Origin of Easter festival dates back to the Pagan times. It is celebrated to honor the Jesus’ return to life. There are many legends associated with Easter history. One of the Easter story says, that the very name Easter has been derived from Eostre, who was the Anglo Saxon Goddess of spring. Thus, it is also said that the Easter celebration is actually dedicated to the refreshing spring season. This Pagan holiday, Easter is one of the principal religious festivals of Christians. It was earlier addressed as the festivity of Eostre that always occurred during the period of vernal equinox, when the ratio of day to night was exactly the same.
But some of the legends say, that this festival Easter actually owes its origin to the Hebrew tradition, instead of the Christian tradition. According to the Hebrew lunar calendar, it falls in the first month also known as ‘Nisan’. According to Hebrew tradition, the reason behind its celebration is that, it was during this period, that Israel after having suffered for 300 years finally got rescued from the bondage of Egypt. But in all the legends, one thing that is emphasized is that, Easter is a grand holiday that is celebrated to glorify the victory of life over death and light over darkness.
Here are some ideas about various Easter symbols:
Easter Cross: cross is a symbol that reminds us of the sacrifice that Jesus had made for the mankind. On the Easter day, the cross is beautified with fresh white lilies.
Easter Eggs: Easter eggs are among the most prominent symbols of Easter that signify fertility. During the Easter week, competitions are held on Easter egg painting. In fact during this period, the gift shops witness a booming sale of Easter egg ornaments.
Easter Bunnies: Easter bunny owes its origin to the Anglo Saxon goddess called Eostre, who was always seen with her bunny. This bunny had laid the first colored eggs. Cute plump Easter bunny rabbits are in the hottest category of kids' shopping list during the Easter festivity.
Easter Lilies: Easter flower, Lily signifies purity and therefore it is also associated with mother Mary. To glorify the resurrection of Lord Jesus, the churches are beautified with flower vases stocked with gorgeous white lilies.
Easter Cross: cross is a symbol that reminds us of the sacrifice that Jesus had made for the mankind. On the Easter day, the cross is beautified with fresh white lilies.
Easter Eggs: Easter eggs are among the most prominent symbols of Easter that signify fertility. During the Easter week, competitions are held on Easter egg painting. In fact during this period, the gift shops witness a booming sale of Easter egg ornaments.
Easter Bunnies: Easter bunny owes its origin to the Anglo Saxon goddess called Eostre, who was always seen with her bunny. This bunny had laid the first colored eggs. Cute plump Easter bunny rabbits are in the hottest category of kids' shopping list during the Easter festivity.
Easter Lilies: Easter flower, Lily signifies purity and therefore it is also associated with mother Mary. To glorify the resurrection of Lord Jesus, the churches are beautified with flower vases stocked with gorgeous white lilies.
Here are some Easter facts: -
Easter always falls between March 22 and April 25. In Western Christianity, Easter marks the end of Lent, a period of fasting and penitence in preparation for Easter, which begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts forty days (not counting Sundays). The week before Easter, known as Holy Week, is very special in the Christian tradition. The Sunday before Easter is Palm Sunday and the last three days before Easter are Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday (sometimes referred to as Silent Saturday).
Pysanka is a specific term used for the practice of Easter egg painting.
From the very early times, egg has been considered to be the most important symbol of rebirth.
The initial baskets of Easter were given the appearance of bird's nests.
The maiden chocolate eggs recipes were made in Europe in the nineteenth century.
A must play Easter game for American kids is Easter egg roll.
A special dish for Easter springtime in USA is baked ham, potatoes and vegetables. Another most demanding recipe is hot cross buns.
Easter always falls between March 22 and April 25. In Western Christianity, Easter marks the end of Lent, a period of fasting and penitence in preparation for Easter, which begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts forty days (not counting Sundays). The week before Easter, known as Holy Week, is very special in the Christian tradition. The Sunday before Easter is Palm Sunday and the last three days before Easter are Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday (sometimes referred to as Silent Saturday).
Pysanka is a specific term used for the practice of Easter egg painting.
From the very early times, egg has been considered to be the most important symbol of rebirth.
The initial baskets of Easter were given the appearance of bird's nests.
The maiden chocolate eggs recipes were made in Europe in the nineteenth century.
A must play Easter game for American kids is Easter egg roll.
A special dish for Easter springtime in USA is baked ham, potatoes and vegetables. Another most demanding recipe is hot cross buns.
Let me know your thoughts about Easter!!
P.S. Dear students, I love chocolates, specially Easter Eggs...
