EASTER CUSTOMS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21141, 26 March 1932, Page 4 (Supplement)

EASTER CUSTOMS.

The celebration of Easter varies in different parts of (he Continent. In Russia, after rigorous abstinence, there is general feasting, and the people rush into the streets, embracing each other. Cage-birds are set free, as emblematical of (he liberty the people, celebrate lu Vienna the season is one for the. general interchange of civilities, and the Easter epp is not, a plaything, or toy lor (he children, as in Germany, but is composed of silver, mother-of-pearl, or bronze, and is filled with either jewels or coins. • Many religious ceremonies, often carried out oil* a magnificent, scale, take place in Home, and the celebrations conclude with a tremendous display of fireworks. The day our Lord was crucified is called " (rood " Friday in England, because it reminds Us of the day upon which the great good to mankind took place. Iho Danes call it, " Long " Friday, the Germans " Still " Friday and the I'rcnch " Passion " Friday. At one time a great amount of argument took place concerning (he dale of Easter, but in the year 325 A.1)., a number of church people met at Nice in the south of Fiance, and decided (lie matter and we still follow their decision to-day. The date matters little. The symbols, buns and eggs much less, but what they all signify, or stand for. is a matter of importance to all of us as Christian people, for it, is our duty to give heed to Easter as the great ro " minder of the Divine Plan of life and death. There is a danger to-day in the way many folk treat all Christian " holy days " merely as a chance for having a good time and nothing more than that. I hope this chat about Easter will cause us all to think a wee bit more about the meaning of the festival. From STANLEY M ANSON, 24 O.len Road, Stanley Bay. Ako 10. (Copied.)