Why we love EASTER
Just how was the Easter egg tradition hatched? 7 movies to watch this Easter season
Why is Easter Sunday such an important Christian holiday? Area children tell us “Why we love Easter” Easter Area Services & More!
A Special Section of The Daily Star Wednesday, April 5, 2023
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Celebrating Easter around the world
Even though Christian Easter traditions around the world might seem similar, there are many variations of the springtime festival.
In many Catholic countries, Easter marks the end of Lent and 40 days of fasting. Eggs are the food of choice to break this period of abstention, especially in Ireland where they are enjoyed as soon as the sun rises on Easter Sunday. In Ireland, too, the Easter “cake dance” is a contest in which the best dancer wins a cake.
In Italy, eggs are blessed by a priest before being placed at the centre of the table on Easter Sunday. In Bulgaria, several days before Easter, the custom is to send a messenger with a loaf of bread and a dozen red-coloured eggs to Turkish friends. In Syria and surrounding Armenian areas, the poor are welcomed into churches by priests who wash their feet in memory of Jesus’ gesture towards his disciples.
In France, church bells do not ring between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. The legend says that the bells go to Rome in order to be filled with Easter eggs. Upon their return, they spread their treasure in the gardens of towns and villages for the children to find during the traditional egg hunt on Easter morning.
In Mexico, on the eve of Easter Sunday, thousands of Mexicans gather in the streets at sundown to curse and burn images of Judas in order to denounce the betrayal of Christ. Pictures of Judas are attached to piñatas which are broken open to shower candies and other treats onto the streets and eager children. ~ Newspaper Toolbox
Sweet treats make Easter special
F rom chocolates to marshmallows to caramel eggs to jelly beans, Easter is chockful of candy. And for those who think Easter is only child’s play, guess again.
Americans spend up to $2 billion on Easter candy each year, according to Sweet Services, an online candy retailer. The National Confectioner’s Association says people in the United States consume nearly seven billion pounds of candy during the year, and Easter is the second-most popular holiday (behind Halloween) for indulging a sweet tooth.
Faith comes first for many Easter celebrants. But there’s nothing wrong with enjoying some candy come Easter Sunday. Here’s a look at the history behind some of the sweets the Easter Bunny might leave in your basket this year.
• Chocolate eggs: The first chocolate eggs were made in Europe in the early 19th century. Since then, they have become one of the most popular and recognizable treats associated with Easter. The chocolate egg is predated by edible Easter eggs made from sugar and pastry first designed in Germany. According to the “Guinness Book of World Records,” the largest chocolate Easter egg ever made debuted in 2011. It was just over 34 feet high and weighed nearly 16,000 lbs.
• Chocolate bunny: The Easter Bunny also is a German incarnation.
The seasonal bunny was introduced to America in the 18th century by German immigrants who believed in the “Osterhase,” an egg-laying hare they believed was a sign of new life and prosperity. Germans also introduced the first edible chocolate bunnies. The NCA says 76 percent of people eat the ears on chocolate bunnies first.
• Jelly beans: People aren’t quite sure where the jelly bean originated, but some think it was based on a soft, chewy Middle Eastern sweet called Turkish delight and the hard candy shell of Jordan almonds. William Shraft, a Boston-based confectioner, may have coined the phrase “jelly bean” when he urged people to send these sweets to Union soldiers fighting in the Civil War.
• Peeps: Peeps are owned and made by Just Born Inc., a Pennsylvania-based company started by Russian immigrants when they acquired the Rodda Candy Company in 1953. Just Born figured out a way to automate and streamline the process of making Peeps, and today they can produce 5.5 million per day.
Easter is a day filled with fun and lots of sweetness. Candy is a big part of the celebration.
movies to watch this Easter season
Movie-goers may not associate Easter with Hollywood blockbusters. However, there’s an entire cache of films that align well with Easter. When spending time with family and friends for the Easter holiday, consider these movies.
1. “It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown!”: This 1974 classic puts The Peanuts’ heartwarming spin on another holiday theme. The gang gets ready for Easter in the only ways they can — with lots of love and laughs.
2. “The Prince of Egypt”: This 1998 animated film tells the tale of Moses and Pharoah, and features the voices of Val Kilmer, Michelle Pfeiffer, Sandra Bullock, and Ralph Fiennes, among others.
