Easter is the holiest day of the Christian
religion. Christian theology generally centers
around the resurrection of Jesus and his relation
to mankind. The name 'Easter' might originate
from either a Teutonic or Germanic goddess of
Spring, called 'Eostre', or from the Teutonic or
Germanic festival of Spring, called 'Eostur'. The
date for the Easter holiday must come between
March 22nd and April 25th.

Symbols of Easter

Easter abounds with symbolism.
The rabbit, bunny, lamb, cross, lighted candles, eggs and chicks, are all seen as having importance in the celebration of Easter.

The rabbit, egg, and chick, symbolize the arrival
of Spring and are associated with rebirth and
renewal of life. This representation, combined with
the resurrection of Jesus, gave Christianity an
important connection between humanity and nature,
the latter being the centerpiece of pagan life in
pre-Christian Europe, and a central theme in
overlapping and transferring loyalty from pagan
festivals to the celebrations of Christianity.

Lighted candles and/or bonfires also symbolize
light, renewal, hope and warmth. They most likely
acquired these meanings from the more
nature-oriented ideas of paganism.

According to the World Book Dictionary (1968),
paganism is defined as "one who is not
a Christian, Jew, or Moslem. For instance, the
ancient Greeks and Romans were pagans".

Easter has its origins in both Jewish and Pagan
traditions.

The word for 'Easter' in French, Italian,
Portuguese, and Spanish comes from the
Hebrew word 'Pesach' or Passover.

In French, the word for 'Easter' is 'Pâques'.

In Italian, the word for 'Easter' is 'Pasqua'.

In Portuguese, the word for 'Easter' is 'Páscoa',
and in Spanish, the word for 'Easter' is 'Pascua'.
However, in German, the word for 'Easter' is
'Ostern'. Thinking about an exotic Easter
vacation spot? How about Easter Island?

Prior to Easter Sunday, the day of the
resurrection of Jesus, there is a 40-day
period of fasting and solemn observance
called 'Lent'. This period is marked by
abstinence from celebratory activites.

The period of Lent is observed in remembrance of
Jesus' 40 days of fasting in the wilderness.

These 40 days of fasting in the wilderness are
reminiscent of the Israelites' 40 days in the
wilderness of the Sinai desert, when they did not
have time to bake bread for food, because they
were fleeing from slavery in Egypt.

The final week of Lent is called Holy Week.
This recalls the final week in the life of Jesus.
Hop here to see how Easter is celebrated
in the the birthplace of Jesus, the Holy Land.

Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday. This recalls
Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem.

Palm Sunday is named for Jesus' disciples
laying palm branches before him, as he entered
Jerusalem.

On Spy Wednesday, Christians remember the
betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot.

On Maunday Thursday, Christians honour the
Last Supper that Jesus had with the 12
Apostles or leading disciples.

The following day is Good Friday, where a
somber mood prevails among Christians as
they remember the crucifixion of Jesus.

On Saturday, Christians begin the sacrement of
hope and expectation of the reappearance of Jesus.

At 12 A.M. on Saturday evening/Sunday morning,
there is a midnight mass highlighted by the
church leader announcing that Jesus has risen
from the dead. This results in a joyous celebration
by all Christians throughout Easter Sunday.

One Easter tradition that is observed in many
families is the Easter egg hunt. Parents
hide chocolate Easter eggs around the house
and the children take delight in finding as
many as they can. YUM, YUM!! This tradition is
approved by 4 out of 5 dentists (HA, HA!!). This
leads me to suspect that dentists own stocks
in companies like Nestlé and Hershey
(just kidding, corporate guys!).
See the fabulous Hershey Chocolate Museum.
Hey, guys. What's the deal? Why are the chocolate
Easter bunnies hollow nowadays? When I was a kid,
the chocolate bunnies were solid chocolate!
What gives?

Another common Easter tradition is the traditional
egg-rolling contest held on the White House lawn
every year. This tradition was started by
President Andrew Johnson in the mid 1870s.
For more information about this tradition, go
to the White House! Here is the origin of
egg-rolling.

I'll bet you never thought the Pope could groove!
Well, here's the answer, dude! Check out the
hip-hop Pope at the Vatican!

Did you ever wonder why Pope rhymes with Dope?
Here are links about the medicinal use
of marijuana:
Cannabis Law
Medicinal use of marijuana with Dr. L. Grinspoon

Remember to have a happy and safe Easter holiday!

Please keep in mind that children with
physical disabilities need love and
attention, too. Make a special effort
to include them in your social activities.
All children need love and attention!

Lastly, don't forget to move your
clocks ahead in accordance with
Daylight Savings Time (DST).

Never have enough time?
Think you're running late?
Check out the time zones
for every country in the world!!!
This site is amazzzing!!!

Check out another site that is equally amazzzing!
It's a telephone booth in the middle of the
Mojave Desert!

                                        Send us your thoughts, Easter recipes, and good
                                        cheer! Click on the e-mail image below.

This page was fun to create
and we hope you enjoy it, too.
Happy Easter from two, good, temporarily
single Jewish boys. Best regards
from Malcolm and Mike, Montréal, Canada.

This page was created in real-time on April 1, 1999

Last updated: April 14, 1999

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