Billy Todd/Sampson Independent Over the head of Jesus while hanging on the cross, Roman authorities placed a sign that read 'King of the Jews.' This cross depicts the sign and can be found at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

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Billy Todd/Sampson Independent Legends say that at the time of Jesus' crucifixion, dogwood trees where comparable in size to the oak tree. Not only did the Dogwood offer beauty, it offered strength and size. Since it was the ideal tree for construction, it was chosen as the timber for the crucifixion cross. Being the 'chosen' tree left the dogwood distressed and very sad at the thought of being a part of the horrible crucifixion. Sensing the dogwood's sorrow, Jesus promised to never again allow the dogwood tree to grow large enough to be used as a cross. Proclaiming it will be slender, bent and twisted and its blossoms will be in the form of a cross-two long and two short petals. In the center of each petal there will be nail prints brown with rust and stained with red. The center of the flower will house a crown of thorns. For all who see the dogwood will be reminded of the crucifixion.

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Billy Todd/Sampson Independent The cross is a symbol of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. Crucifixion was a common way to punish criminals and to publicly humiliate them in the ancient world. In Jesus' day, the Romans used crucifixion to put criminals to death. A person was tied with cords and nailed to a wooden cross that was shaped like a T or like a plus sign (+). Jesus was accused of starting a revolt against the Roman government by allowing himself to be called 'King of the Jews' (Mark 15:6-15). Jesus' resurrection is his victory over the power of sin and death (Romans 3:25,26). That is why the cross has become the major symbol for God's power to forgive sins and give new life to people (1 Corinthians 1:18). People often bake hot cross buns to symbolize this event.

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Billy Todd/Sampson Independent Easter lilies bloom in the spring close to Easter time. Because they are shaped like trumpets, lilies are symbols of immortality (1 Corinthians 15:52).

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Photo courtesy of MCT When some people think of Easter, they immediately think of eggs. Eggs symbolize the new life that returns to nature during the spring. The egg is a symbol of fertility and immortality. Thus, Christians also view it as a reminder of the tomb from which Jesus Christ arose (Luke 24:1-4). Early Christians used red colored eggs to symbolize the Resurrection.

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Courtesy photo The life cycle of a butterfly is a symbol of eternal life. While in its cocoon, it undergoes a metamorphosis and emerges in a new and beautiful form (1 Corinthians 15:53,54).

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The Easter season is filled with many symbols and meanings. As Easter approaches, it is good to be reminded of what we are celebrating. The story of Easter as given to us in the Gospel of Matthew helps us to understand what this day means to Christians around the world. The others symbols shown in this feature outline the true meanings of many of the symbols that we experience each year as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 27:50-53

And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus’ resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people. (NIV)

Matthew 28:1-10

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”

So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” (NIV)