3. “Hop”: This combination of live action and animation tells the story of the Easter Bunny’s teenage son “E.B.,” who wants to move to L.A. to pursue his passion for music, rather than be next in line for the family business.
4. “The Greatest Story Ever Told”: This 1965 epic tells the story of Jesus of Nazareth and follows His life from the nativity through to the crucifixion. At a whopping four hours and 20 minutes, it may be best to watch this in sessions, especially when watching with youngsters.
5. “The Dog Who Saved Easter”: A cuddly canine makes it his business to save Easter when three criminals try to sabotage it in this 2014 film. Mario Lopez voices the pup “Zeus’ in this family-friendly flick.
6. “The Ten Commandments”: Audiences continue to enjoy this beloved 1956 film staring Charlton Heston as Moses every Easter. With stunning special effects of the Burning Bush and parting of the Red Sea in the era before CGI, this story of faith wows audiences every time.
7. “The Passion of the Christ”: Released in 2004 and directed by Mel Gibson, this movie chronicles the final twelve hours of Jesus’ agony. The movie doesn’t shy away from violence as it attempts to bring audiences closer to the suffering of Christ, which earned it an R rating. This is likely a film for adults only.
Easter presents a time when families can enjoy religious-themed movies that share stories of faith or fun flicks with positive messages.
Free Summer Lunch in Neahwa Park!
The Summer Food Service Program will once again be held in Neahwa Park from July 5-August 25.
Free lunches for children up to age 18.
Volunteers needed.
2 THE DAILY STAR | Why We Love EASTER | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2023
At Easter celebrations around the world, eggs, candies, and chocolate mark the end of 40 days of Lenten fasting.
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Why is Easter Sunday such an important Christian holiday?
Christians around the world fill church pews on Easter Sunday to participate in one of the most holy and important celebrations of the liturgical year. Although every Sunday presents opportunities to share in the word of God, Easter Sunday is an especially significant date on the Christian calendar.
Each Easter, Christians celebrate the miracle of Christ’s defeat over death through his resurrection and ascension to his father’s side in heaven. However awe-inspiring, Easter is much more than this event and its retelling. Easter actually is the core of the Christian religion as it has come to be known, including inspiring the rituals and teachings that have been shared for nearly 2,000 years. Without the events that unfolded during Holy Week, the Christian faith would not exist as it was prophesied. Christ’s selfless sacrifice on the cross for others’ sins, as well as his miraculous resurrection, are the anchors upon which all of Christianity has been built.
In 1 Corinthians 15:17, St. Paul wrote, “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.” Pope Benedict VVI similarly summarized St. Paul’s words, indicating that if the resurrection were taken away, it may be possible to piece together ideas about God and men, but the Christian faith would be “dead.” In his book, Jesus of Nazareth, Pope Benedict further wrote, “Jesus would be a failed religious leader. He would then remain purely human, and his authority would extend only so far as his message is of interest to us.”
According to Christianity.com, Easter is part of the redemptive plan of mankind. It is worthy of celebration because it proved to people that Jesus is the Son of God. This gives Christians confidence that there is life after death, and they will have the same power working in them that raised Jesus from the dead.
Out of Holy Week and Easter also came the start of Christian masses. On Holy Thursday, Jesus introduced his disciples to the bread that they ate at the Last Supper as “his body” and the wine as “his blood.” This would serve as the basis for the Christian celebration of Holy Communion, which remains a vital component of the faith and religious services.
Easter is a significant date on the Christian calendar that inspires Christians across the globe to celebrate their faith.
Stories of the Resurrection as told in the Gospels
Easter is a holy day on the Christian calendar that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The resurrection of Jesus is described in the Gospels of the New Testament, which millions of Christians read every year, especially during the Lenten season, which is a 40-day period that directly precedes Easter Sunday.
The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John comprise the canonical Gospels. Each book can help Christians understand and connect with the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The following are passages from each of the canonical Gospels that help to tell the story of the resurrection of Jesus.
Matthew 28: 1-10
The significance of various symbols of Easter
Easter Sunday is a day when Christians across the globe celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Data from the Pew Research Center indicates there are approximately 2.4 billion Christians across the globe, which accounts for nearly one-third of the global population.
Though certain Christians groups do not celebrate Easter, many consider it the holiest day of the year. Given that significance, it’s no surprise Easter is steeped in symbolism. The following are some of the many symbols of Easter and what they represent to faithful Christians across the globe.
