A Christian Religious Studies teacher Awoyale Oluwafunmibi speaks to Edugist reporter on the essence of the Easter celebration and the lessons. Excerpts:
What does Easter mean to you?
Easter means a time of renewal and rebirth. It is a time to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus and the hope of new life that his resurrection brings. Easter is a Christian holiday that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, as described in the New Testament of the Bible. It is considered the most important holiday on the Christian calendar and is celebrated by Christians all over the world.
What’s the essence of Easter?
The essence of Easter is to remember the sacrifice that Jesus made for humanity by dying on the cross for the forgiveness of sins, and to celebrate his resurrection as evidence of his victory over death and the promise of eternal life for believers. The resurrection of Jesus is seen as the ultimate triumph of good over evil, and Easter is a time to reflect on the message of hope and redemption that it brings.
For many Christians, Easter is also a time of renewal and rebirth, as it coincides with the arrival of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. It is a time to celebrate new life and to remember the importance of faith, love, and forgiveness in our lives.
What are the essential lessons from the celebration?
Faith: Easter reminds us of the importance of faith in our lives. Faith is the foundation of the Christian religion, and it allows us to believe in something greater than ourselves. We can learn from Easter to trust in a higher power, even when things seem difficult or uncertain.
Forgiveness: Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was a demonstration of forgiveness, and Easter teaches us the importance of forgiving others as well. Forgiveness can bring healing and reconciliation to relationships and can help us move forward in life.
Hope: Easter offers a message of hope, as it celebrates the victory of life over death. This can help us to find hope in difficult times, to believe in a better future, and to trust in the power of love and goodness to overcome adversity.
Love: Easter is a celebration of the love that Jesus showed in sacrificing himself for humanity. This can inspire us to show love to others in our own lives, to be kind, compassionate, and selfless in our relationships, and to work towards creating a more loving and peaceful world.
What are some traditions your family has for Easter?
Our family usually attends church on Easter Sunday and then have a big brunch together. We also like to dye Easter eggs and have an Easter egg hunt for the kids.
What is your favorite Easter memory?
My favorite Easter memory is when my grandparents came to visit us and we spent the day cooking a big meal and playing games together.
What do you think is the significance of the Easter egg?
The Easter egg is a symbol of new life and rebirth, just as Jesus’ resurrection represents new life for believers. The tradition of painting and decorating eggs dates back to ancient times and has become a common practice for many cultures during the Easter season.
What do you think is the story behind the Easter Bunny?
The Easter Bunny is a symbol of fertility and new life. The legend of the Easter Bunny dates back to ancient times, when rabbits and hares were believed to be particularly fertile and thus associated with new life.
Have you ever participated in an Easter egg hunt? What was it like?
Yes, I have participated in an Easter egg hunt before. It was a lot of fun searching for the hidden eggs and trying to collect as many as possible. It’s always exciting to see what surprises are inside each egg!
What is your favorite Easter candy?
My favorite Easter candy is definitely chocolate Easter eggs. I love the creamy chocolate inside and the colorful foil wrapping.
Do you think Easter is more about religion or about the Easter Bunny and candy?
While Easter has become associated with the Easter Bunny and candy, it is ultimately a religious holiday that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus. For many people, Easter is a time to celebrate their faith and attend church services.
What would you like to learn more about when it comes to Easter?
I would like to learn more about the history and origins of Easter traditions, such as the Easter egg and the Easter Bunny.
What do you think is the most important message of Easter?
The most important message of Easter is the hope of new life that comes with the resurrection of Jesus. It is a time to reflect on the sacrifices he made and the promise of eternal life for those who believe.
