SC - Fw: Re: [TY] Easter Celebrations

[Christine A Seelye-King]

More from the Easter discussion. 
Christianna

- --------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "James Pratt" <cathal at mindspring.com>
To: meridian-ty at egroups.com
Date: Sat, 22 Apr 2000 23:21:56 -0400
Subject: Re: [TY] Easter Celebrations



	In the Medieval period Easter was considered the principal 
feast on the liturgical calendar.  Its celebration over shadowed
even that of the Nativity.  Using the theme of resurrection and rebirth
it was considered the optimum time for baptism.

	The _Catholic Encyclopedia_ makes note of the following as 
some of the more interesting customs outside of the purely liturgical
associations:

	In Bavaria during the 15th. century the custom of "risus 
Paschalis" (Easter laughter) came into vogue.  The priest would
use amusing stories to illustrate points of the resurrection story
to the congregation with the hope that they would draw the proper
moral conclusion.  It evidently became so popular that it eventually
was considered an abuse of the word of God and banned by Pope
Clement X.  No respect...

	Easter eggs were served on Easter day and were colored red
to symbolize joy. (N.B. the CE doesn't give a date on this one so
I will not vouch for its strict periodness)

	The clergy in Germany and France was given leave to vent 
the strict discipline of Lent by playing handball during Easter week.
There is also mention of a dance in which clerics of all ranks too
part in celebration.

	On Easter Monday women had the right to strike their husbands
and on Tuesday the husbands could strike their wives.  These and 
other customs contrary to the normal decorum are listed in the 
article but have no specific date.

	Bonfires were lit on some high places in celebration of the 
feast; however the Church tended to ban the actions as more
akin to Pagan than Christian practices.

	In memory of the Passover association, Easter eve saw the
ritual blessing of the house.

	I'm sure there are other customs attendant to the festival;
however the foregoing were the more interesting noted in the 
article.

Cathal.




Ingenita levitas et erudita vanitas.
M. Tullius Cicero



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