Eggs
Eggs might now be more instantly associated with Easter egg hunts for children, but the American Bible Society notes that eggs are symbolic of more than just fun for kids. Eggs represent the new life that’s symbolic of spring, which is when Easter occurs in the northern hemisphere. Christians view eggs as a reminder of the resurrection of Jesus. Interestingly, though colored eggs are often seen as a fun Easter activity for kids, the ABS notes that the tradition dates back to the early days of Christianity, when red-colored eggs were used to represent the resurrection.
Crucifix
The crucifix, which is a distinct representation of a cross with Jesus Christ on it, is symbolic of the crucifixion and subsequent resurrection of Jesus. The ABS notes that the resurrection of Jesus symbolizes his victory over the power of sin and death.
The Lamb
Jesus is referred to in the Bible as the “Lamb of God” (Revelation 5:6-14), so the lamb is another important Easter symbol for Christians. In addition, in John (1:29), Jesus is referred to by John the Baptist as the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”
Easter Bunny
Another symbol, like Easter eggs, that people could be forgiven for mistaking as purely secular, the Easter Bunny is not entirely separate from the spiritual meaning of the holiday. As noted, Easter, even though it’s a moveable feast, takes place in spring in the northern hemisphere each year. Spring is symbolic of rebirth, and the hare was a symbol of fertility among the ancient pagans. The spirit of rebirth associated with rabbits, particularly in spring, also is reminiscent of the resurrection of Jesus from his tomb.
Easter is celebrated across the globe. Those celebrations feature many significant religious symbols that have withstood the test of time.
Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”
Mark 16: 2-7
And very early in the morning, the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. And they said among themselves, “Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?” And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great. And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted. And he saith unto them, “Be not affrighted: ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him. But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.”
Luke 24: 1-12
But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” And they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened.
John 20: 1-10
Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples went back to their homes.
THE DAILY STAR | Why We Love EASTER | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2023 3
The days of Holy Week
Easter Sunday is often described as the holiest day on the Christian calendar. A day when Christians across the globe commemorate and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Easter Sunday is the culmination of the Lenten season of sacrifice. Easter Sunday comes on the heels of Holy Week, which is the most sacred week in the liturgical year in Christianity. Holy Week consists of various days that have their own special significance in the minds and hearts of Christians.
Palm Sunday Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week. Trinity College at the University of Melbourne notes that Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem, where he was greeted with crowds that enthusiastically waved palm branches. In commemoration of that entry and greeting, Christians receive palm branches or palm crosses during Palm Sunday Mass.
Maundy Thursday
Holy Wednesday
Once known as “Spy Wednesday,” Holy Wednesday focuses on the darkness of Holy Week and is meant to symbolize the abandonment of Jesus by his disciples. The religious service of Tenebrae, which is a Latin word meaning “darkness” or “shadows,” is typically observed during Holy Wednesday services.
Maundy Thursday commemorates the Washing of the Feet (Maundy) and the Last Supper. The Last Supper is the final meal Jesus shared with his apostles prior to his crucifixion. Christian scriptures indicate that, during the Last Supper, Jesus predicted his betrayal by one of the apostles present at the meal. It was also during the Last Supper when Jesus foretells that Peter will deny knowing him three times before the next morning. Trinity College notes that Maundy Thursday reminds Christians of the new commandment that Jesus gave his disciples. That commandment was to love others as Jesus has loved them.
Holy Week consists of various days that have their own special significance in the minds and hearts of Christians.
Good Friday
Good Friday commemorates the trial of Jesus, his subsequent sentence of death, his torture, his crucifixion, and burial. Non-Christians may wonder why a day commemorating such events would be characterized as “good,” but Trinity College notes that, in this sense, the word “good” is meant to connote something “holy” or “pious.”
Holy Saturday
Holy Saturday marks the conclusion of Holy Week. Celebrations of Holy Saturday typically include a latenight Easter Vigil service that involves a liturgy and ultimately the celebration of the Eucharist. The two-part celebration is designed to commemorate the emergence from darkness into the light that is the Eucharist.
