resources
« Be Reconciled | Main | He Resolutely Set Out »
March 25, 2009Easter Eggs
Eggs by Sue Copenhaver, photo by Emily Martin.
Slavic people have been making pysanky (above) for centuries. When Christianity was introduced in their region more than 1000 years ago, much of the pagan symbolism in the eggs was repurposed, so that fish came to represent Christ; lines encircling the egg eternal life; triangles, the Trinity; and the egg itself, the Resurrection, as well as spring and fertility.
In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."
- Luke 1:26-33
recent posts
Tags
Africa, Archaeology, Asia, Australia, Bible, cartoon, chart, church life, churches, collage, crafts, design, drawing, Easter, Europe, exhibits, history, holidays, Holy Week, illumination, India, Jesus, Lent, ministry, movies, News, news, painting, paintings, photography, print, research, sculpture, South America, stained glass, U.S., woodblock, woodcut, worship| Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |||
| 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
| 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 |
| 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 |
| 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 |
Comments
Hello everyone,
I saw the article about Easter, and think it is great that so many people are making plans, and getting excited about the festivities. Easter is one of those religious festivals that can turn out to be quite stressful, what with all the family over demanding attention, and having to cook lunch for everyone... the list goes on.
Posted By: Nicole | March 26, 2009 5:05 AM
I love this photo!
Posted By: Ruth | March 26, 2009 10:18 PM
I think that the celebration of easter should be re-thought given it's questionable history. I understand that this has become a day that many look forward to, but I think a study of it's origins might sway the true believer towards renouncing the display. While the purpose if to celebrate one of the most important incidents in history, I believe that the methods used denegrate that day. Nowhere in my Bible does it state that we are to celebrate this day with decorating eggs. What eggs have to do with Jesus is a mystery to me. In true fact, the eggs honor the fertility gods of pagan nations, and are found connected to Isis, Ishtar, and many others, forbidden by God. in the very first commandment given by God. Have we forgotten, or do we just not care?
Posted By: Anthony Mammano | March 30, 2009 6:34 AM
Ruth: If you have kids do you or did you leave presents out from Santa Clause? I think the reason you do something whether it use to be pagan or not is what God looks at. We aren't decorating eggs for fertility or some other pagan ritual. Personally I just think their pretty and we even eat ours on Easter day.
Posted By: Christal | March 30, 2009 7:08 AM
Sorry Ruth I meant Anthony
Posted By: Christal | March 30, 2009 7:09 AM