Happy Easter From The Jefferson County Post
The culmination of spring, Lent, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ come together to create the holiday of Easter. Easter this year, no fooling, is Sunday April 1, 2018. This holiday is crucial to many and has a secular history that is varied with a much clearer religious history. How did this holiday actually get started and why do we even celebrate Easter in the first place?
Easter may have origins in the Pagan festival celebrating the Goddess Eostre. The Anglo-Saxon Goddess of spring and fertility. Myth has it that the Goddess consorted with a hare. This is where the history and origins of the Easter Bunny may come from. Although this may not be where the legend of using the Easter Bunny may come from. Rabbits were seen in many ancient civilizations as symbols of life and fertility. These ideas became greatly associated with spring and Easter.
In its religious origins Easter is the culmination of Christ’s resurrection. Easter celebrates the day when Jesus rose from his crucifixion on the cross three days prior. The Easter holiday is a great celebration for Christians and those of the Christian faith throughout the entire world. It is a time to reflect and celebrate for many Christians.
The traditions of Easter began in Europe in the 17th century and were most likely carried to America by German immigrants in the 18th century. In other regions of the world the Easter Bunny is not the main Easter figure. Some children look forward to their Easter basket being delivered by Easter Storks, Foxes, and Chickens.
As for dying Easter eggs, that tradition was most likely started out of the Lent practice of not eating eggs until the holiday was over. When Easter came, eating eggs was seen as a special treat. Decorating eggs was just a natural progression. In fact decorating eggs is one of the oldest Easter traditions. Decorating eggs became so popular in Russia in the 1900’s that many aristocrats began the practice of giving Faberge eggs to their friends and loved ones.
Easter day celebrations can include anything from going on an Easter egg hunt at your local church, park or friend group. The day could be spent in a parade or giving an Easter basket to those that you love. The most popular Easter celebrations are usually spent going to church to celebrate Christ and then spending the rest of the day with family over a nice meal.
However you choose to celebrate it, Easter is a time to slow down and reflect on the simple things in life. The weather is changing and new life is beginning and can be seen all around. Easter brings us to the beginning of newness in the world and within ourselves. It is a time to be thankful and cherish all that we have, and maybe even celebrate the final departure of winter. However you celebrate we invite you to think on these things and more. Happy Easter from all of us at the Jefferson County Post!
