggs has become an important part of the celebration. Easter Egg Hunts have even become eagerly anticipated family events in various countries.
Easter for Christians usually begins with the search for Easter eggs in the early morning on Sunday. In some areas, the graves are also visited in the morning. Sunday is the third day after Good Friday, the day of the resurrection. The day Mary visited Jesus' tomb. She didn't find him there.
As cited in Jurnal Menggagas Penggunaan Benih dalam Perayaan Paskah, some believe these eggs represent life after death, new life, and joy behind their colorful shells.
This tradition originated in Europe. Easter always falls at the beginning of spring, and the Indo-Europeans always distributed eggs to celebrate. Various countries have adopted this tradition. For example, King Edward I ordered the boiling of 450 eggs before Easter and had them colored in golden patterns before they were distributed.
From a biblical point of view, there is indeed no mention of egg celebrations in Easter that serve as the basis for Christian interpretations of Easter eggs. This is just a Western tradition to welcome spring that has eventually spread to Indonesia.
Pagan Origins and the Name Eostre
Easter is believed to have originated as a pagan festival celebrating the arrival of spring in the northern hemisphere. At that time, ancient communities considered the equinox, when the length of day and night is equal, as a sacred time, symbolizing balance and new beginnings.
The name "Easter" in English is believed to have originated from Eostre, the Anglo-Saxon goddess symbolizing spring and fertility. The rabbit, the goddess's pet, was associated with Easter in Western European culture.
Interestingly, other regions have different Easter animal symbols. In Switzerland, for example, the cuckoo bird is mentioned as the bearer of Easter eggs. Meanwhile, in some French folklore, the fox is also associated with this celebration.
Chocolate and the Commercialization of Easter
Over time, Easter has become commercialized, especially since the 19th century. The industry began producing chocolate eggs and rabbits, which were eagerly welcomed by society, especially children. Greeting cards, toys, and trinkets themed with rabbits and eggs also began to liven up the market every Easter season.
Although in countries like Australia, Easter is celebrated during the autumn season, traditions such as egg hunts and chocolate continue due to the influence of European culture. Combining religious values and popular traditions makes Easter a holiday rich in meaning and festivity.
Celebrating Easter in Indonesia
In Indonesia, Christians celebrate Easter as part of the Holy Triduum, which includes Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. This celebration focuses more on the spiritual and liturgical aspects of the church, but some are starting to recognize popular symbols such as decorated eggs or rabbits influenced by global culture.
Febyana Siagian and Amelia Rahima Sari contributed to the writing of this article.
Editor's Choice: Beyond Bunnies and Eggs: 7 Easter Traditions Across Indonesia
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