Unwrapping the Easter Basket: Why Easter Baskets?

A Longtime Tradition

Have you ever considered the reason for the Easter basket?

Why do we give these baskets full of goodies on Easter day?

How did this tradition come to exist?

We had questions!

As a homeschool mom, I seized the opportunity to not only answer them, but to take a deeper look into this age-old tradition by making it one of our lesson plans.

We investigated, created, and gave during our Easter Basket Unit, and gained understanding and appreciation for what was rooted in our faith.

SO WHY DO WE GIVE EASTER BASKETS?

Glad you asked!

Here's the explanation to an intentional tradition I keep, and pass along to my kiddos, who now will remember the "why".

Get the complete

Easter Basket Lesson Plan,

full of learning activities, games, paired worksheets and more!

Why Easter Baskets?

A Significant Meaning

The Easter basket serves to remember a tradition that began in 325 A.D. and derives from the symbolism and offering of Lent. Lent is a time to reflect on the sacrifice Jesus made for us. It is a reminder of the 40 days Jesus fasted in the desert, and endured the temptation from Satan, before beginning his public ministry (Matthew 4: 1-11). Items would be added to the basket that were chosen to abstain from during the forty days leading to up to Easter, then the basket would be received with celebration on Easter day, as a reminder of Jesus's resurrection and the abundance we have in Him.

The Paschal Basket

Traditionally, a basket is lined with a white napkin, often embroidered with the words "Christ Is Risen". Added to the basket are items that have symbolic and spiritual meanings. Items that were abstained from during the forty days of lent would be included. Here I've listed the items in a traditional Paschal basket, and their symbolism:

The basket: Reminder of God's blessings

Bread: Christ who is our true bread

Salt: Reminds us of our responsibility to each other

Butter (often shaped like a lamb): Reminds us of the goodness of Christ

Cheese: Reminds of moderation towards all things

Boiled dyed eggs (red colored): Reminds us of new life and resurrection

Bitter herbs: Reminder of Christ's suffering, but sweetened because of his resurrection

Meat (bacon or ham): Reminder of the overabundance of God's mercy

Candle: Christ is the light of the world

Basket cover: Represents Christ's burial shroud

Find the helpful Paschal Basket building activity sheet HERE

For some today the Easter basket has skewed from its original intention and focus, but it can still be useful to teach and remind young ones of why there is such a gift given on Easter, and its symbolism.

Have You Ever Wondered What A Lily Symbolizes?

When Is Easter Day? (Why does Easter day change?)

I can help answer that!

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Jesus Is Tested in the Wilderness

Matthew 4:1-11

4 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted[a] by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’[b]”

5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:

“‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’[c]”

7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’[d]”

8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”

10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’[e]”