Easter is almost here. It is the time of celebration, of holidays and feasting. Easter has been observed since almost the time of the second century as it being the period of celebration for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Over the period of time, Easter specific traditions have come to being that marks the occasion and it includes everything from Easter eggs, to Easter bunnies, to Easter events etc. While some traditions are regional, there are others that depend on the family history and culture to put it precisely. There’s so much that makes this occasion the special one that it is in the present times. The festivities, the grandeur of Easter gifts online, along with the get-togethers and feasting, it is about soaking in the holiday spirit in the best possible manner. Well, we are here to talk about the fascinating origins of the Easter traditions briefly. For, who knows, you might as well share it in the Easter table or simply brush up your history about the traditional festivities of Easter.
- Easter Eggs: Easter is about Easter eggs. Be it chocolate Easter eggs, or Easter egg hunts, nothing can match up to the Easter spirit without these edible delicacies. The tradition of Easter eggs dates back to the ancient times long before Jesus Christ. As per historical records, many ancient cultures like the Greeks and the Egyptians believed the egg to be a symbol of new life and fertility. Eggs were used in their religious rituals and also had hung them in those of the pagan temples for that of mystical purposes. Later on as Christian missionaries had observed community members hunting for eggs in the spring time, they used the food as a symbol to describe the resurrection of Christ. They dyed the eggs based on the colours as per importance to the church and also painted scenes on the eggs from the Bible.
- Easter Sunday Sunrise Service: Easter service is often celebrated with a church service that is usually held at the crack of dawn.There is a popular story thar Mary had opened the tomb of Jesus to find it empty early in the morning. This is the reason why many churches decide to hold a prayer service at the early hour of the day to put it precisely. It was as early as 1732 when the first Easter sunrise service was held in Germany by the Moravian church. Thereafter, the Easter Sunday sunrise service has come into being like that of the Easter eggs.
- Lent: Lent is the 40 days period before Easter. It is the period of fasting, of penance and prayers. Most observers abstain from meat along with other indulgences like, chocolate, caffeine, social media etc. The exact days of Lent varies as it depends whether the person is following Eastern or Western practices for the matter. No matter what, it is for lent that the celebratory Easter feasts tastes all the more delicious.
With unique Easter gifts along with the stories behind the popular Easter traditions, and a grand Easter feast, this Easter is sure to usher in happiness, merriment and love this Holiday season!