The Easter Chick

Along with the Easter bunny, the newly born chick is one of the most common Easter symbols. The two are closely linked - the chick is often said to emerge from eggs brought by the bunny. One should probably not think too hard about that connection.

Happy Easter, Kitten and Chicks
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Meaning

Both the bunny and the egg are, of course, potent symbols of fertility, rebirth and regeneration. The emergence of the chick from the egg represents the re-emergence of life after the winter. Spring has finally arrived and it is time to give thanks. In pagan times the spring was dedicated to the fertility goddess Eostre.

In the Christian religion, the hatching of the chick is seen as a metaphor for the resurrection of Jesus. The chick breaking out of its shell is often related to the rolling away of the stone from in front of the tomb of Jesus.

On a larger scale, some religions have described the entire universe as a form of "cosmic egg"; some people like to think of humanity as the "cosmic chick" waiting to emerge. In other belief systems, the "world egg" refers to the primordial chaos from which the universe we now inhabit was hatched.

Merchandise

Today, chicks feature commonly on Easter merchandise. They are a frequent theme for chocolates, candy and other treats. You can also buy many Easter chick toys for younger children.

They are also a source of inspiration for home crafts and are often found decorating Easter bonnets and cakes or as the subject of art and craft projects for kids.