Topics covered:
Eggs. Associated with Spring and new life by many cultures with painted and coloured eggs being given as gifts by the Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Persians and Chinese in pagan festivals celebrating the return of Spring. Eggs were symbols of Christ’s resurrection for early Christians.
Colouring eggs. Colouring eggs is ancient and widespread, with mysterious reasons to decorate eggs with special origins stated. Red being a symbol of life, good luck and fortune.
Chinese Red Eggs
© Alpha (https://flic.kr/p/a79mA6)
Tsoureki, traditional Greek Easter Bread
© David Joyce (https://www.flickr.com/photos/bobba_dwj/17146723452)
Easter Games. There were lots of games focussed around the Easter period, often involving young men showing off their strength. Easter Eggs were used in games such as egg tossing, egg-shackling, egg rolling.
Bonfires. May Day marked the beginning of Summer. There were many ritual bonfires, seen as good luck, symbols of renewal and purifying. All domestic fires would be put out and a bonfire lit by a sacred fire kindled in a special way and then domestic fires would be relit from torches from the bonfire. Fires were lit at other times of the year. A strict process had to be followed, with lots of conditions. Need Fires were lit at times of crisis such as Foot and Mouth.
Last Updated on October 24, 2016