A Mary La Fetra Russell illustrated postcard, ca 1908
Happy Easter week! I
found these vintage Easter postcards at Laughing Elephant [Laughing Elephant.com], the small local shop
that specializes in reproducing vintage cards, posters, and books. The one above has an illustration by Mary LaFetra
Russell who signs her work as MLAFR as seen at the lower right near the
grass. Russell not only illustrated
cards she also illustrated and published a Mother Goose book. The other cards shared this week are not dated and do not have the illustrator identified. Vintage cards are generally about 100 years old; therefore, we can estimate that all the cards were issued sometime between about 1900 and 1920.
The use of rabbits and hares as symbols of abundant life and associated with Easter was a traditional brought to America by German immigrants in the 1700s. Lilies are symbols of purity and are also commonly found on Easter cards.
Another symbol associated with Easter are eggs or colored eggs. An egg is a symbol of the stone in front of the tomb of Christ. Eggs are also symbols of the tomb itself. A new chick emerges from the egg as the symbol of the resurrection. Even before Christianity eggs were a symbol of new life and rebirth. New hats and clothes also suggest new life or a new beginning. Hot cross buns remind us of the cross and of Christ. Pretzels, in the traditional twisted shape, represent arms crossed in prayer. Baby animals and Spring flowers are often found on Easter cards to represent new life.
This is one is especially for our hiking friends
For additional information, see:
https://www.theholidayspot.com/easter/easter_symbols.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter
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