Easter is often considered to be nothing more than a Christian holiday that is celebrated around the world. The Easter holiday marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The origin of Easter can be traced back to mythology. The name Easter comes from the name of an ancient Greek Goddess of Spring, Eostre. Eostre, it was believed returned to the Earth after a long, cold winter and with her, brought along the light and warmth of Spring. Ancient Greeks celebrated the return of Eostre and spring with pagan festivals. You can make your Easter celebration into a fun and exciting party for all when you plan a themed party. As with many pagan festivals, the date coincided with the equinox on the 21st of March every year. It was important to keep Eostre happy in order to ensure she would return year after year. Therefore the Greeks threw an extravagant feast and celebration.
When the holiday became more Christianized, the celebration was no longer about welcoming spring, but instead was based upon the resurrection of Jesus. To sever the ties from paganism even further, the church changed the date of the festival from being held on the spring equinox, but instead it was to be held the first Sunday following the full moon after the vernal equinox (or on the full moon if it happened to fall on the first Sunday). Because the holiday is to be scheduled based upon that of the full moon, the Easter holiday can be celebrated as early as March 22nd or as late as April 25th.
Symbols that are often associated with Easter and their meanings are:
Easter Eggs represent the new season and the new life of the crops as the world wakes up from the sleep of winter. You'll find the most colorful and exciting easter egg decorating ideas when you shop for your Easter themed party ideas. Scenes like rising sun and northern lights were printed on original Easter Eggs by pagans for their celebration. Christians believe in a legend that said that Mary offered eggs to Roman soldiers in exchange for not killing her son. Eggs are therefore considered a lucky gift to share on Easter.Easter Lilies represent the purity of the new life that comes from being resurrected. Easter Bunny was originally an Easter Hare. Hares are a symbol of fertility linked to the Greek goddess of fertility - Eostre. Later, as it was more recognized that rabbits were more active reproducers, the bunny replaced the hare. Easter chicks represent the rebirth of the earth. Today, in modern times, Easter is celebrated not only in the United States but around the world. Each symbol and tradition marking a tradition of life, renewal, rebirth, and resurrection, not just for the Christian belief of Christ, but for the rejuvenation of the world as winter is replaced by the warmth of spring.
Labels: birthdays, decorations, easter, favors, games, invitations, parties, party, supplies
One of the newest celebrations of the calendar year, Earth Day fills a niche that in earlier times was only occupied by Arbor Day. Earth Day goes one step beyond the earlier tribute to trees and gives a tip of the hat to all environmental factors. Whereas previous generations gave their full backing to the concept of planting trees in May they didn't get involved with the issues of trash removal from public places as we now do in April.
Both observations are concerned with the appearances of public places but today's Earth Day celebrations add the urgency of awareness of negative impacts on the environment on the whole. In some parts of the country Earth Day coincides with spring mushroom forays when the favorite wild morel mushrooms are at their peak harvest. This adds greatly to the sheer numbers of gum boot clan people picking through wooded lots.
Participants of both activities may not be at odds philosophically but can still get in one another's way. With one group picking out abandoned tires and the other trying to find tender vegetation some conflict arises. The local mountain biking group may have scheduled an annual lengthy bike trip. Whatever group you fall into, you can get your point across and have a really fun time when you come up with great ideas for your Earth Day celebration themed party. As luck would have it some states also offer Free State park camping or stock local fishing spots as a tribute to Earth Day. What's even more hectic is that a lot of birthdays are celebrated in April.
Keeping these varied interests on track is no minor mission for those who juggle these coincidental schedules. So while the leaves of oak trees are the size of squirrel ears and the air still holds a chill; wilderness areas are surprisingly busy places. There can be frazzled tempers in the great outdoors.
When you choose your fun party supplies for your Earth Day celebration, please respect everyone's use of the woods and use paper party supplies.
Labels: birthdays, day, decorations, earth, favors, games, invitations, parties, party, supplies, theme
