Easter
Easter is on its way! Ever since January, shop shelves have been filling with chocolate. Eggs, bunnies and bonnets are now everywhere you look, and butchers are busily chopping sumptuous cuts of lamb for the traditional Easter feast.
The festival celebrates the resurrection of Jesus, on the third day after he was crucified. For Christians, his death was an act of atonement which wiped clean the sins of humanity. His resurrection is a symbol of God’s promise of eternal life, and proof that Jesus was the son of God.
As a result, Easter is a time to reflect on and give thanks for the sacrifice that Jesus made. It is also a time to celebrate new life and renewal — it was originally combined with a Pagan festival of new life which took place in springtime.
Despite the numbers of churchgoers sinking in the UK, many people continue to use the Christian festival as a chance to spend time with family.
Easter comes along with many traditions which go back thousands of years. The hot cross bun first appeared in the 12th century, and the tradition of lamb has its roots in the Jewish festival of Passover, which takes place around the same time.
What does Easter mean to you?
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Assembly
Watch this sweet video of children explaining the Easter story.
Activities
- As a class, discuss the meaning of the word “renewal”. Where does it come from? Why does it matter? Can you think of any moments in your life when you felt a sense of renewal?
- Research another Easter food, symbol or tradition. Write a short report explaining where it comes from.
- Write a poem inspired by the theme of “new life”.
