1. History of Easter

2. Acts 12: 4 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.

3. History of Easter Eggs No Easter without eggs
Early civilizations: Persians, Hindus, and Egyptians
Belief that the world began as an egg
Yolk as sun and remains as earth
Why eggs?
Civilizations realized the egg was the beginning of life
Life was renewed and eggs were laid every spring meaning the world was given hope
Egg as a symbol of pagan culture found their way into Christianity: celebration of resurrection

4. Egg Hunt Colored Eggs People was in egg hunt for survival
Honored symbol of new life especially for New Christians
Egg Hunt
People was in egg hunt for survival
Over the time different groups of children adopted a special day for egg hunt
Prize for the most beautiful egg
Colored Eggs
Orthodox Christians were probably the first for colored eggs for egg hunt as well as teaching tool.

5. Throughout the times the eggshell became the canvas
Red paint represents the blood of Christ shed for our sins
Throughout the times the eggshell became the canvas
Eggs were decorated with images of Jesus, His disciples, Mary, Joseph, etc, especially in Eastern Europe in Dark & Middle Ages.
In Germany in Middle Age the custom of giving green eggs before Good Friday became a tradition
In Scandinavian countries and some of British Isles the children went from house to house begging for brightly colored eggs.
To receive the eggs the children must act out

6. Baskets In Medieval times eggs were on the list that couldn’t be eaten
Easter story called “pace egging” from Hebrew word “Pescah” (Passover). As time came it became known as “Peace eggs” representing the peace Christ could bring to each person’s life.
In Medieval times eggs were on the list that couldn’t be eaten
In during the Lent season for six weeks. Egg hunt for hard-boiled eggs began as hunting for treasures
Baskets
At first hat or old sack was used for egg hunt, but most were cracked eggs after bringing them home.

7. Family used the basket to bring food to be blessed by the priest
Family used the basket to bring food to be blessed by the priest. Afterwards, the kids were allowed to use the baskets for egg hunt. The baskets were probably the first commercial successful exploitation of Easter.
Churches
After breaking off form Catholics during Martin Luther’s time New denominations felt that anything that had pagan roots would be removed from the church. Puritans banned Christmas and Easter. However, the tradition of egg hunt had been unknown for several hundred years

8. The Comeback of Easter
In 1800’s egg hunt came back. While Lincoln was the President, he oversaw the egg-rolling contest on the Capitol. This custom continues even today on Monday after Easter.

9. Purpose: Faberge eggs – more modern in egg decoration
Easter eggs were adopted by Christians to signify eternal life when they accept Jesus as their Savoir. We can teach a powerful lesson of faith using Easter eggs.

10. History of Easter Bunny
No connection occurs between the bunny and any element of Christian faith
Oestre, pagan goddess from which “Easter” may be derived. It played an important role in spring.
Legend:
Oestre gave an audience to a bird. Oestre had rabbit-like features. The bird
asked to transform him into a
rabbit. It got its wish and
became a rabbit the following
spring. It forgot what it was like

11. to be a bird except laying eggs
to be a bird except laying eggs. Oestre gathered the eggs and distributed to all the children of the world. This story was first to be known to connect rabbit and eggs.
In Middle ages Easter egg hunt occurred in the meadows, or open fields. The rabbits often fled when the children hunt for hidden eggs. Eggs were often found in the same location where the rabbits just fled.
In Germany Easter bunny was first appeared in stories. Edible rabbit were created there in 1800’s
In 1800’s Dutch and German immigrants brought the Easter bunny to America as Oschter Haw, a large, white rabbit.

12. Although this furry symbol has no connection to the events of the
To prepare his visit the children would make nests in the hay or bonnet in the barn where the bunny would leave his goodies. It is the spring equivalent of Santa Claus.
Inspiration of the acceptance of the Easter Bunny :
The Tale of Peter Rabbit
Bugs Bunny
Peter Cottontail sung by Gene Autry
Although this furry symbol has no
connection to the events of the
first Easter he opened up an
opportunity for Christians to
share the Gospel.