Holy Week is a significant period for Christians across the globe that commemorates many of the events that preceded the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
• CELEBRATE THE RESURRECTION •
Easter Area Services
Celebrate with us at Good Fr iday Service 7p.m.with Childcarefor Nurser y- Pre- K Ea ster Su nday Services 9:00 and 10:45AMWorship Service Ma in St reet Ba pt is t Chu rch Corne rofM ain &M apl e Stre et s- On eonta www.m sb church.org 607- 432- 5712 FirstPresbyterianC hurch 296 Main Street,Oneonta Rev. Mark Montfort April6- Maundy Thursday Communion Tenebrae Serviceat7:00 P.M. April9- Easter WorshipSer vice at 10:45 A.M. 607-432-4286 St Mary ’s Our Lady of the Lake Roman Catholic Church 31 Elm Street Cooperstown • 607-547-2213 www.stmar yscoop.org Very Rev. Michael G. Cambi, Pastor HOLY THURSDAY, April 6 - 7 p.m. GO OD FRIDAY, April 7 - 12 noon HOLY SATURDAY, April 8 - Easter Vigil, 8 p.m. EASTER SUNDAY, April 9 - 8 a.m. & 12 noon The “Red Door ” Church (First United Presby terian) Ea ster SundaySer vice 10 :0 0a .m. Church Office:607-432-7520 TheRev.Dr. Cy nt hiaL .Walton-Leav it t The Parishes of Saint Mary,Oneonta &HolyCross, Morris Celebrate Holy Week 39 Walnut Street, Oneonta, New York 607.432.3920 –www smcconeonta.or Holy Thursday,April 6th 6:00pm &10:00pm Good Friday,April 7th 8:30am, 12 Noon, 1-3pm &4pm Holy Saturday,April 8th 8:30am &8:00pm Easter Sunday,April 9th 8:30am &10:30am 126 Rt. 10, Stamford•607-652-2711 Trinity Lutheran Church Join us as we celebrate the resur rection of our Lord. Good Fr idayat4:00 PM. Easter Sundayat9:00 AM. All welcome! === === === == Pine &ChurchStreet, Hobar t St. Peter’sEpiscopal Church Good Friday Service at 4:00 pm Easter Sunday Service at 11:30 am == === === == = EA STER SUND AY SERV ICE APRIL 9TH AT 10 :30 AM 43 54 STATE HI GHWAY 28 HART WI CK NY 1334 8 OU RCONN ECTC HUR CH .O RG St. James Episcopal Church 305 Main Street, Oneonta •607-432-1458 HolyWeekEucharists WednesdayApril 5–Noon Eucharist ThursdayApril 6–Noon MaundayThursdayEucharist FridayApril 7–Noon Good FridayWorship Easter SundayApril 9th 8am–Eucharist 10 am –Solemn Festival Eucharist 3 5 FirstUnite dMethodistChurch 66 Chestnut Street,Oneonta AReconciling Congregation WelcomingLGBTQIA 607-432-4102 Maundy Thursday,April 6 6:30 p.m. Worship Good Friday,April 7 12:10 p.m. (Ecumenical) Easter Sunday,April 9 SunriseSer vice at 7:00 a.m. (Courtyard) EggHuntat9:45 a.m. Worship at 10:30 a.m. Alls vi Zoo nd YouTube( pt Ma dy Th day&Sunrise) To join Zoom:Meeting ID 195 736 049 or call1-646–558–8656 Rev. MartiSwords-Horrell,Pastor •www firstumc-oneonta.org 4 THE DAILY STAR | Why We Love EASTER | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2023
607-432-5960 • 25 RIVER ST ONEONTA SALVATION ARMY April 6 – Maundy Thursday Service – 6:00 pm April 7 – Good Friday – Building open for Prayer 9:00 – 3:00 April 9 – Easter – Sunrise Service 7:00 am Breakfast 8:00 am (In Lieu of Meal w/Message) Sunday School – 9:30 am Easter Service – 10:30 am All are welcome
Area children tell us “Why we love Easter”
THE DAILY STAR | Why We Love EASTER | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2023 5
Area children tell us “Why we love Easter”
6 THE DAILY STAR | Why We Love EASTER | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2023
Easter egg hunts and other eggceptional
Easter is celebrated in various ways. Traditional religious commemorations include Saturday evening Easter vigils and Sunday morning Resurrection masses. Parents may spend Easter weekend putting the finishing touches on Easter Bunny baskets, and many families favor a combination of traditions.
Since religious as well as secular imagery and traditions have melded to form the Easter most individuals recognize today, a mix of customs may be part of your Easter festivities. Among them will be colored eggs, egg hunts and possibly even egg rolls. Just how was the Easter egg tradition hatched?
