Stories to share this Easter
Do you know where the word Easter comes from?
It comes from the pagan festival of Eostre, which paid tribute to the spring goddess Eostre.
Early Christians adopted the name from this pagan festival. Probably because it had become synonymous with springtime and rebirth.
Easter is a celebration of Jesus of Nazareth’s resurrection. It occurred three days after his crucifixion. It is considered among the oldest Christian holidays. There are writings dating back to the 2nd century.
Many Easter symbols have roots in pagan, Jewish, and Christian history.
But these three are all found in nature.
The sand dollar
It is one of the most unusual of all marine life. The legend of the sand dollar is this, the five slits on the edge represent the five wounds on the body of Jesus Christ. There is an Easter lily design in the center of the top. You will also find a five-pointed star representing the Star of Bethlehem. On the back is an outline of the Poinsettia, known as the Christmas flower. Lastly, five tiny perfect doves are found when the shell is broken open. They are said to be the doves of peace or representatives of the Holy Spirit.
Easter Lilies
Legend has it that white lilies sprung from the ground around Jesus. When his perspiration hit the ground, a lily grew in that spot.
Therefore, Easter lilies symbolize Jesus’ resurrection and the promise of everlasting life. They are symbolic of purity and new life.
The Dogwood
The legend holds that the tree was once very large. Because its wood was strong and sturdy, it was the wood used to build the cross on which Jesus was crucified.
God cursed and blessed the dogwood tree for its role in the crucifixion.
It was cursed so that it would never grow large enough again for its wood to be used as a cross for a crucifixion. Its branches would be narrow and crooked.
The tree was blessed to produce beautiful flowers each spring, just in time for Easter. To remember God’s promise to the tree, he gave it a few traits so that whoever looks upon it will never forget.
The petals of the dogwood form the shape of a cross. Upon close examination, it can be seen that the tree’s blooms always have four petals as a cross.
The middle of the Dogwood flower has a tight grouping resembling a “crown of thorns.” The tips of each petal are indented as if they bear a nail mark. Even colors in the petals bring to mind the drops of blood that spilled during the crucifixion.
