Do You Know About These Three Legends of Easter From the Natural World?

Stories to share this Easter

Do you know where the word Easter comes from? 

The word Easter comes from the pagan festival of Eostre, which paid tribute to the spring goddess Eostre. Before we explore three legends of Easter from nature, let’s look at the name itself.

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. Many consider it 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.

You can find these three legends of Easter 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, which many call the Christmas flower. Lastly, you will find five tiny perfect doves when you break the shell open. Some say they are 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, people used its wood to build the cross for Jesus’ crucifixion.

God cursed and blessed the dogwood tree for its role in the crucifixion.

God cursed it so that it would never grow large enough again to make a cross for a crucifixion. Its branches would be narrow and crooked.

God blessed the tree 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, you can see 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.

To go deeper this Easter season, read The Benefits of the Cross are You Living in Them? and 10 Things You Need To Know About the Holy Spirit.