Pre-Christian societies
Before Christianity was as widespread as it is in modern times, many societies associated eggs with spring and new life. Many birds and animals lay eggs early in spring, and these eggs tend to hatch upon the arrival of the warm weather, budding flowers and buzzing insects.
Ancient Persians are believed to have painted eggs for Nowrooz, their new year celebration that would fall on the spring equinox each year.
Eggs also have been part of Passover celebrations. A hard-boiled egg dipped in salt water is served at a Passover seder, symbolizing both new life away from oppression and the Passover sacrifice at the Temple in Jerusalem, according to Chabad.org.
Just how was the Easter egg tradition hatched?
How to level up your Easter egg hunt
Do you want to surprise your kids for Easter this year?
Here are a few ways to put a creative spin on the traditional chocolate egg hunt.
• Draw a treasure map of your home with Xs to mark the spot of hidden Easter treats.
• Hide plastic eggs filled with stickers, mini animal figurines, bouncy balls and other small toys.
• Fill plastic eggs with silly instructions (hop like a bunny, chirp like a chick, etc.) that your kids must do to earn a candy.
• Put tiny glow sticks inside plastic eggs and have your Easter egg hunt in the evening.
• Send your kids on a scavenger hunt to find one of each type of hidden egg (a green one, a striped one, a blue one, etc.).
• Leave written clues around the house that eventually lead to a stash of chocolates.
• Divide up pieces of a puzzle or Lego creation among the plastic eggs so it can be assembled once the hunt is over.
• Fill plastic eggs with slips of paper that list a reward the finder gets (skip chores, stay up late, have a pizza night, etc.).
If it’s a nice day, consider having your Easter egg hunt in the backyard.
8 tips for dyeing Easter eggs
Coloring eggs is a beloved Easter tradition. Eggs long have been symbols of fertility and rebirth, making them fitting icons for spring.
One story links eggs to Easter as well. According to some religious scholars, Mary Magdalene, the woman who was the first person to see Jesus Christ after His resurrection, was holding a plain egg in her hand while waiting for the emperor to share the good news. The emperor then told her that Jesus’ resurrection was as improbable as that egg suddenly blushing. The egg then turned red.
Dyeing eggs is an entertaining activity, but one that also may have some religious significance. Many families will color eggs this Easter, and these guidelines can make the process go smoothly.
• Wait until just before coloring to hard-boil eggs. Good Housekeeping recommends boiling eggs for 11 minutes for a hard boil. Do not chill the eggs afterward; warm eggs absorb color more effectively for
Lent, Christianity and eggs
In medieval times, eating eggs was forbidden during Lent, when both dairy and meat were avoided. To reduce waste, eggs laid during Lent were boiled or preserved in some way.
The fast ended on Easter Sunday, and eggs became, once again, important and nutritious staples — especially for poor families that couldn’t afford much meat. Eggs also were given to the church by medieval English villagers and also to the lords of the manor. Royals eventually got in on the act, and decorated eggs were distributed to the household in a tradition that was one of the earliest to include eggs.
Egg hunts and more
Some historians suggest that egg hunts can be traced back to German Protestant reformer Martin Luther, who organized egg hunts for his congregation. The men would hide the eggs for the women and children to find. This symbolized the story of Christ’s resurrection, when the tomb was discovered by women. The eggs also represented Jesus’ new life and his emergence from the tomb.
Egg hunts are not the only egg-related games that were hatched for Easter celebrations. According to the website Learn Religions, some European children go from house to house begging for Easter eggs, like children may ask for treats on Halloween. The custom is called “pace-egging,” a term derived from the old word for Easter, “Pasch.” Egg rolls also are symbolic of rolling away the stone from Christ’s tomb. Various countries have their own rules on egg rolls. In Germany, for example, children roll their eggs down a track made from sticks. Easter eggs are an integral symbol of the holiday that hold both secular and religious meaning.
Cracking the tradition of hiding Easter eggs
Come Easter Sunday, eager children wake up to see if the Easter Bunny has visited their homes. For many families, Easter would not be the same without an annual egg hunt. From chocolate confections to money-filled plastic shells to colorful, hand-decorated hard-boiled eggs, the Easter Bunny (and his parental helpers) hide eggs all around.
As with many traditions, people may engage in the festivities without really understanding the origins behind the fun. It can be interesting to unearth just how such egg hunts were hatched.
