We’ve always celebrated Easter, from as far back as I can remember. Perhaps not with great pomp and show each time, but it has always come to signify enjoyable times for get-togethers of close family members and friends, along with small traditions that were so much fun to follow. For instance, waking up on Easter morning to find bunny footprints leading up to my room when I was a kid (it took me several years to realize the fact that it was basically a mixture of talcum powder and flour, carefully carved out by mum); scavenging for brightly colored Easter eggs in every nook and cranny around the house, followed by squeals of delight on finding one before the others; and to top it all, tucking into a scrumptious Easter dinner with the entire family, replete with my grandma’s to-die-for lamb with cranberries!
With my kids looking forward to the festival every year, I feel I have been successful to a certain extent as a parent, by carrying forward the fun-filled rituals and traditions. However, last year my curious daughter asked me a couple of questions related to the occasion (which cropped up in her mind when she came across certain terms related to Easter in the pet games she plays). That made me realize it would be a good idea for our kids to know the basic, underlying facts associated with Easter. In that regard, here are some basic questions and answers which I feel could help parents like me introducing their kids to Easter for the first time.
Why is Easter celebrated?
It is the day on which Jesus Christ rose from the dead (‘resurrection’).
What is Good Friday?
The Friday before Easter Sunday is called Good Friday.
Why do we celebrate the festival with Easter eggs?
Eggs are thought to celebrate new life. Hence, similar to how our Christ rose to life from the dead, Easter eggs are believed to be special since they too have life within them.
What about the Easter bunny?
I simply tell my kids that a bunny is the most cheerful animal that hops, skips and jumps, and hence it comes to be associated with the happy Easter festival (my dad used to tell me this tale and so it needs to be passed on from generation to generation!).
While it may not be possible to let your kid in into the exact story behind Easter, a basic, true version of the series of events should be enough for them initially. To do this, it is important to adopt a child-friendly manner of narration, since stories of crucifixion and resurrection may be too complex for them to comprehend for the time being. If the kids are very young, perhaps you could introduce them to some enticing picture books – Where are Baby’s Easter eggs (by Karen Katz), Peter Rabbit’s Happy Easter (by Grace Maccarone) or The Night Before Easter (by Natasha Wing) are good options to begin with.
Why is Easter celebrated?
It is the day on which Jesus Christ rose from the dead (‘resurrection’).
What is Good Friday?
The Friday before Easter Sunday is called Good Friday.
Why do we celebrate the festival with Easter eggs?
Eggs are thought to celebrate new life. Hence, similar to how our Christ rose to life from the dead, Easter eggs are believed to be special since they too have life within them.
What about the Easter bunny?
I simply tell my kids that a bunny is the most cheerful animal that hops, skips and jumps, and hence it comes to be associated with the happy Easter festival (my dad used to tell me this tale and so it needs to be passed on from generation to generation!).
While it may not be possible to let your kid in into the exact story behind Easter, a basic, true version of the series of events should be enough for them initially. To do this, it is important to adopt a child-friendly manner of narration, since stories of crucifixion and resurrection may be too complex for them to comprehend for the time being. If the kids are very young, perhaps you could introduce them to some enticing picture books – Where are Baby’s Easter eggs (by Karen Katz), Peter Rabbit’s Happy Easter (by Grace Maccarone) or The Night Before Easter (by Natasha Wing) are good options to begin with.
Indulging in some hands-on Easter craft activities is also a good idea. Have a look at this video tutorial for some simple DIY ideas. Or else, ask your little one to pen down a letter to the Easter bunny. My kids write to Santa Claus every year and always get back written replies (*wink*). It could be similar with the Easter bunny. The idea is to get your children happily involved in the festivities and explain little by little what each ritual and tradition signifies.
May your Easter basket be full of joy, happiness and peace today and always!
May your Easter basket be full of joy, happiness and peace today and always!