The annual controversial topic of Easter bunny versus Jesus was on my mind as I began writing this month’s newsletter.
Those who are Christian believe that Jesus is the reason for the upcoming holiday. Alternatively, those who aren’t particularly religious simply celebrate the Easter Bunny and all the joy that spring provides them.
In my mind, there’s nothing wrong with either one of them or both! Granted, I still believe that most of us in the US are Christian-based even when our scientific minds have to analyze and come up with a plausible reason for Christ’s resurrection.
As a spiritualist and someone who believed in and understood reincarnation at the age of six, my first thought goes to reincarnation, however, resurrection and reincarnation are two different things entirely.
Resurrection means being brought back from the dead. We still have the same body, the same soul, and the same life lessons. Before His death, the nutshell version of the life of Jesus would be about acting ALL LOVING all the time. Pretty simple, right? Apparently, that wasn’t the case because that’s not the agenda of everyone Jesus encountered, nor is it everyone that we encounter. It wasn’t until after his resurrection that Jesus and his teachings were truly ingrained in the hearts, minds, and spirit of the human being.
Reincarnation, on the other hand, is having the same soul throughout many incarnations but being encased in different bodies, thus providing us with different opportunities. The purpose of reincarnation is to perfect our soul. Prior to birth, as a soul, we focus on what we believe needs perfecting. We then look at our options that would best provide that ultimate solution. We choose our parents, our longitude and latitude, our race, gender, etc. All of these factors (and more) go into helping us accomplish our goals (karma) for that lifetime, which will ultimately lead to the advancement of our soul. It is said that our purpose for reincarnation is, ultimately, to become Christ-like (if he is the Master you follow) or God-like. A pretty tall order to be certain.
The Easter Bunny, on the other hand, is a symbol of fertility, rebirth, and springtime, although not related to Jesus at all. There are quite a few references to paganism and the use of the hare symbolically for fertility and birth during the spring equinox. In German traditions, the Oschter Haws was said to leave colorful eggs and treats for Good children, much like our tradition of Santa Claus. As many Germans relocated to the United States they brought along their traditions, which took hold among many of its citizens.
Whatever your belief is, may you find joy in the energy and rebirth of spring. For me, as a Spiritualist/Christian as well as a believer in the Easter Bunny, I will praise His holy name… Possibly while eating a chocolate Bunny.
