All Psyched Up: Symbols

By Linda Hancock on April 4, 2026.

After writing a newspaper column for over 20 years, I sometimes think it would be nice to put a new “spin” on my article. This Easter I decided to look up the symbols of Easter and was shocked to find a list on yourdictionary.com that describes 18 of them with historical background.

Let me share just a few:

1. Easter Eggs symbolize the Christian resurrection of Jesus on Easter as they represent fertility and rebirth. The shell is often dyed red to symbolize blood or has designs from the Bible that are inspiring.

2. The Easter Bunny who delivers them however, started as a goddess representing a rabbit in the pagan festival of Eostre.

3. Soft Pretzels which are made with flour, salt and water are often eaten during Lent.

4. Jellybeans were put in baskets as a substitute during an egg shortage during the First World War.

5. Easter Lilies symbolize new life and purity. They rise from the ground around the time in spring that is assumed to be the final hours of Jesus when he was on the cross.

6. Palm fronds were waved on the week before Easter in celebration to greet Jesus who apparently rode a donkey into town.

7. Hot Cross Buns are enjoyed in many parts of the world with spices to represent those used to prepare the body for the tomb and a cross to represent how death occurred.

8. Paschal candles made of beeswax can be found in churches with markings of Alpha and Omega (beginning and end). They are used to light smaller candles held by members of the congregation to spread light.

9. Easter outfits and bonnets were worn to bring good luck for the coming year and symbolize rebirth and new life.

10. The Cross is among the most powerful and important religious symbols of Easter. Plain wood is the version most symbolic and it is interesting to see that many are empty while others include a ceramic version of Christ.

When you celebrate Easter depends upon whether you are Eastern Orthodox or Western Orthodox as they have different calendars. The week leading up to Easter is considered Holy week by Christians. Good Friday symbolizes the date of crucifixion and Easter Sunday the Resurrection.

And a couple of fun facts: Apparently 59% of people eat the ears of chocolate Easter Bunnies first. The largest chocolate egg in the Guiness Book of World Records stands 64 feet tall and weighs 15,873 pounds.

Traditional Easter bonnets arrived in America in 1933 after the popular song “Easter Parade” was written by Irving Berlin.

It doesn’t matter where you live in the world or what you believe. We all know things about Easter. Each of us deserves and enjoys love, kindness, faith and forgiveness.

Have a wonderful and Happy Easter, everyone!

Dr. Linda Hancock, the author of “Life is An Adventure…every step of the way” and “Open for Business Success” is a Registered Psychologist who has a private practice in Calgary. She can be reached by email at office@drlindahancock.com

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