As we approach Easter it isn’t unusual to find easter candy in the shape of some animas and lots of stuffed toys that are just waiting for a home with some little child, anxious for Easter. All too often we forget what this event is all about but do you know why and what role animals play in this special celebration?
There is a goodly list of animals connected with Easter, some real and some legendary. Because Easter is symbolic of rebirth, the peacock, symbol of immortality, is the first on the list of Easter animals. According to legend, when a peacock dies its flesh never decays. The yearly renewal of its feathers symbolizes rebirth. That is why ancient tapestries show the Holy Grail against a background of colorful peacocks.
According to a charming legend the crossbill was at Calvary. When Jesus was nailed to the cross, a bird with a strong bill tried to pull the nails out from the torn flesh. It tugged so hard that its beak was permanently pulled out of alignment.
The butterfly is the universal emblem of resurrection. An ancient Greek philosopher interpreted the transformation of the drab caterpillar and dormant pupa into the lovely butterfly as the soul’s immortality.
The pagan moon symbol is the hare. Since the date of Easter is determined by the moon’s cycle, the hare has also become connected with Easter. Like the moon, the hare appears at night and carries its young one month, or moon. Also hares are born with their eyes open, which parallels the watchful eye of the moon. That’s why the bunny joined the modern Easter parade.
At Easter time all young animals, such as baby chickens and baby lambs to mention a couple, have become symbolic of springtime and rebirth.
Next week the story of the Dogwood Tree.
