Symbols are visual reminders of Biblical teachings. Jesus used parables to teach his followers about life, death and resurrection. From the middle-ages through the renaissance period; folk lore, legends, and fairy tales where used. Many of the
symbols used in these stories remain part of our Easter traditions today.
Empty Cross
The symbol of Christianity. Jesus' sacrifice to all man-kind.
Empty tomb
Symbolizes victory over death.
Lambs
Jesus is referred to in the Bible as the Lamb of God.
Bunnies and chicks
The ability of rabbits to have many large families makes them the prefect symbol for abundant life. Newborns of any species represents rebirth.
Butterfly
The three stages of the Butterflies life is a perfect reflection of the Christian life. The caterpillar reflects our life on earth, much of our
attention is focused on satisfying our physical needs. We are bound to the earth. The chrysalis stage of the butterfly symbolizes the tomb. Death.
The butterfly stage symbolizes the resurrection. Life after death. We are free from the everyday toil of our earthy life and able to soar above it.
Eggs
The egg hard, cold and lifeless holds the promise of life. The egg represents the tomb. The hatching chick represents Christ's resurrection from the tomb. The egg symbolizes redemption.
Dogwood
The dogwood blossoms grow in the shape of a cross. Its petals bear nail prints and a crown of thorns is in the center of each of its flowers.
Palm Branches
It was a Roman custom to welcome royalty by waving palm branches.
Easter Lily
The lily white and trumpet shape is a symbol of purity and joy.
Roosters
In many European countries roosters are used on their churches. It is to remind us not to deny Jesus as Peter did.
Also, the rooster crowing announces a new-day. As Christians we have a new-day in Christ.
Sunrise
Resurrection of Christ
Passion flower
The three stamens represent the three nail wounds of Jesus or the Trinity of God
The circle of petals symbolizes the crown of thorns that Jesus wore or the ten disciples of Christ.
The leaves are in the shape of a spear and symbolize the spear that pierced his side.
The blooms usually last 3 days the same number of days as Jesus spent in the tomb.
Colors
Purple-color of royalty. Christ is King of Kings and Lord of Lords
White-color of purity and joy
Yellow-color of the sun. Resurrection.
Green-renewal of life.
Black-life without Christ. The hours of darkness after the death of Christ
Red-the blood He shed for us
Brown-the earth. Christ was Son of Man.
Blue-the Heavens. Christ was Son of God
Pink-a new day. The blush of the early morning sky before sun-rise.
Orange or Gold-more precious than gold. Our life with Christ.
Easter Symbols