As with many religious traditions, Easter egg coloring and hunts trace their origins to pre-Christian societies. These societies developed rituals surrounding nature, the seasons and more. Some traditions were adapted to link them to the Christian faith. Eggs held associations with new life and spring. However, early Christians turned the egg into a symbol of the Resurrection and the empty shell became a representation of Christ’s tomb. Eggs also were important components of the Easter holiday, as they were prohibited (like meat) during Lent. But on Easter, fasting ended and eggs were a part of Easter celebrations, particularly for the poor who couldn’t afford meat.
There are two widely known accounts of the origins of Easter egg hunts. The religious version has Protestant reformer Martin Luther organizing hunts for his congregation. The men would hide the eggs for women and children to find, which mirrors Resurrection accounts in the Bible in which women discovered Christ’s empty tomb. Another account traces the tradition to the Dutch tale of the “Oschter Haws’ (“Osterhase” in German), which was a hare that laid eggs in the grass. Children would build and decorate nests for the eggs and wait to see if they would be populated, according to Discovery.com. This tradition became popular in America with the arrival of Dutch and German settlers in Pennsylvania in the 1700s.
By the 20th century, decorated Easter nests were replaced with baskets, and Osterhase was more affectionately known as the Easter Bunny, who chose to leave eggs as well as treats and candy. Easter celebrations continued to marry both the religious and secular to form many of the customs that are known widely today.
Easter egg hunts are enjoyed by the young and old on Easter. They’re a key part of celebrations. Just remember to find all those hard-boiled eggs in a timely fashion.
eggs on top to allow air to circulate.
• Consider using glass bowls or ceramic mugs to house the colored dye solutions. These vessels are more sturdy than plastic cups, and less likely to be overturned by eager young hands.
• Scissor-style tongs are ideal tools for retrieving eggs from the dye. Eggs tend to slide off of the spoons or wire rings provided in kits, leading to splashing and kids dunking their fingers in to grab eggs.
• Stir dyeing cups often to guarantee consistent color.
• Use electrical tape to make patterns on Easter eggs. Dip the eggs and let dry. Afterwards, remove the tape to reveal the designs.
more vivid results.
• Egg dye can stain furniture, clothing or tablecloths. Therefore, dress in clothing that you’re not worried about staining. Also, cover work surfaces with an old tablecloth and newspapers to soak up any spills.
• Make a drying rack to ensure that eggs will dry evenly. This can be a rimmed cookie sheet lined with layers of paper towels to absorb any excess dye that runs off the eggs. Or push pins into thick foam board and place the
• If food coloring-based dyes seem too messy, use watercolor paint sets and allow everyone to get creative. While some people may want to use Easter eggs for recipes later on, it may be safer to boil up a fresh batch of eggs for that purpose, even if it seems wasteful. According to Emily Rubin, RD, LDN of the Thomas Jefferson University Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “hard-boiled eggs should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking and discarded if left out for more than two hours at room temperature.” Chances are it may take two hours or more for children to find hard-boiled eggs hidden by the Easter bunny.
THE DAILY STAR | Why We Love EASTER | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2023 7
traditions
Area children tell us “Why we love Easter”
8 THE DAILY STAR | Why We Love EASTER | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2023
Area children tell us “Why we love Easter”
Make your own chocolate Easter bunnies
The Easter bunny is a tradition that has been passed down for centuries. Symbolizing fertility and wealth, the Easter bunny became a holiday standard in Germany during the 16th century.
The custom of chocolate eggs came along centuries after the Easter bunny, originating in the 19th century in France and Germany. As Easter celebrations evolved, chocolate eggs were not the only delicacy; chocolate Easter bunnies also were shared and enjoyed.
While there are scores of mass-produced chocolate bunnies available for purchase, and many local chocolatiers also make Easter bunnies and other sweet treats, families may want to try making their own chocolate Easter bunnies this year. This can be a family-friendly activity that favors togetherness with the promise of a sweet reward.
1. The first step to creating chocolate Easter bunnies is to select the type of chocolate you prefer. Bunnies can be made from white chocolate, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even a combination for a marbleized effect. Chocolate melts, chips or chocolate couverture are widely available at specialty chocolate and food shops or craft supply stores, according to DoItYourself.com. This simplifies the bunny-making process. Some retailers also may sell bunny-making kits that pair the chocolate melts with the mold in one box for ultimate convenience.
