The 8 symbols of Easter and their meaning

During Holy Week the most important religious acts for Christians are commemorated as it is a time to reaffirm the faith and remember what are the foundations on which Christianity was founded.

For this reason, in the different religious acts they get used to using different symbols referring to the life, passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Palms and bouquets

Palms and bouquets are symbols of victory. When Jesus arrived in Jerusalem on a donkey, he was greeted by a crowd of people singing songs and holding palms or bouquets in order to greet and congratulate the messiah.

Hence, on Palm Sunday, parishioners seek and bless a palm leaf or bouquet at Mass, which they traditionally use to place in homes as religious protection.

Bread and wine

The bread and wine symbolize eternal life, the body and blood of Jesus Christ that was offered to his disciples at the Last Supper. They also symbolize the union of the faithful with their Christian faith.

The bread represents the body of Jesus Christ given to his people, whoever eats it will have eternal life. The wine symbolizes the blood that Jesus Christ shed for his people, whoever drinks of their blood will have their sins forgiven.

On Holy Thursday the Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper is performed, in whose Eucharist the symbolism of bread and wine as the body and blood that Jesus Christ offered to humanity is mentioned.

Feet lavatory

The washing of feet is a symbol of humility and dedication of Jesus Christ to others, during the Last Supper he washed the feet of his disciples as an example of what they should put into practice throughout their lives, that is, love, humility and serving others.

This act is repeated in the Eucharist on Holy Thursday by the Pope, the bishops, and pastors in each of the communities in which they teach the mass.

The cross

For Christians, the cross has a very valuable meaning, since it symbolizes both the suffering, passion and sacrifice of Jesus Christ for humanity and the salvation, reconciliation and union with Jesus Christ. The cross is the main symbol of faith and the Catholic Church.

On Good Friday the Cross is presented to remember and be thankful for the sacrifice that Jesus Christ made to cleanse the sins of the world.

Paschal candle

The Paschal Candle represents the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the light and life of the world. The Paschal Candle is a large white candle with the Greek letters Alpha and Omega engraved on it, which means that God is the beginning and end of everything.

The fire used to light the Paschal Candle derives from the candles lit during the Easter Vigil. The fire of the Paschal Candle is new that renews the faith, from this fire, in addition, the rest of the candles are lit. This fire represents Jesus Christ risen and overcomer from the shadows and darkness.

Baptismal water

During Easter night baptisms are performed in order to incorporate Jesus Christ into the life of the baptized. Water symbolizes life and is a means of purification. Baptismal water is used to renew Christian values.

Easter bunny

On Easter or Easter Sunday the resurrection of Jesus Christ is commemorated. The rabbit is an animal that symbolizes life and fertility. That is, the life of the risen Jesus Christ and the capacity that Easter has in itself to incorporate new disciples into Christianity.

Easter egg

The Easter Egg, like the rabbit, symbolize life and fertility, the beginning of a new life. At Easter the Egg represents the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The custom of giving eggs on Easter is very old, so it spread throughout the world, so much so that there are countries in which it is customary to paint eggs. Today, many people use to give away chocolate eggs at Easter that contain a surprise inside.