Easter: History, Myths, Games, and Easy Craft Instructions

Easter is a Christian holiday that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated by millions of Christians around the world, and has become a cultural phenomenon in many countries. In this article, we will explore the history and religion of Easter, as well as myths, games, holiday facts, and interesting facts. Additionally, we will provide instructions for an easy Easter craft.

Religion of the Holiday

Easter is the most important Christian holiday, as it commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. According to the New Testament, Jesus was crucified on Good Friday and rose from the dead three days later, on Easter Sunday. The resurrection of Jesus is central to the Christian faith, as it signifies victory over death and the promise of eternal life. The celebration of Easter is thus a celebration of hope and new beginnings.

The origins of Easter can be traced back to the Jewish holiday of Passover. According to the Bible, the Last Supper, which Jesus shared with his disciples before his crucifixion, was a Passover meal. The early Christian Church celebrated Easter as a way of commemorating both the resurrection of Jesus and the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.

History

The history of Easter is complex and multifaceted. The holiday has evolved over time, incorporating elements of various cultural and religious traditions. In medieval Europe, for example, Easter was associated with the pagan festival of Eostre, which celebrated the arrival of spring and the renewal of life. Over time, the Christian holiday of Easter absorbed many of these pagan customs, such as the tradition of decorating eggs, which symbolizes new life and rebirth.

In the modern era, Easter has become a commercialized holiday, with the sale of candy, flowers, and other gifts. The tradition of the Easter bunny, which delivers eggs and candy to children, is also a relatively recent development. Nevertheless, the religious significance of Easter remains central to the holiday for many Christians.

Myths

One of the most enduring myths associated with Easter is the legend of the Easter bunny. According to this legend, the Easter bunny delivers eggs and candy to children on Easter Sunday. The origins of this tradition are uncertain, but it may have evolved from the pagan festival of Eostre, which featured a hare as a symbol of fertility and renewal.

Another popular myth associated with Easter is the idea that the date of the holiday is determined by the full moon. While it is true that Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox, this is not the only factor that determines the date of the holiday. The date of Easter is also influenced by a complex set of rules and calculations that have evolved over centuries of Christian tradition.

Games

Easter is a time for games and fun activities. One of the most popular Easter games is the egg hunt, in which children search for hidden eggs. The tradition of the egg hunt has its origins in the German tradition of Ostern, in which eggs were hidden in gardens and fields as a symbol of new life and fertility. Another popular Easter game is the egg roll, in which hard-boiled eggs are rolled down a hill.

Holiday Facts

Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox. This means that the date of Easter can fall anywhere between March 22 and April 25.

The tradition of decorating Easter eggs dates back to ancient times, when eggs were used as a symbol of fertility and rebirth.

The word "Easter" is believed to have originated from the Old English word "Eostre," which was the name of a pagan goddess of spring.

Interesting Facts

The largest Easter egg ever made was over 25 feet tall and weighed over 8,000 pounds. It was created in Italy in 2011 and was made entirely of chocolate.

In many countries, including the United States and Canada, Easter Monday is a public holiday. This tradition dates back to medieval Europe, when the Monday after Easter was a day of rest and relaxation.

Easter is also celebrated in non-Christian cultures. In India, for example, the Hindu festival of Holi coincides with Easter, and is celebrated with the throwing of colored powders and water.

Instructions for an Easy Easter Craft

An easy Easter craft that children and adults can enjoy is creating Easter egg decorations using tissue paper. Here are the instructions:

Materials:

Tissue paper in various colors

Scissors

Glue

Paintbrush

Hard-boiled eggs

Instructions:

Cut the tissue paper into small pieces.

Using a paintbrush, apply glue to the hard-boiled egg.

Stick the tissue paper onto the egg, layering different colors to create a mosaic effect.

Allow the glue to dry completely.

Display the decorated eggs in a basket or on a plate.

Quotes:

"Easter is the time to rejoice and be thankful for the gift of life, love and joy." - Lailah Gifty Akita, Think Great: Be Great!

"Easter is a time when God turned the inevitability of death into the invincibility of life." - Craig D. Lounsbrough, An Intimate Collision: Encounters with Life and Jesus

"Easter spells out beauty, the rare beauty of new life." - S.D. Gordon

Bibliography:

Akita, Lailah Gifty. Think Great: Be Great!. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2016.

Lounsbrough, Craig D. An Intimate Collision: Encounters with Life and Jesus. Deep River Books, 2018.

Gordon, S.D. Quiet Talks on Easter. G&D Media, 2020.

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