The Easter Bunny Is The Devil

I do not think my mother ever uttered the words, “The Easter Bunny is the devil,” but as we collected plastic eggs hidden lazily in my grandmother’s backyard, it became obvious a lesson could be found awaiting us on the concrete steps serving as a viewing platform.

After fighting among my two younger brothers for candy and a few eggs containing quarters, attempting to keep our church clothes clean, we rallied at the steps. Sunday school and church had ended hours ago. Sunday dinner had been prayed over, but lessons of faith were still being served to a kid with thick glasses and his two toe-headed younger brothers.

“Easter is not about some bunny who lays eggs. It isn’t about candy or money.” Now, what we feared most… “Does anyone know what Easter is really about?” Puzzled and forgetful of the morning’s lessons, we looked at each other. Either Clayton or I nervously uttered, “Today we celebrate Jesus rising from the grave.” A look of satisfaction sprung on my mother and grandmother’s faces. We passed another one of those adult riddles meant to test children.

I will vividly hold this memory as long as I can vividly hold memories. I will also never forget only “trick-or-treating” a few times as a kid because we celebrated the harvest, not Halloween (Satan’s day). Before tearing into presents, volunteers were requested for the reading of the…