The document discusses the origins and symbols of Easter. It explains that Easter originally stemmed from pagan spring festivals but was later Christianized to celebrate Jesus' resurrection. Common Easter symbols like eggs, bunnies, and flowers represent new life and Jesus' victory over death. The document also provides details on how Easter is celebrated in different countries worldwide.

3. The meaning of Easter is Jesus Christ's victory over death. His
resurrection symbolizes the eternal life that is granted to all who
believe in Him. The meaning of Easter also symbolizes the
complete verification of all that Jesus preached and taught during
His three-year ministry. If He had not risen from the dead, if He had
merely died and not been resurrected, He would have been
considered just another teacher or Rabbi. However, His
resurrection changed all that and gave final and irrefutable proof
that He was really the Son of God and that He had conquered
death once and for all.

4. However, Easter did not always symbolize Christ's resurrection
from the dead and the meaning of Easter was quite different
than what Christians celebrate today. The feast day of Easter
was originally a pagan celebration of renewal and rebirth.
Celebrated in the early spring, it honored the pagan Saxon
goddess Easter. When the early missionaries converted the
Saxons to Christianity, the holiday, since it fell around the same
time as the traditional memorial of Christ's resurrection from the
dead, was merged with the pagan celebration, and became know
as Easter. The meaning of Easter was also changed to reflect its
new Christian orientation.

5. Today, the meaning of Easter, for million of Christians, is that of
honoring and recognizing Jesus Christ's resurrection from the dead,
and His glorious promises of eternal life for all who believe in Him. -

7. -Eggs and chicks symbolize new life. Eggs
have been a symbol of Spring since
ancient times. An egg also is a symbol
of the rock tomb out of which Christ
emerged when he arose again.
The chick, hatching out of the egg,
symbolizes new life or re-birth.

8. The rabbit, or hare, was a symbol of abundant
new life in ancient times, and reminds us of Spring
and new life

9. - The white blossoms symbolize the purity of
Jesus. Lilies, emerging from the earth in the
spring, also symbolize new life and the
resurrection of Christ.

10. The Cross - Symbolizes Jesus’ victory
over death.

11. Palm Branches - Represents when
Jesus arrived in Jerusalem on the first
Palm Sunday and people waved palm
branches, welcoming him.

12. The Butterfly is one of the significant
symbols of Easter. Its whole life cycle
is meant to symbolize the life of Jesus
Christ. The first stage, is the caterpillar,
which stands for His life on Earth.
Second phase begins from the cocoon
stage, portraying the crucifixion and
burial of Jesus. The third and final
stage is the butterfly, representing His
raising from the dead in a glorified body
and peace.

13. - A food eaten during Lent-the
twisted shaped
symbolizes arms
crossed in prayer.

14. Hot cross buns have a cross of
icing on the top to remind
people of Christ.

16. Despite the 25% drop in proclaiming oneself Catholic since
the 1970s, Brazil boasts the largest Roman Catholic
population in the world (with 123 million followers). Easter, as
one of the main Catholic holidays, is therefore largely
celebrated in a land that also happens to host one of the
wildest parties in the world (you know the one).
Easter, or Páscoa in Portuguese, falls on the day after the
culmination of Holy Week, which also marks the end of Lent.
Since many institutions and businesses allow for an extended
weekend, many Brazilians spend the holiday either traveling
for the sake of traveling (and to witness religious processions
such as the one in Ouro Preto) or spending the time with
family.

17. During Lent in Ethiopia, Christians don't eat or buy any animal products
like meat, eggs, butter, milk, yogurt, cream and cheese.
On Palm Sunday, people wear head bands and rings made of palm
leaves with crosses marked on them.
The first Easter Day service actually starts at 8.00pm on Easter Saturday
night and lasts until 3.00 am on Easter Sunday morning! Most people go
to the whole service and wear their best clothes. These are often white
and are called 'Yabesha Libs'. People have candles made of cotton and
wax called 'twaf'. At 10.00 pm drummers start playing and accompanying
the Priests as they chant a prayer called the 'Geez'.
After the service, people go back to their homes have a breakfast to
celebrate the end of Lent with a 'dabo' sour-dough bread. It is traditional
that the bread is cut by a priest or by the head man in the family.
The main Easter meal is eaten in the afternoon. The meal normally
consists of a sour dough pancake called 'injera' and it is eaten with a
mutton or lamb stew called 'beg wot'.

18. In France, Church Bells do not ring on Good Friday or Easter
Saturday . Sometimes children are told that the bells have gone
off to see the Pope!
Boxwood branches are sometimes used instead of palm leaves.
They are put over doors in houses to bring good luck to the
people in the house.

19. In Greek Orthodox Churches, a tomb is often put in the centre of
the Church for the Good Friday Service. People process to the
service like they going to a funeral.
A Service is held on the Easter Saturday evening, just before
Midnight. Priests give out candles to people in the Church and
they are lit at Midnight. Fireworks are also sometimes used to
signal that Easter Day has started.
On Easter morning, a soup made of Lambs stomach is
sometimes eaten for breakfast! The rest of the lamb is roasted
and eaten for the main meal.
A traditional Greek Easter cake is made with Oranges and
Almonds in it. It is eaten with a spicy orange sauce poured over
it.

20. On Easter Day in Italy, the Pope presides over a very large Mass
Service in St Peter's Square in the Vatican City. The service is a
place of Pilgrimage to Catholics and is broadcast on Radio and
T.V. all over the world.
In the Palm Sunday services and celebrations, Olive Branches
are often used instead of Palm leaves.
At the start of Lent, there is a big Mardi Gras festival in Venice.

21. On Good Friday in Portugal, large bonfire are lit. People burn
straw dolls made to look like Judas on them.

22. On Good Friday in Portugal, large bonfire are lit. People burn
straw dolls made to look like Judas on them.

28. A food eaten during Lent- the twisted
shaped symbolizes arms
crossed in prayer.

29. What is the meaning of the eggs?