Actually the rabbit thing comes from the worship of the Germanic goddess Eostre (Ostara) and the egg is an obvious fertility symbol. The crucifixion and resurrection have no specific dates in the bible. It is likely then that the pagan fertility festivals and the spring equinox were co-opted by early Christians in order to be more attractive to potential converts.
I used to raise bunnies. Holland lop bunnies. And they are actually even cuter than this video suggests, at about 6-8 weeks old. But *wow* do they eat a lot!
When they’re born, on the other hand, they are *ugly!* They look like little naked rats.
Jason, thanks for the information. Yes, I’d heard that those things were co-opted by early Christians. As you mentioned the name is clearly related to a pagan god. (Some churches prefer to call today Resurrection Sunday instead of Easter)
However, the Bible does specify the crucifixion took place during Passover, which ties it to a specific week of the year. (Christians changed the dating of it a bit - I’m not sure how they justified that - but it’s still close to Passover every year)
Benjamin I never knew you raised bunnies! Yes I can believe they’re ugly when born. Kittens aren’t so great either when newborn, but they become very cute too after a few weeks.
I was struck, driving around town today [Easter Sunday], by how many Christian churches’ signs said they were having Easter egg hunts for the kids today. How do they explain the connection between “the resurrection and the confection” [my son's term], that is, the resurrection and the egg hunt & candy???
Eliza, I’m glad you liked the bunnies video (I assume that’s the one you were referring to?) My daughter (12) loved it too. She is subscribed to the site ‘cute overload’ and loves anything small and fluffy.
As best I remember, the resurrection brings new life to people and eggs are signs of new life. That’s the connection they draw. I think Jason is right that eggs were co-opted by Christians and probably originated with pagan Spring celebrations. (But at least Christians can come up with a thematic tie-in that makes sense, unlike with many Christmas traditions)
When I was looking for these videos I found Christian videos protesting about the pagan traditions some Christians (not them I suppose) follow at Easter (and Christmas). At least I assume that’s what they were about from the titles. I didn’t watch any. I’ve seen a number of websites saying similar things.
Comment by: Jason Horton
1 03/21/08 2:34 PM | Comment Link |Actually the rabbit thing comes from the worship of the Germanic goddess Eostre (Ostara) and the egg is an obvious fertility symbol. The crucifixion and resurrection have no specific dates in the bible. It is likely then that the pagan fertility festivals and the spring equinox were co-opted by early Christians in order to be more attractive to potential converts.
Cute bunnies.
Comment by: benjamin ady
2 03/22/08 7:42 PM | Comment Link |I used to raise bunnies. Holland lop bunnies. And they are actually even cuter than this video suggests, at about 6-8 weeks old. But *wow* do they eat a lot!
When they’re born, on the other hand, they are *ugly!* They look like little naked rats.
Comment by: Helen
3 03/23/08 5:16 AM | Comment Link |Jason, thanks for the information. Yes, I’d heard that those things were co-opted by early Christians. As you mentioned the name is clearly related to a pagan god. (Some churches prefer to call today Resurrection Sunday instead of Easter)
However, the Bible does specify the crucifixion took place during Passover, which ties it to a specific week of the year. (Christians changed the dating of it a bit - I’m not sure how they justified that - but it’s still close to Passover every year)
Benjamin I never knew you raised bunnies! Yes I can believe they’re ugly when born. Kittens aren’t so great either when newborn, but they become very cute too after a few weeks.
Comment by: Eliza
4 03/23/08 6:26 PM | Comment Link |“That was so cute!” says my son [and me, too!].
I was struck, driving around town today [Easter Sunday], by how many Christian churches’ signs said they were having Easter egg hunts for the kids today. How do they explain the connection between “the resurrection and the confection” [my son's term], that is, the resurrection and the egg hunt & candy???
Comment by: Helen
5 03/25/08 5:01 AM | Comment Link |Eliza, I’m glad you liked the bunnies video (I assume that’s the one you were referring to?) My daughter (12) loved it too. She is subscribed to the site ‘cute overload’ and loves anything small and fluffy.
As best I remember, the resurrection brings new life to people and eggs are signs of new life. That’s the connection they draw. I think Jason is right that eggs were co-opted by Christians and probably originated with pagan Spring celebrations. (But at least Christians can come up with a thematic tie-in that makes sense, unlike with many Christmas traditions)
When I was looking for these videos I found Christian videos protesting about the pagan traditions some Christians (not them I suppose) follow at Easter (and Christmas). At least I assume that’s what they were about from the titles. I didn’t watch any. I’ve seen a number of websites saying similar things.