Easter Decoration Ideas

Spring flings

Although traditionally religious in nature, Easter enjoys popularity both in the secular and ecclesiastical communities. Throughout the world, modern societies have absorbed many facets of the Easter holiday, so that some families participate only in the associated festivities, including Easter egg hunts and candy baskets, while other families veer more towards the religious interpretation. Many others combine the two modes of observance. Accordingly, a wide variety of customs accompany the holiday.

History of Easter

The name Easter comes from Eostre, an ancient Anglo-Saxon goddess who personified the dawn. In pagan times, an annual spring festival commemorated the cyclical rebirth of plants and animals in springtime. Many customs associated with the Christian holiday predate the life of Christ, among them the special symbolic importance of eggs.

Other traditions come to us from the Passover feast of the Jewish faith, observed in memory of the exodus from Egypt. Christians of the early church initially celebrated both holidays simultaneously. But where Passover can fall on any day of the week, the Christian holiday of Easter must always fall on a Sunday.

Rich in symbols

Many Easter customs reflect the mixed heritage of the holiday. The white lily, the symbol of the resurrection, arrived somewhat recently as a unique Christian emblem. Rabbits, such as Easter's mascot, and colored eggs descend from the spring rites of various pre-Christian European and Near Eastern cultures. One peculiar tradition of Easter, the rolling of eggs across a lawn (such as the event celebrated annually at the White House), predates the establishment of the Christian faith and originates in Eastern Europe.

One size does not fit all

Easter decorations should be adapted to the religious and family life of the individual household. Religious imagery, appropriate for some, might be overly formal for others. The point is to include the whole family in festooning the house with treasures that can be used year after year.

Familiar symbols of the season, such as rabbits, chicks, flowers, and eggs can be incorporated in calendars, tablecloths, napkins, and borders. In addition to purchasing themed linens and paper goods, the use of a stencil creates a unified look and provides an opportunity for a family project. Bright pastel palettes work best, reflecting the vibrant colors of the season.

Sample schemes

For entertaining, fresh flowers capture the excitement and vitality of the season. Choose healthy, bright blooms such as lilies and pair them with light colored dishes. While bunnies and colored eggs work for children, more subtle references to the season please adult sensibilities. Consider green plants as well as flowers. Healthy leaves and stems reference the end of winter and the return of lush, living things to earth. Chocolate eggs, whether store bought or hand-crafted, make excellent table top centerpieces or gifts.

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