Easter is the principal celebration of the Christian Church. On this day, millions of Christians worldwide remember the resurrection of Jesus Christ, two days after His crucifixion.
What do we do with our children to recognize this major religious event? Paint eggs. To most, it seems like a most absurd gesture pulled right off the third ring of Saturn.
While we love to have our children share in the joy of the season, we want to make sure that we know why we participate in what we do. After all, if anyone has a young child, you know ‘why’s’ are unavoidable. Therefore, let’s make sure we have an answer prepared.
For centuries, the egg has been recognized as a symbol of fertility and rebirth. Pagans, who hold religious beliefs other than those of mainstream society’s preferences, have been known to use eggs as a symbol of restoration or renewal – commonly associated with springtime. It wasn’t long before Christians adopted this idea and began connoting it with “new life,” or the rebirth of Jesus Christ. Christians used the hard shell of an egg to represent the sealed tomb, while the cracking of the egg symbolizes the resurrection.
What about the dye, you ask? Early Christians began dying Easter eggs red – suggesting the blood of Jesus Christ. Over time, the tradition evolved, and different colors were introduced in relation to the holiday tale and mythology. Blue epitomized love, yellow— the resurrection, and so forth. It wasn’t long before biblical scenes began being painted onto eggs as well.
Here is where the practice started gearing more toward children, in preparing them for the season. Early-age missionaries would dress eggs with biblical imagery, then hide them for children to find. Once the egg was found, the child would recite what the scene was about.
May it be for the reset we are granted during the springtime, for the celebration of resurrection, or both, the egg can hold higher meaning for our kids. Due to its welcomed popularity, our children can celebrate new life while also honoring traditions of a faith-based nature that far precede them.
Here are a few local opportunities you and your kids to contribute to the revitalizing season this weekend:
SATURDAY, APRIL 9
• Sayville Main Steet’s Spring Festival will take place from 11 am to 3 pm. Roads will be closed for sidewalk sales, scavenger hunts, raffle tables, etc. Special events include a Spring Bonnet Contest and a visit with the Easter Bunny!
• Easter Egg Hunt at Mineola Memorial Park begins at 11:15 am. Families can enjoy crafts, face-painting and more entertainment options. You may just be one of the lucky 12 that finds a golden egg which is accompanied with a special prize!
• Easter Egg Hunt, Enchanted Forest Walk and Festival starts at 11 am with no specific end time at Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown. Kids can hunt for prize-filled eggs, watch live animals, get their faces painted, and play games.
• Brunch and Play with the Easter Bunny is set for 1 pm – 5 pm at Eleven Twenty Events in Oceanside. Here, there will also be an Easter brunch, the Easter Bunny will be in attendance, an egg hunt and craft contest will unfold, and even more fun times can be had by those who enjoy bounce houses, movies and game rooms.
These are just a handful of Easter-related events happening in and around your area. If you are searching for additional ways to celebrate the forthcoming holiday with your family, contact your local town hall or library. Let the games begin—and happy hunting!