2. Craft stores also have aisles devoted to culinary crafts. Browse to find an Easter bunny mold. Some may sell solid chocolate bunnies or hollow varieties.
Choose molds in the desired size, as bunny molds may be large or small.
3. Follow directions to melt chocolate successfully. Some chocolates can be slowly melted in the microwave. A double-boiler method, in which the chocolate is melted in a bowl placed above a pan with boiling water, can help the chocolate melt consistently and prevent it from burning.
4. Pour the chocolate into the mold and gently tap the mold so that it displaces air bubbles and helps the chocolate settle evenly into the design. Allow the chocolate to set up in the refrigerator. If your mold is
hollow, you can seal the two halves of the bunny with a little melted chocolate on the seam. Creativity can be unleashed when making homemade chocolate bunnies. Experiment with adding a few drops of peppermint oil or orange liqueur to customize the flavor. Before sealing hollow bunnies, place peanut butter or raspberry jam inside for a tasty surprise. Use colored candy melts to add colorful eyes or cheeks or to tint the inside of the bunny ears. For an even more festive effect, seal a lollipop stick in a chocolate bunny and use it to secure the Easter bunny to the top of a cake.
THE DAILY STAR | Why We Love EASTER | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2023 9
Where do rocks like to sleep? Q:
A: On bedrock!
Material for your weekly game page
On what day of the week are most twins born? Q:
A: Twos-day!
Q:
What did the flower say after it told a joke?
A: I was just pollen your leg.
HelpGeorgetherabbit gatheritsfoodbychoosing therightpath.
Materialforyour weeklygamepage
Q: A:Abulldozer.
Whatdoyoucall asleepingbull?
Q:
Whatisthetallest buildingintheworld?
A:Thelibrary;ithasthe moststories.
Q:
Whatdoyoucall abeltwithawatch onit?
A:Awaistoftime.
Howmanycircles arethereabovetheline? Andhowmanystarsdo youseebelowtheline?
DRAWTHEMIRRORIMAGEOFTHEPICTUREYOUSEE
Whyarefrogs sohappy? Q: A:Theyeatwhatever bugsthem.
Howmanycircles arethereabovetheline?
Andhowmanystarsdo youseebelowtheline?
Materialforyour weeklygamepage
Q: A:Milkandquackers.
Whatdoyouget whenyoucrossacow andaduck?
Whatdidtheleopard sayaftereating hisowner? Q:
A:Man,thathitthespot.
10 THE DAILY STAR | Why We Love EASTER | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2023
ANSWER: 3 AND 8 START FINISH ANSWER 1 4 7
ANSWER:THEREARENINECIRCLESABOVETHELINEANDSEVENSTARSBELOW.
ANSWER:THEREARENINECIRCLESABOVETHELINEANDSEVENSTARSBELOW.
HelpGeorgetherabbit gatheritsfoodbychoosing therightpath.
THE DAILY STAR | Why We Love EASTER | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2023 11 BASKET BUNNY CANDY CARROTS CHICKS CHOCOLATE DECORATE EASTER EGGS FAMILY FLOWERS FUN HUNT JELLYBEANS LILY PARADE RABBIT SEARCH SPRING SUNDAY WORDS TO FIND: 1 2 3 ANSWER : FOUR AND SIX 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 ANSWER : TWO AND SIX
Fill out this formand mail it alongwithyour spring coloring page to: The Daily Star 102Chestnut St. Oneonta,NY13820
Fillo ut th is fo rm an dmail it alon gw ithyou r Spring colo ring page to: The DailyStar, 102 Che stnutSt., On eo nta, NY 13820
The Daily Star will be sponsoring a Spring Coloring Contesttobeheld April 19th at noon at The Daily Star offices. Prizes will be awardedineach age group (preschool to age 5; ages 6-9 and ages 10-13).
TheDaily Star will be sponsoring aSpring Coloring Contest to be held April 30thatnoon at The Daily Star offices.
Prizes will be awarded in eachage group (preschooltoage 5; ages6-9 and ages 10-12).
The winners will be announced in The Daily Star on Saturday,April 22nd. All winners will be contacted by phone.
The winnerswill be The Daily Star on Tuesday, May4th. All winners will be contacted by phone.
Spring and Good Luck Coloring!
12 THE DAILY STAR | Why We Love EASTER | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2023
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