Why Yellow is the Colour of Easter

 

From spring vibes to centuries‑old symbolism

When you think of Easter, you probably think of… yellow. From Easter eggs and fluffy chicks to daffodils and cheerful table decor: the colour is everywhere. But why? How did yellow become the symbol of Easter? The answer is a surprising blend of nature, religion, culture, and a touch of marketing.

 

Yellow as the colour of spring and new beginnings

Easter takes place in spring, the season when the world wakes up again. The sun appears more often, flowers bloom, and birds sing as if they’re welcoming a new year.
And that feeling of renewal and light is perfectly captured by the colour yellow.

Think of:

• bright daffodils
• buttercups
• newborn chicks

All natural signs that the dark winter is behind us. Yellow represents warmth, light, and new life, exactly what Easter is all about.

 

Flowers, chicks, and folk traditions

In Easter folk culture, flowers and animals have played a major role for centuries. The first flowers to appear in spring are often yellow, and chicks, the ultimate symbol of new life, just happen to be yellow too.
That’s how yellow became a cheerful, recognizable element in Easter decorations, separate from any religious meaning.

 

The religious layer: light after darkness

In Christianity, Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus: a powerful symbol of hope and triumph over death. Churches frequently use white and gold vestments during Easter. These colours represent purity, joy, and divine light.

Because gold in art is frequently depicted as yellow, the visual link became easy to make:
yellow = light = Easter.

 

Medieval symbolism

From the Middle Ages onward, colours gained a fixed place in religious art and rituals. For major feasts like Easter, white and gold were the standard. In paintings, stained‑glass windows, and manuscripts, gold was often replaced with yellow.
This strengthened the symbolic connection between yellow and Easter even further.

 

Yellow in Easter cards and advertising

In the 19th century, Easter cards became popular, and illustrators regularly chose yellow as the dominant colour: the sun, flowers, chicks… all cheerful, recognizable elements.
In the 20th century, Easter became more commercial, and marketers discovered that yellow works perfectly: it stands out, feels friendly, and evokes positive emotions. Ideal for packaging and advertising.

 

Yellow today: unmistakably Easter

Today, yellow is almost instinctively associated with Easter. Whether you’re religious or not, the colour instantly evokes a sense of spring, renewal, and joy. From decorations to table settings, yellow is the season’s signature colour.

Why do we buy yellow napkins, candles, and flowers every spring?
Because yellow feels like Easter.

 

 

With a mix of ancient symbolism, adorable chicks, and clever marketing, this sunny colour has grown into a true springtime phenomenon. Whether it’s because of religious meaning or simply because chicks are irresistibly cute, yellow has captured both our Easter decor and our hearts.