Easter is commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the son of God.
In Christian religions, and specifically whether you are a Western Christian or Eastern Christian, Easter is often times celebrated on different days.
Western Christianity
In Western Christianity, The date Easter is celebrated varies, but it occurs on a Sunday from March 22 to April 25, and marks the end of the forty days of Lent, a period of fasting and penitence in preparation for Easter which begins on Ash Wednesday.
Eastern Christianity
In Eastern Christianity, Easter also varies but occurs on a Sunday in the Gregorian calendar, from April 4 to May 8.
In Old English, Easter, or Eostre, means "Goddess of the Dawn," and she was celebrated annually on the vernal equinox, along with many pagan equinox rituals.
When missionaries began converting the pagans of England in the second century, the springtime or equinox festivals were kept alive to ease the change from Eostre to Christ's resurrection. In 601 A. D, Pope Gregory I stated in a letter that in the conversion of pagan Anglo-Saxons to Christianity, pagans be allowed to continue celebrating their ancient rituals to ease the transition to Christianity.
Celebrating Easter with Pagan Traditions
The Easter Egg and the Easter Bunny
The adoption of the Easter Egg in the U.S. has at its origin, many pagan traditional spring or vernal equinox rites that pre-date the popularity of the Easter in The United States. Myths from ancient civilization, and old Latin proverbs recount that "life springs from an egg" and that eggs had long been viewed as the symbol of life.
In early Europe, eggs were as hung on trees and Maypoles during pagan spring or festivals. In the spring or equinox festivals in ancient Egypt, Persia, Greece, and Rome, eggs were colored, used as decorations, eaten, and were sometimes used as gifts.
It is believed that the ritual of Easter eggs was introduced by the Missionaries in Western Europe, in the fifteenth century.
The Easter bunny, although secular in origin and tradition, is perhaps the most popular symbol of Easter. It is believed that the fertility of the rabbit has resulted in the Easter Bunny becoming an Easter symbol. It was the German immigrants and their children that are given credit for introducing the Easter Bunny and the colored eggs in the U.S. Today the popular Easter egg basket takes it adoption from the earlier rabbit's nest and colored eggs that were popular with Western European children, and especially German children.
Easter Events In New Jersey
Jenkinsons Boardwalk
Egg Hunt -SHARP Ages 0-4 on the Beach in Front of Aquarium (1 parent per child alllowed on beach) Ages 5-6 & 7-8 on the Beach in Front of Frank's Fun Center Ages 9-10 on the Beach in Front of Amusement Park Limit 5 Eggs per Child - No Digging Utensils
Sunday, March 16th 1:00pm
Easter Parade
Asbury Park Boardwalk holds an Annual Easter Parade each Easter Sunday. In inclement weather, the event is held in Convention Hall or the Paramount Theatre.
Easter Weekend Lunch Cruise
Celebrating Easter on the water is a great way to kick off Spring with a bountiful lunch buffet, live entertainment and DJ dancing. Get out on the water to enjoy the wonderful views of the Manhattan skyline. Kids Cruise Free!
March 22 & 23, 2008
Departing Lincoln Harbor, NJ
Boarding: 11:30am, Cruise: Noon - 2pm
Call to book 866-483-3866
Historic Smithville-Easter Events
March 22, 2008 Easter Bunny Breakfast
March 23, 2008 Easter Parade
609-652-7777
Wildwood Opening Day Celebration
Morey's Piers opening day coincides with celebrating Easter and fun for the kid in all of us including rides, food, entertainment and even an Easter egg hunt for the kids. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. 609-522-3900
Ocean Grove Easter Egg Hunt
March 22, 2008, Saturday Easter Egg Hunt, Main Ave. Beach, 11am
800-388-4768
Ocean City, Breakfast with the Easter Bunny
March 22, 2008
9am-12noon, and enjoy celebrating Easter at the Chatterbox, 9th & Central Ave.
For reservations call 609-399-0113.
L'Ecole, Kinnelon Museum - 2nd Annual Easter Egg Hunt
March 23rd at 11 A.M. out on the museum lawn, rain date: March 30th
Celebrating Easter in Kinnelon is a local event. Come see the Easter Bunny on the porch for picture taking, please bring your camera.
This event is open to the littlest Tri-Boro residences; pre-school and Kindergartners
only and must be accompanied by an adult
25 Kiel Avenue
Gloucester Township-Easter Bunny Brunch
Saturday, March 8, 2008,10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Celebrating Easter is a local event for kids to come see the Easter Bunny and enjoy bagels, donuts, refreshments, and fun and games.
Bring your camera and get your picture taken with the Easter Bunny.
Held at the Recreation Center.
Check out our list of the Best Family restaurants if you plan on celebrating Easter with your family at a New Jersey restaurant. |
