Easter is a major Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a moveable holiday that falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox. Easter is full of traditions like egg hunts, Easter baskets, and Easter egg decorating. One of the most recognizable Easter traditions is the use of certain colors like pastels, pink, yellow, and green. But what is considered the traditional Easter color?
The History of the Easter Colors
The use of colors at Easter dates back centuries to coloring Easter eggs. Eggs have long been a symbol of new life and fertility associated with spring. Decades ago, eggs were forbidden foods during Lent. So households would hard boil eggs and decorate them for Easter meals and gifts.
Some of the earliest Easter eggs were dyed red to symbolize the blood of Christ. Red eggs remain traditional in many Eastern European cultures today. As egg dyeing spread throughout Europe and America, other colors emerged. Pastels like pink, yellow, green, purple, and blue became popular Easter palette choices.
Significance of Pastels
Pastel shades emerged as the most ubiquitous Easter color scheme. Soft, light hues like lavender, mint, and robin’s egg blue evoke images of spring’s new beginnings. Pastels also lack harshness and vibrancy, keeping with the solemnity of Holy Week leading up to Easter.
Using pastels to dye Easter eggs and on Easter clothing and decor shows the happiness and hopefulness of Easter while still maintaining some Lenten restraint. When dyeing eggs, pastels layered on a white egg also give an impression of new life emerging.
Pink and Yellow Specifically
Within the pastel Easter palette, the colors pink and yellow stand out as two of the most traditional and popular Easter colors.
Significance of Pink
Pink carries strong Easter symbolism. The pink Easter dress is an enduring tradition for girls and women. Pink represents joy, happiness, innocence, and femininity. As a soft, light color, pink aligns with springtime and budding flowers. It provides a pretty, delicate accent color for Easter eggs, flowers, and other decorations.
Some legends say the color pink honors the resurrection itself. The story goes that the Easter Lily bloomed pink petals at the resurrection. This gave the white flower color for the first time.
Pink is also connected to pink roses associated with the Virgin Mary. Images of Mary holding a young Jesus evoke maternal love and care.
Significance of Yellow
The color yellow has its own Easter symbolism. It is the color of daffodils, forsythia, and baby chicks that relate to Easter and spring. Yellow carries warmth, cheer, and sunshine. At Easter, yellow represents the light of spring chasing away the darkness of winter. It suggests optimism, enlightenment, and renewal in its hue.
Some Easter stories say yellow flowers like daffodils bloomed when Jesus rose from the dead. Their yellow trumpets heralded his resurrection. Yellow is united with triumph in this narrative.
Beyond pastels, yellow also pairs well with brighter spring colors like pink in Easter decorations. Yellow and pink together evoke sweetness, innocence, and new life.
Use in Easter Traditions
Pink and yellow have enduring prominence in Easter traditions and symbols:
| Tradition | Use of Pink and Yellow |
| Easter eggs | Dyed pink and yellow or pastel colors |
| Easter baskets | Lined with yellow straw or grass, filled with pink candy |
| Easter outfits | Pink dresses, yellow suits or accessories |
| Easter flowers | Yellow daffodils, pink roses, tulips, hyacinths |
| Easter cakes/treats | Topped with pink icing flowers, yellow sprinkles |
| Easter home decor | Pink and yellow tablecloths, wreaths, banners |
As you can see, pink and yellow are integrated into most Easter customs. They provide traditional and recognizable Easter color palettes.
Modern Easter Color Trends
While pink and yellow remain iconic Easter colors, some modern trends are emerging:
– More pastel hues: Colors like lavender, mint, sky blue, and lilac
– Metallic gold and silver: Sometimes paired with pastels
– Neon brights: Vibrant pink, lime green, electric blue, and purple
– Solid white: Crisp, clean look, especially for Easter outfits and decor
– Earthy pastels: Softer shades like cream, tan, mauve, and sage green
People are exploring more options while still retaining traditional pink and yellow Easter decorations. But you can always count on seeing pink and yellow every Easter for their symbolic and springlike appeal.
Conclusion
Pink and yellow stand out as two of the most time-honored Easter colors. Their light, uplifting hues reflect Easter’s early spring setting. Pink carries undertones of joy, femininity, and flowers. Yellow evokes sunshine, cheer, and new beginnings. These meaningful colors endure in Easter traditions like egg dyeing, Easter outfits, and basket gifts. While modern Easter color palettes continue to evolve, pink and yellow will always signify a happy Easter full of hope and rebirth.
