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Easter Sunday: History, Trivia, and Gift Ideas
Easter Sunday is the celebration of Jesus Christ’s resurrection on the third day after his death on the crucifix. This is the culmination of Lent, which is a period of forty days fasting and sacrifice.
History
According to the HistoryOfEaster.info, Easter Sunday originated in Teutonic mythology and is taken from the word, “Eostre” which is the name of the Greek Goddess of Spring. During the ancient times, Greeks had this notion that after a long harsh cold winter season, the Goddess of Spring will return to bring warmth and fertility to lands. This is why, they hold feasts to celebrate the return of the Goddess at the start of every spring.
When Christianity emerged in Europe, the concept of celebrating Easter changed from being a pagan celebration to one that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. The Church Council of Nicaea ordered in 325 A.D. for Easter to be held on the first Sunday after the vernal equinox. That’s how the Easter we know of today came about.
Trivia
- Eggs and rabbits are symbols of Easter Sunday dating back to the ancient times. Eggs represent new life while rabbits depict fertility. Fertility has been associated since the Goddess of Spring was thought to bring fertility to lands upon her return after the winter season.
- Easter Sunday always takes place in between March 22 and April 25. It is usually celebrated on the first Sunday after the first day or spring or the morning after the first full moon.
- Different cultures have different ways of decorating Easter eggs. In Greek Orthodox culture, eggs come in shades of red to represent the blood of Christ. In some places in Austria and Germany, people paint eggs green and use these on Holy Thursday, not on Easter Sunday.
- Egg rolling symbolizes the rolling of the large rock away from Christ’s tomb.
- Giving of Easter baskets has Catholic roots. Before, Catholics would bring a basket filled with Easter dinner like ham, bread, and cheese to a holy mass so the priest can bless the basket. Now, children leave baskets so that the Easter Bunny can fill it up with all sorts of treats like Easter chocolate eggs, candies, and so on.
Gift Ideas
The most traditional Easter gift is no other than the Easter candy. This can be anything from a chocolate wrapped egg to rabbit shaped chocolate to jellybeans of different colors. You can either put the treats inside an Easter basket or use them as part of the Easter egg hunting activity. Another great gift idea would be flowers, which is perfect for any woman. Your options include Easter lilies, fresh spring flowers, or a bouquet of red roses. It would also be a wonderful thought to give gifts of Christian books during Easter Sunday celebration. After all, the Lent is all about renewal of one’s faith to the Lord. If books are not your thing, Christian musical CDs can also impart the same effect. Other symbolic Easter gifts include crucifix, rosary, and bible.