Vigo County Historical Society
Historical Treasure Article
Historic Treasure of the Week -
March 31, 2002
By Dr. Dipa Sarkar
Vigo County Historical Society
Easter celebrated many ways, but it has a common theme
Easter was celebrated very early (1300s) in various parts of Europe, but came to America rather late (1800s). Protestants, particularly Puritans, rejected it.
The name Easter came from an ancient festival, Eostur, held in northern Europe to celebrate the return of spring--a new birth
The name Passover originated with the Hebrew word, Pesah, a Jewish feast celebrated on the night of the first full moon in the spring equinox, when it is resurrected from the winter. Greeks and Latin mythology had similar celebrations when their Goddess returned from the darkness below the cold earth to the light of the day to bring back life to the Earth. Most traditions of Easter came from different countries, people and times of history, but it has the strongest allegiance with Christianity and Jewish religions.
Easter is celebrated with many traditions and symbols which may vary from country to country, but all show a common theme of joy, happiness and hope. Nature brings back life, color and music. Days are longer with more sunshine. Dark cold earth bursts with many colors of the blooming, fragrant flowers. New births of rabbits and lambs come in abundance, which also signifies continuance of life and prosperity. People celebrated Easter in many different ways according to their countries and traditions. In many countries, all work ceased for three days. In England, the old Paschal candle was extinguished and a new one lighted. People brought wood sticks, then starting with a prayer, made a bonfire and danced around the first to bring joy and happiness. Russians kissed in the morning saying “Voskress Christos,” meaning “Christ has risen.”
For Christians, Easter is the celebration in the name of Jesus who was crucified but was resurrected. For Hebrews, it is for the “pass over.” The angel of death would pass over houses marked in lamb’s blood, thereby saving the new first-born son of the household.
From all these ancient customs, we still have a few that we practice today. Christians and Jews continue the religious tradition of their respective faiths. Children color eggs, new fashionable clothes are purchased, greeting cards are sent. Easter baskets, colored eggs, stuffed rabbits and lambs all represent the theme of the Easter celebration of joy, happiness, hope and past remembrances.
The Historical Museum of the Wabash Valley, 1411 S. Sixth St., is open from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The Web Site: http://indstate.edu/community/vchs.