Helene-Pâques（Easter）
During winter, nature is dormant but it wakes up with the onset of spring.
The days are getting longer. At the spring equinox, the length of day and night
are equal. This period is important for people of different cultures. This is
the time of the rebirth of nature. In Christianity, it is the period of Easter.
les chrétiens. Elle célèbre la
résurrection du Christ. Jésus de Nazareth a été arrêté après la Cène. Il a été
crucifié le lendemain. Il ressuscitera 2 jours plus tard.
Easter is perhaps the most important holiday for Christians. It celebrates
the resurrection of Christ. Jesus of Nazareth was arrested after the Last
Supper. He was crucified the next day. He came back to life two days later.
The Last Supper is the last meal taken by Christ with the twelve apostles
on the evening of Maundy Thursday. Many paintings represent him. The best known
is probably The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci. It’s a mural in Milan. One of
the Master's students, Marco d'Oggiono, made several copies. One can be seen at
the National Renaissance Museum at Château d'Écouen.
These days many French people are not Christians but Easter is still an
important holiday and the following Monday (Easter Monday) is a holiday. For
non-believers, this festival is no longer religious but a certain number of
practices are linked to Christian, pagan or other beliefs.
che, les enfants peuvent participer à une chasse aux œufs. Les enfants cherchent des œufs cachés dans les jardins.
Eggs: in a number of epochs the egg has been a symbol of life. Even in philosophy,
the question: "Which appeared first, the chicken or the egg?" is
fundamental. Initially, eggs were hard-boiled and decorated and then offered to
others. They were replaced by sugar and chocolate eggs. On Sundays, children
can take part in an egg hunt. They look for eggs hidden in the garden.
Bells: it is said that they were the ones that laid the Easter eggs on the
way back from Rome. The Easter period covers the death and resurrection of
Christ. The latter occurred two days after his death. During this period, the
church bells remain silent. In times gone by, the sound of bells punctuated the
life of French people, so this silence could appear surprising for children. It
was customary to tell them that the bells had gone to Rome.
Rabbits: for some it is the rabbits who brought the eggs. Just as eggs are
a symbol of birth, so rabbits are a symbol of fertility. They are therefore
both elements shared by different beliefs. Moreover, hares are a symbol of the
Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring Eostre. Easter comes from her name.
Is the period of the spring equinox also celebrated in Japan? If yes, how ?
What are the symbols and why?