Easter is associated with new life, rebirth, and renewal. From an ecological perspective this is precisely what is required as we engage the serious work of being better environmental stewards. A number of symbols have become part of the Easter tradition. Some are directly related to the life of Jesus Christ and some have a pagan background.
For Christians, Easter is a celebration of Christ’s resurrection, the ultimate symbol of rebirth. Easter’s pagan roots date back to the 8th century, specifically an Anglo-Saxon fertility goddess known as “Eostre,” whose name may be derived from “eastre,” meaning spring.
The Easter Egg is taken from Celtic and Teutonic pagan traditions. Eggs are directly associated with springtime festivals in many older texts and narratives. From a Christian perspective, Easter eggs are said to represent Jesus’ emergence from the tomb and resurrection.
Decorating eggs for Easter is a tradition that dates back to at least the 13th century. One explanation for this custom is that eggs were formerly a forbidden food during the Lenten season, so people would paint and decorate them to mark the end of the period of penance and fasting, then eat them on Easter as a celebration.
Related Posts
Video – It’s all in our heads: The psychology of sustainability
Pope Francis the Environmentalist
A New Environmental Movement Breeds Hope for the Future
Crafting a Positive Environmental Narrative
Pessimism is Impeding Environmental Advocacy
Environmental Success Stories: Mercury, SLCPs and Many More
Video – Narratives on Carbon Pollution: Are Individuals to Blame for Carbon Pollution?
Video – Making People Care About Climate Change: The Psychology of Risk Perception
Building Support for Action on Climate Change Before We Reach Tipping Points
Why We Need to Reach American Climate Change Deniers
A Thanksgiving Infused with Environmental Gratitude
Is There More to the Mayan Prophecy than Meets the Eye?
How Morality Can Win the War on Climate Change
An Environmentalist and a Buddhist Monk Discuss Human Behavior
Sacred Economics: Exploring the Myth of Separation (Video)
The Religious Psychology of Green
Green Ethics
Green Ethics and Trade
Earth Conscious People in History
