Origin of the Easter Basket
We all have fond memories of our childhood. Most of us have probably experienced the excitement of looking for the basket the Easter bunny left behind for us. Where do the origins of the Easter basket lie? Does the Easter basket actually have any meaning with the true reason for the holiday? This article will attempt to answer these questions and more.
First on the agenda is the actual history of Easter. It is believed that the earliest Christians did not actually celebrate the resurrection of Christ on any one day; but several days during the season. This all changed when a group of Christians converted a group of Gentiles who would not give up their worship of the goddess of fertility-Eostre. The Christians gave in, and decided to incorporate the doctrine of the resurrection. Hence Christians now have a single day of the year when they celebrate the resurrection of Christ—Easter.
Legend has it that the fertility goddess Eostre carried a basket filled with eggs which are the symbol of fertility. It is said that people used to bring their own baskets to her temple and have them blessed. This would allow them to have a plentiful harvest. This is the earliest known occurrence of carrying a basket filled with eggs and is most likely when this tradition started.
In more recent times the baskets were carried by Catholics on their way to church. The baskets were filled with their Easter feast, and the goal was to have the baskets blessed by the priest. This is about the extent of the Easter basket in Christianity though as there is nothing in the Bible that says anything about a basket.
There is however no reasons to not give Easter baskets and both practicing Christians and non Christians tend to give Easter baskets. There really is nothing wrong with giving a gift; after all when Christ died on the cross for our sins that was a gift given to us. As such, Easter baskets are gifts from us to our children.
People from all walks of life give Easter baskets to their children. This is an acceptable practice. The giving of Easter baskets really has no root in Christianity, or the reason that we celebrate the holiday. It does not really matter why or when the Easter baskets were first given, all that matters with is that they are given freely.
