A hopeful Easter
Easter is the biggest Christian holiday, the "feast of feasts" (sollemnitas sollemnitatum).
It is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and with this, the redemption of mankind.
According to the decision of the first Council of Nicea in 325, Easter is held following the spring equinox, on the first Sunday after the full moon (22 March – 25 April). The so-called moveable feasts of the church year are adapted to this.
In the Hungarian language, the name Easter refers to the end of the fasting period, because then it is possible to eat meat again. A part of the Easter Sunday ceremony is the blessing of Easter foods (lamb or ham, cakes, eggs, wine).
One of the folk customs of Easter Monday is boys showering water on girls and in return giving painted eggs. Showering water on girls is based on the belief in the purifying power of water. Poems and spraying perfume only spread later, as well as the image of the Easter rabbit bringing gifts, which is a symbol of fertility and the cyclical renewal of life, however we only have records from the 16th century about the tale of the rabbit bringing presents to children. According to the folk belief, the egg with the hatching bird symbolizes Jesus' rebirth and life itself and the red color represents the shed blood of Jesus.
Easter Monday was one of the most important occasions for young girls and boys; a true spring holiday with fun outdoor recreation.
Special egg decorating techniques at the links below:
