Bunnies, eggs don't belong with Easter

The following story was written by a student on the staff of The Jaguar Times as part of Hilliard Bradley High School’s Journalism Production course.

by Eric Sese, Staff Writer

The Christian Holiday of Easter commemorates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The cross is a common symbol of the religion, unlike the Easter bunny and egg. Photo by Austin Weitz (9).

For Christians, Easter is a time to rejoice and celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. But everywhere I go, whether it be stores or promotional material for Easter, all I see are bunnies and eggs. Why do we involve bunnies and eggs during Easter, how did these items get involved in this sacred holiday, and why do bunnies break into our homes? I don’t know the answer to any of these questions, but I do know one thing: Bunnies and eggs don’t belong in Easter.

As previously stated, Easter is a time to rejoice and celebrate. For Malorie Castle (11), it’s a time to “celebrat[e] our Lord and Savior who died on the Cross.” It is a time to examine your conscience, and reflect on your life. It’s a time to be grateful for what you have. Unfortunately, the emotional weight is undermined by these excessive symbols. Spanish teacher Señora Alonso-Bartels believes that “bunnies and eggs are a [common] tradition,” however, she adds that “it does not belong with Easter.” This is an agreeable statement. Home-invading bunnies and juvenile colorful eggs are a distraction to the holiday. It only strips away its true meaning.

Children examine the Crown of Thorns, placed on Jesus’ head when He died on the Cross. It is a symbol of the mockery Jesus withstood when He died for the sins of many. Photo by Austin Weitz (9).

Conversely, bunnies and eggs have been a historical symbol for Easter. Although it’s been used in recent years as a marketing tool to spread the word of Easter, the particular tradition of painting eggs and hunting for them dates back to the 1300s. Eggs have long been a representation of new life, hatching out of the confined walls of a fragile shell. Nathan Chittum (9) thinks that “it brings some awareness” to Easter; a symbol of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. A symbol of new life. Bunnies on the other hand, represent fertility, and just like eggs, new life. Since ancient times, bunnies have been known for their energetic fertility. The Easter Bunny? I have no idea. I recommend locking your doors and sealing your windows if this home intruder confuses you.

Overall, I believe that as long as the traditions of Easter and its meaning are preserved, any Christian has the right to celebrate however they want. For Miles Compton (12), his family “takes part in a water [balloon] fight,” but instead of water balloons, they throw “eggs at each other.” If bunnies and eggs help people resonate with Easter, then it is absolutely a tradition to be carried on. Easter is a time for togetherness. It’s a time for family, friends, and Jesus.