EASTER CUSTOMS IN MANY LANDS.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 77, 31 March 1931, Page 10

EASTER CUSTOMS IN MANY LANDS.

WEEK IS CELEBRATED IN DIFFERENT WAYS. Easter, which derives its name from Eastre, an English spring goddess, has become a time for holiday-making and jollification. It has always been regarded as the chief festival of the Christian year, and we find that all over the world different countries have their own particular way of celebrating Easter week. After the austerities of Ltnt, people give themselves up to enjoyment. Hence, Sunday in Easter is called the “ Sunday of Joy ”. In the East it is still known as “ the “ Bright Day ”, and in Bohemia it is designated the “ Grand Night Gaiety of Seville. In Spain, people from all over the world visit Seville to witness the wonderful procession of Penitente during Easter week. From the outlying districts peasants throng to Seville for the week of jollification. In the procession, statues of the Madonna, beautifully gowned in rich clothing and wearing as much jewellery as can be placed round the neck, are carried. Each confradia (parish) vies with the others as to whose Madonna shall be the most richly adorned with jewels. They are carefully guarded by four or eight of the armed guard of Seville. These celebrations last for a whole week, and the town gives itself entirely to holiday making. Many of the inhabitants do not return to their homes to rest, but take the opportunity of snatching a little sleep by the roadside whenever the merrymaking becomes too much for them. Of Pagan Origin. In Russia, at the time of salutation, red eggs are exchanged and caged birds are let free as emblematic of that liberty which is consecrated by the Easter solemnities. Many of the popular observances connected with Easter, and clearly of pagan origin, are traceable to the feast of the goddess “ Eastre ”. The worship of this deity was introduced into England by the Saxons, and was celebrated in many parts of North Germany down to the beginning of the nineteenth century by the kindling of bonfires and other rites. The Egg Popular. A popular feature of Easter is the egg, symbolic of renewed life. It was the custom of the Parsees to distribute red eggs at the spring festival. In Germany, instead of the Easter egg being given, a print in which three hens hold a basket wherein are three eggs, is given as an emblem of Easter. In Vienna, a far more elaborate egg is chosen. It is composed of silver, mother-of-pearl or bronze, and is filled with all kinds of knick-knacks. Even nowadays the custom of having eggs at Easter has not waned, and we find the majority of them are edible, being made of icing sugar, gaily patterned, or of chocolate. Most of the old customs and superstitions associated with the Easter festivals have fallen into disuse, but as a holiday season its popularity is not likely to decrease.