Easter is an annual Christian Festival of Remembrance
The word 'Easter' comes from two old pagan spring festivals. The old European pagan festival of 'Ostara' that celebrated new life and Arabian Sun festival of 'Ishtar'. The early Christians took over the festivals and turned the pagan festivals of new life to mean the new life that Jesus gave the world when he rose from the dead. Unlike Christmas, when Jesus's birth is celebrated (although we don't know what time of year Jesus was born!), Easter is celebrated around the same time of year that he was killed. This is because Jesus died at the time of the Jewish Passover festival.
The Passover festival dates from about 4,000 years ago when Jewish people remember that God saved them from slavery in Egypt. Jesus was a Jew and so celebrated the Passover. Passover takes place in the first month of the Jewish New Year (14-15 of the month of Nisan). The Jewish calendar follows the cycle of the moon, so the date changes a bit every year.
From : http://www.whyeaster.com/customs/festivals.shtml
For a look at some Easter traditions around the world: http://www.womansday.com/life/travel-tips/g2175/easter-traditions/
Some other ideas for Easter: these books are available to borrow today from Rotorua District Library
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| 641.8653 WHI |
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| 746.46 WIK |
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| 745.5 SEN |
Above all enjoy your family times and be safe this Easter
