Easter was celebrated recently. While it is a time for sober reflection for a good number of people, for others it is time to paint eggs and eat candy...

We guess it is different strokes for different folks. But have you ever wondered why the West associates eggs and bunnies with Easter?

Well, you are about to find that out and even more. Take a look at these interesting facts.

1.} The name ‘Easter’ can be traced back to ‘Easter’ which is actually the name of the Anglo-Saxon goddess of dawn, spring, and fertility and she loved rabbits. Also, rabbits symbolize fertility because they can conceive their second litter while still pregnant with the first. At least, now we know where the bunnies come from.

2.} Even before Christianity, ancient cultures used to celebrate spring in what is known as the Rites of Spring. Ironically, the pagan Easter and Christian Easter fall around the same period, the vernal equinox (just when spring begins).

3.} Eggs have always been exchanged in various ancient cultures as symbols of regeneration and rebirth. Now we get the eggs too.

4.} The white lily is regarded as the Easter flower because it is a symbol of resurrection.

5.} Did you know that in 2007 an egg was sold for £9 million? I bet you are wondering what makes the egg so special. Well, it is nothing much, only that it is fabricated and covered in diamonds. Also, a cockerel made of jewels pops out every hour to flap its wings four times, nod its head three times and crow. How special!

6.} In the United States, at least 90 million chocolate bunnies and 91.4 billion eggs are produced each year.

7.} Easter is the oldest Christian holiday and widely considered to be the most important.

Which of these facts surprised you the most?

A celebration that is steeped in paganism can never be Christian.