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April Lesson Plan Level 2 |
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Lesson Plan Level II Easter A Christian festival celebrated around the world. History/Social Science Standard #3 The student knows that there is cultural diversity History/Social Science Benchmark - Student knows in which ways people, families and cultural groups are different and similar. Objective:-Students will learn about the important religious festival of Easter, its symbols, customs, foods and how it differs from country to country. Background: Easter celebrates the return to life of Jesus Christ after his Crucifixion. It is celebrated on the first Sunday following the vernal equinox. In ancient Europe Easter was celebrated by the Teutonic tribes as a celebration of Ostara the Goddess of spring. They believed the blooming of plants and the birth of animals and birds and the renewal of life was guided by the goddess. When Christianity came to Europe these customs were included in the feast of Easter. In A.D. 325 it was decided to celebrate Easter on the Sunday following the full moon after the vernal equinox. There are many Easter symbols and customs. The white Easter Lily is a symbol of the resurrection. The Easter lamb with the flag of victory is seen in pictures in European homes. Lamb is served for the Pope's dinner for Easter. Easter eggs and rabbits came from pagan customs. The egg was a symbol of spring and in ancient Persia people presented eggs to each other at the spring equinox. During Lent people were not allowed to eat eggs so on Easter everyone ate eggs and gave them to friends for gifts. In Germany the eggs are called "Dingeir" which means it is owed to the children. In Ireland children collect goose and duck eggs prior to Easter and give them as presents on Easter. Egg pecking a game with eggs has many variations in Syria, Iraq and Iran. In Norway , Germany, Austria and France hard boiled eggs are rolled down a hill knocking against each other, and the one that does not crack mat the end is called the "victory egg". Easter Monday egg rolling at the White House lawn is the American version of this custom. Most countries color the eggs in vegetable dye. However, Syrians, Chaldeans, and Greeks give crimson eggs representing the blood of Christ. In Austria for decorating the eggs plants and ferns are attached to the eggs. In most countries hunting for eggs by children on Easter morning is common. The custom among Poles, Russians, Ukrainians before breakfast on Easter morning is for the father to cut out small pieces from the Easter eggs and give to everyone at the table. After eating their egg piece they eat breakfast.
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