Someone carrying a crucifix usually led the procession. Eggs Eggs are a symbol in many cultures of creation, fertility and new life. In ancient Egypt, people exchanged decorated eggs at the spring equinox. Christians of the Near East adopted this tradition to represent Christ's resurrection. Red paint, symbolic of Christ's blood, was often used to decorate the eggs.
Rabbits Rabbits are also a symbol of fertility.
The origin of the Easter Bunny seems to stem from a German fable popular in the late 1500s. It was said that a rabbit laid red eggs on Holy Thursday and multi-colored eggs the night before Easter Sunday. The lily is a symbol of purity because it is white and extremely delicate. White trumpet lilies, which bloom at Easter, did not actually grow in North America until about 100 years ago when they were brought here from Bermuda. Lambs Lambs represent new life.