Somehow bunnies and eggs have become associated with Easter. Some say that is because they are symbols of new life. Others suggest that Easter took over an old pagan fertility festival—since rabbits (or hares) and eggs were symbols of fertility they were also associated with Easter. What is true is that in the northern hemisphere the celebration of Easter is in Spring. Its date in Spring is because the Passover celebration falls into that season. And anyone living in rural Europe does know that in Spring the hares begin to appear on the meadows and young bunnies hop around the edge of woodlands. Spring is also the time when birds get busy with nesting. More importantly, it is when hens begin to produce eggs in quantities again, after the hens only laid sporadically in late winter. And of course, it was the time when, after the fast of Lent, eggs were consumed in great quantities. In other words, the symbols of the season have somehow become associated with the Christian celebration falling into that season.

In the Southern hemisphere, the remembrance of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus falls into the season of autumn. Leaves are falling, bringing with them new colours that in the low sun can appear brilliant or on dull days somewhat melancholy. The air is becoming cooler, night falls earlier. Birds are not nesting, though over the Easter Weekend we saw plenty of ducklings in Christchurch, so some new animal life is appearing. If you are in rural New Zealand, you would probably notice the deer roar, when particularly the farmed stags make their presence known.

How does the season affect our celebration? After all, our thoughts are not unaffected by what’s happening around us. Maybe we are a bit more reflective, maybe we are pondering the fragility of our own lives and eternity a bit more. And that would be appropriate. I do hope that there will also be a touch of joy. After all, the resurrection is a moment of great happiness. I did certainly feel that there was a sense of joy on Sunday, even with the dull, drizzly weather.