Is Easter a time to boost population?

THE EDITOR, Madam:

It is certainly odd, that the Easter celebration, which is held to acknowledge the resurrection of Jesus Christ, seems to be bordering on sacrilege. Perhaps, for countries whose population is dwindling in numbers, increase in the number of new births and a general increase in population size may be a welcome thing.

It certainly appears that is what Easter is about. For instance, the Rabbit, which is often used as the symbol of fertility due to their high productivity rate and timing with Spring – a season of renewal and rebirth is one of the permanent features of Easter celebration.

Because of their prolific breeding pattern, many cultures have used the Rabbit as a representation of fertility and abundance. Yet, in relation to the acknowledgement of Christ’s resurrection, which many hold as the Holy Season of the year, how does the marketing or championing of the Rabbit tallies with that?

The exuberant freedom of reproduction versus the rebirth of hope peace and salvation from sin? This sounds a little heathenish or even pagan? Maybe. The egg, too, which is a feature of Easter is also used to represent life and rebirth because eggs are bearers of new life and when someone finds a Rabbit bringing an egg, fertility is multiplied. Renewal and rebirth are understandably not just a psychological aid but makes a difference when things actually add up.

However, when painting an egg is believed to translate into brightness and good luck, where is the superstition? Further, it seems that if Jesus has already made all that hope and future blessings available, it may just be adding fuel to futility, trying to replicate them .(John 3:16)

HOMER SYLVESTER

Elmsford, New York