The Symbolic Reason Lamb Is Served on Easter

Lamb has never quite caught on in the United States but is considered as a staple meat in many parts of the world.

However, Americans’ attitudes to lamb are steadily changing.

The start of the spring lambing season coincides almost perfectly with Easter, a Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Christianity being the largest religion in Europe, many national food cultures have special holiday recipes specifically for lamb.

Beyond being excellent, flavorful meat, there is a symbolic significance behind serving it at Easter.

A verse from the Bible references “The Lamb of God,” and in John 1:29 when John the Baptist loudly proclaims: “Behold, The Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”

Jesus Christ, with whom the lamb has become symbolically linked.

Throughout history, as Christianity grew and expanded, lambs were no longer sacrificed for sacrifice’s sake.

Eating lamb at Easter stemmed from acknowledging Jesus’ sacrifice and ultimate triumph after rising from the dead.

In Greece, whole lamb is roasted on a spit with this religious significance and marks the end of the 40-day meat and dairy fast of the Great Lent of the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Roasted lamb, braised lamb leg, lamb stew, lamb cassoulet, and many other iterations are consumed in honor of the holiday.

Lamb remains significant as this symbol of sacrifice, reminding many Christians of why they celebrate Easter in the first place.

Credit: https://www.tastingtable.com/1222015/the-symbolic-reason-lamb-is-served-on-easter/

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