by B.W. Harold

Created on: March 10, 2010   Last Updated: June 07, 2011

Easter is a holiday that means so much to so many people. The colors displayed during this season remind people of the promise of spring. The symbols these colors conjure up go far deeper then the end of a bout of cabin fever. Sunny yellows, minty greens, pastel pinks, powder blues, to richer colors like crimson and purple surround this holiday for a purpose.

White

Any church going girl knows, you need a good white hat on Easter Sunday. The color of cleansing is essential to the outward celebration of the resurrection of Christ.

“And he said, 'These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore,   'they are before the throne of God  and serve him day and night in his temple;  and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them. Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst.  The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” -Revelations 7:15-17

Crimson

This deep shade of red is a symbol of blood. When Christ allowed himself to be lead to Calvary he was ensuring his blood would be enough to atone for sin. Before this sacrifice, God demanded blood sacrifices of animals for forgiveness of sins. With Jesus' death all that was settled. The display of crimson on Easter is a reminder of that.

“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.” -Isaiah 53:5

Purple

To dye fabric purple use to be an expensive undertaking. For that reason purple was associated with wealth and position. Specifically royalty. The messiah is king of the Jews. When Jesus was arrested he was asked pointedly if this was true of him. He agreed, the scripture goes on to say the guards mocked him.

 “The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. And they began to call out to him, 'Hail, king of the Jews!' Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him. And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.” -Mark 15:16-20

Pale Pink & Powder Blue

Certainly the pinks of spring (tulips, azaleas, etc.) are a lovely sight at Easter. Likewise the appearance of powder blue skies make Easter a lovely holiday. But these particular shades of blue and pink are reserved for newborn children. Throughout the Bible, God's followers are referred to as “his children.” Wearing these colors on Easter is a declaration of belief.

 “And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming. If you know that he is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been born of him.” -1 John 2:28-20

Easter is season of rebirth. A season of clean slates and forgiveness.  All this can be symbolized in the shades of an Easter basket. 

Learn more about this author, B.W. Harold.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.