So let's be honest, what's the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the Easter holiday?
Maybe it's the resurrection of Jesus Christ and how the Bible says he rose from the dead on the third day to forgive humanity's sins and give everyone a chance at everlasting life in the kingdom of heaven.
But more than likely it's...
"Easter Egg Hunt Yay!" "The perfect basket is 78 percent candy ... Give Easter Bunny a big round of applause ... Isn't Easter fun?"
Yes, Easter is fun, and the candy and the bunny are all great. But what does any of it have to do with this Christian holiday?
Well, as far as the Bible is concerned, nothing. No where in the Bible does it even mention the word Easter much less pastel colored eggs and life sized bunnies. (Via The White House)
But bunnies and eggs are an ancient symbol of fertility and new life, and according to the Christianity Today, both symbols, now associated with the Christian holiday, come from Pagan traditions.
The bunny comes from the German story of Oschter Haws, a hare who delivers eggs to all the good kids who prepared a nest for him. And when Germans immigrated to the U.S., they brought Oschter Haws with them. (Via Wikimedia Commons / ItsLassieTime)
Now since then we've come to know Oschter as the Easter Bunny, but the History Channel points out depending on where you are, it can be any number of animals delivering eggs.
"In Switzerland, a coo-coo delivers the Easter eggs, while in different parts of Germany kids wait for the Easter fox, chick, rooster or stork."
And though it doesn't originate in the Bible, there's a connection between the eggs from the Easter Bunny and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
According to CatholicCulture.org "[The Easter Egg] is a symbol of the Resurrection of Christ just as the chick breaks the shell when it is hatched and begins its life, so Christ comes forth living from the apparently lifeless tomb."
And, finally, what's an American holiday without Americans spending money? According to the National Confectioners Association, Easter is the second highest grossing candy holiday behind Halloween projecting sales in the U.S. will hit $2.26 billion this year.
"Oh my Gosh we got Peeps! Peeps are the candy of Easter!" (Via Peeps Brand)
Yes they are, according to Slate.com Americans will consume about 700 million Marshmallow Peeps during Easter.
Some other traditions you have to look forward to this Easter are of course jelly beans, the Easter Egg Roll, as well as the Easter Egg hunt and a solid tummy ache this afternoon.
