Easter is a time for joy and
happiness epitomising new beginnings as devotees recall the resurrection
of Christ.
The word "Easter" is derived from the Norse Ostara or Eostre,
the Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring, to whom the month of April was
dedicated. The Greek myth of Demeter and Persephone conveys the idea of
a goddess returning seasonally from the nether regions to the light of
day. This is in conjunction with the festival of spring, or vernal
equinox, when nature is in resurrection after winter.
Churches throughout the world celebrate Easter as a major feast ranking
with Christmas, and the "hot cross bun" or boon is distributed
among the faithful , usually on Good Friday. On Easter Sunday, most
Christians attend church in the morning and upon returning home, the
younger members of the family receive easter eggs. The type of Easter
egg can vary from a simple hard-boiled egg with its shell painted in
brillient hues, to the more exqusite confection with an outer shell made
from marzipan or chocolate. Upon breaking them one is often delighted to
find a delectable assortment of toffees and bon bons. Another Easter
delicacy is the Simnel cake.
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