Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1883-03-24
EASTER CUSTOMS.

In earlier times the sun was supposed
to dance for Joy as it dawned on Easter
morning. We IAN readily understand
this superstition, when every heart is
rejoicing in the resurrection, and be-
lieving that all nature musttake part in
the common gladness. In many parts
of England, however, not only the
ignorant classes. but people of culture,
believed that the u really danced in
the heavens on Easter day.
Upon this festival of reioiclngi it was
customary for one Christian to address
another with the words: "Christ is
risen" the answer coming back:
"Christ is risen, indeed" or "He hath
appeared unto Simon" Even TO-DAY
in the Greek church this interchange is
still kept up.
Our Greek word Eostre, the name of
q Saxon deity, whose festival was also
kept at the same time, and Oster, which
signifies rising, makes Easter not only
in name, but in reality, the feast of the
resurrection.
1t is called the "Queen of festivals"
being n of the most important in the
Christian year and celebrated with the
utmost Joy.
What is a filter type of the gladness
of the heart than beautiful flowers com
ing at this time with modest beauty and
fragrance, as if to bring new 10Y into
the believers heart Some flowers
seem to be express symbols of the res
direction. The lily, the crocus and the
snowdrop, in their purity and white
ness, the violet's beautiful blue, and the
rose, IN it's blushing red, all usher in the
Easter morning. The modest winter
green m too with her tiny flowers
of white:
OF which, it is told in stories OLD.
That these fair blossoms first
On that blest morn, that Easter morn,
Into white beauty burst,
Perhaps. ah. WE'LL We can not tell,
If it be truly so-
We but repeat, the legend sweet.
And only this we know,
mat in the prime Of Eastertime,
The Christ's sweet flowers blow!
Many curious customs have in all
ages been associated with Easter. Per
haps one of the most singular was the
playing of ball in the churches. The
highest officials of the church partici-
pated in them. While a chant was
sung, the clergy Joined hands, dancing
round and round. Sometimes the bali
was tossed from the dean to n or even
all OF the choristers, the music playing
to suit the sport. Then came refresh
ments. In the 18th century this game
was abolished by the churches, ALTHOUGH
to this day it is a game among the peo-
pie.
Another amusement, which was verv
common, was the lifting, at Easter-tide.
Parties of eight or ten assembled for the
purpose, and then extorted a contribu-
ton. This was done out of doors usual
~. A chair trimmed with bright rib
Ions was carried through the Streets.
The women persuading some man to
enter the chair, and when once in. re-
tusing to let him down until he paid the
penalty.
Nothing is so conspicuous among the
Easter customs as the Paas eggs: and
woe to the hen that refused to inakb.her
contributions, she was forthwith con
demned to death. These eggs, colored
in various ways and with Inscriptions
required much labor and skill.
The Tyrolese keep Easter with every
festiyity. They'are not an unbelieving
people. The resurrection of Christ is.
for them, only the proof of reveal.
ton, and greatly do they honor it.
Bands OF musicians traverse every val
ley, singing the beautiful Easter hymus
to their guitars, calling the people out.
who join in their chorus, and rejoice to.
gether in the glad anniversaries.
Their wide brimmed Spanish hats ara
decorated with punches of flowers;