Easter
Easter is one of the most important religious holidays of the Christian calendar, steeped in tradition and ritual developed over centuries. It also has its secular side: the familiar bonnets, bunnies and those irresistible foil-wrapped chocolate eggs nestled into beds of neon grass. With all of these distractions, it’s easy to see how the religious message of Easter can sometimes get crowded out of the picture. This Web Guide can help you rediscover the history, beliefs, symbolism and practice of Easter.
Expand All Guide SectionsWhat is Easter?
The sites below examine the meaning, the history and the traditions of Easter. While different ... read more »
Lent
The Easter season begins with Lent, a time for repentance and preparation that starts on Ash ... read more »
Holy Week
Holy Week is the final week of Lent, beginning on Palm Sunday and ending on Easter Sunday. Many ... read more »
Easter Sunday: Traditions and Symbols
After the somber and solemn Lenten season, Easter Sunday is a day teeming with energy and ... read more »
Celebrating Easter with Your Children
The following Web sites offer a few tips for parents who wish to emphasize the spiritual meaning of Easter over its more secular trappings.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Polish Easter baskets often contain a lamb made from sugar, “a symbol of Christ, the Lamb of God.” The day after Easter is known as Smigus Dyngus (“Wet Monday”) or Dyngus Day. Celebrated in Poland and in Polish-American neighborhoods in Buffalo, New York and in South Bend, Indiana, participants engage in a public water fight.
- Some Christians believe it is a sin to celebrate Easter, because many traditions appear to have their origin in pagan rituals, such as holding sunrise services and dyeing eggs. Others believe that celebrating the holiday in a Christ-centered way is perfectly acceptable.
Dulcinea's Picks
The Children’s Chapel
offers this easy-to-read version of the Easter story.
The Catholic Education Resource Center
provides several thoughtful activities for parents to do with children, such as creating a Lenten grab bag.
WhyEaster.com
(previously used as a reference in other sections of this guide) is a Christian web designer’s kid-friendly resource for sharing the Easter celebration. The Easter cultures section explores Easter customs of different countries and “The Full Story!” is perfect for older children and anyone looking for a straightforward synopsis of the Easter story.
© 2012 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
