Easter Symbols

What do the symbols of Easter mean? What do they have to do with the resurrection of Jesus Christ? Below is a brief description of some familiar (and not so familiar) Easter symbols and their meanings:

Easter Lilies

Easter lilies bloom in the spring close to Easter time. Because they are shaped like trumpets, lilies are symbols of immortality (1 Corinthians 15:52).

Butterflies

The life cycle of a butterfly is a symbol of eternal life. While in its cocoon, it undergoes a metamorphosis and emerges in a new and beautiful form  (1 Corinthians 15:53,54).

Eggs

When some people think of Easter, they immediately think of eggs. Eggs symbolize the new life that returns to nature during the spring. The egg is a symbol of fertility and immortality. Thus, Christians also view it as a reminder of the tomb from which Jesus Christ arose (Luke 24:1-4). Early Christians used red colored eggs to symbolize the Resurrection.

Lights and Candles

Lights, candles, and bonfires are used as a way to celebrate Easter in some countries. Many Christians often light seven candles in the church on Good Friday and then extinguish them one by one as Jesus' seven last words are read. At the end of the service, worshipers leave the church in darkness and silence.  Candles are lit again with the Pascal Candle, or Easter Candle, on Easter Day.

The Cross

The cross is a symbol of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. Crucifixion was a common way to punish criminals and to publicly humiliate them in the ancient world. In Jesus' day, the Romans used crucifixion to put criminals to death.  A person was tied with cords and nailed to a wooden cross that was shaped like a T or like a plus sign (+). Jesus was accused of starting a revolt against the Roman government by allowing himself to be called "King of the Jews" (Mark 15:6-15). Jesus' resurrection is his victory over the power of sin and death (Romans 3:25,26). That is why the cross has become the major symbol for God's power to forgive sins and give new life to people (1 Corinthians 1:18). People often bake hot cross buns to symbolize this event.

The Lamb

The lamb is another symbol associated with Jesus. He is often referred to in the Bible as the "Lamb of God" (Revelation 5:6-14). John the Baptist described Jesus as the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). The Passover lamb (Exodus 12:1-11) has been interpreted by Christians as foreshadowing Jesus' sacrificial death (1 Corinthians 5:7).

Below is a description of some of some less familiar symbols associated with the Easter season:

Lion 

Jesus is described as the Lion of the tribe of Judah in Revelation 5:5. 

Whale

Sometimes the story of Jonah and his encounter with a large fish is compared to the story of Christ's death and resurrection. Jonah spent three days in the belly of a fish, before being spit up on a beach (Jonah1:17; 2:10). Christ spent three days in the grave and rose on the third day.

Sand Dollar

The markings on this shell symbolize components of Christ's birth and death. The five-point outline on the front of the sand dollar represents the star of Bethlehem (Matthew 2:1,2). The five holes in the sand dollar represent the pierced hands, feet, and side of Christ (Psalm 22:16; John 20:26,27). When the sand dollar is opened, it reveals five tiny objects that look similar to flying doves. Doves symbolize the Holy Spirit (Luke 3:21,22).

 

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