Celebrators worldwide can't imagine Thanksgiving without a turkey; likewise, Easter brings up the images of food spread featuring lamb. It is fascinating to know that till Good Friday, most Christian populations abstain from eating flesh or meat of any kind. Only seafood and fish are allowed. How did lamb become an integral part of the Easter meal? Here are interesting facts and backstories that explain why lamb and Easter are synonymous.
Lamb has a special significance in Christianity. The lamb symbolises Christ's dual nature as a victim and victor in Christian symbolism. This docile animal is frequently used as a sacrifice and may represent innocence, and purity. Forgiveness and mildness are also implied. When shown along with the lion, they might depict the ideal state of heaven.
Jesus is a lion-like lamb who, after being killed, returns to bring triumph. The Book of Revelation repeatedly emphasises this quality. In 1 Corinthians 5:7, Saint Paul seems to be borrowing a concept from the Gospel of John by alluding to the sacrifice of Jesus as the Paschal Lamb.
As Christians believe that Jesus is "the lamb of God," the lamb has taken on a deeper symbolism, representing Jesus' own self-sacrifice and death on the cross. The Old Bible references the sacrificial lamb when God commands Abraham to sacrifice his son. Christians probably eat lamb on Easter to reflect on that sacrifice.
History of Lamb and Easter
Another explanation takes into account the longstanding tradition of lamb as the centrepiece of Easter meals across the world. This custom dates back almost three thousand years to the Passover Jewish festival, commemorating the Jews' deliverance from slavery in Egypt and their subsequent departure. The sacrificial lamb has always been a central feature of the Passover celebration, from the shank bone at the seder to the roast at supper. Even after converting to Christianity, some people still carried the tradition.
Lamb and Easter Food
You may have seen roasted lamb on the table during an Easter dinner. In particular, it is a staple meat on the Greek Easter table. This dish traditionally served on a spit, is meant to symbolise Christ's sacrifice on the cross for the forgiveness of sins.
Roasted lamb for Easter, Image Source: Unsplash
Not only is roasted lamb a staple of the Easter meal but so are a select few additional recipes that include lamb. Magiritsa is one such name. This soup, ritualistically prepared with lamb offal, is served at the Greek Orthodox Easter celebration. Greek Brits and Greek-Americans often refer to it as "Easter soup," "Easter Sunday soup," or "Easter lamb soup", given its connection with Easter. The soup is consumed to break the fast during Lent. It is crafted from parts of an Easter Sunday roast lamb meal. This classic soup is usually cooked from the offal taken from a lamb before roasting. Magiritsa is prepared on Holy Saturday with the lamb that will be used on Easter Sunday and is eaten right after the Midnight Divine Liturgy.
The Tradition of Butter Lamb
The Easter lamb is also known as the butter lamb or buttered lam. Butter is sculpted into a lamb by hand or in a mould that appears like a lamb. For many Russian, Slovenian, and Polish Catholics, an Easter feast would not be complete without the accompanying butter sculpture shaped like a lamb. As a yearly ritual marking the beginning of Easter and spring, many people travel to the renowned market to purchase butter lambs.
A Ritual Spanning over Years
The history of lamb and Easter also narrates some more sides to it. Lamb is an emblem of spring and rebirth. From the first Passover lamb through Jesus' identification as the Lamb of God, lambs play a significant role in Easter celebrations. Lamb dishes served during Easter originated in Pagan, Jewish, and Christian cultures.
Lamb dish for Easter, Image Source: iStock
Main courses of lamb, such as the roast lamb served in the United Kingdom and Greece or the decadent French, slow-cooked lamb stew commonly paired with spring vegetables, are traditional Easter fare in the United States and Europe. Throughout the holiday meal, lamb can be found as butter or cheese shaped like an animal or as an exquisite cake or dessert decoration.