Virginia citizen. (Irvington, Va.) 1891-1921, 1908-04-24
EASTER.

Composition by FraucesgAdams, of White
Stone High SchoolJ
On Good Friday ESQ named from the
good and blessed work performed by
Jesus Christ in submitting to a shame
full and painful death on the cross for
the salvation of mankind) Christ was
crucified by the Jews.
In three days he arose again from
the dead, and this day is universally
known as Easter.
Easter is the festival of the resurrec-
tion of Jesus Christ, derives probably
its Tutonic name from the goddess
Ostara. and in Anglo-Saxon Easter,
which the SaXons of old were wont to
celebrate about the same season at
which the Christians festival of Easter
occurs.
In the ancient church Easter lasted
eight days. After the eleventh century
it was limited to three, and in later
times generally to two days.
1t was formerly the favorite time for
performing the rite of baptism. The
courts of justice were closed, and aims
were dispensed to the poor and needy,
who were often even permitted to feast
in the churches. Slaves often received
their freedom at this season and as the
solemnity of "Lent" is over people
devote themselves to enjoyments, hence
the day has been called the Sunday of
JOY"
During the whole week before Easter
that is the interval between Palm Sun
day and the beginning of the Easter
testival-daiiy services are held.
The proper time for the celebration
of Easter has occasioned several dis
eussions. In the second century dis
pute arose, on this point, between the
Eastern and Western churches.
The Eastern Christians celebrated
Easter on the 14th day of the first
Jewish month or moon, considering it
to be equivalent to the Jewish Pass
over. The Western churches celebrated
it on the Sunday after the l4th day,
holding that it was the commemoration
of the resurrection of Jesus. The
Council of Nice in 325 A. ID. decided
that no matter what the Eastern or
Western churches proclaimed, it should
be celebrated on Sunday.
Easter Day is always the first Sun
day after the paschal full moon, that
is, the full moon which happens upon
or next after the 21st of March. If the
full moon happens upon a Sunday
Easter day is the Sunday after.
In 1918 Easter by the calendar fell
and was celebrated on the 22nd of
March, the earliest possible date, al
though the full moon was on that day,
and in 1S45 it again fell on the day of
the actual full moon (March 23).
One object in arranging the calender
moon, was that Easter might never fall
on the same day as the Jewish Passover.
1t did so, however, in 1903 on the 18th
of April, and it is stated that it will
again occur in 1923 on the first of April.
The Jewish festival usually occurs in
Passion week and never before the 26th
of March; or after the 25th of April:
while on the other hand the Christian
festival is never before the 22nd of
March, or after the 25th of April.
Many of the popular observances con-
nected with Easter are of Pagan origin.
The most Characteristic Easter rite is
the use of Easter eggs.
They are usually of brilliant colors.
The Christians point of view concern
ing this Feast of Eggs" is considered
as emblematic of the resurrection and
of future life.
Easter. Sunday has always been con-
sidered as the very queen, or the highest
of all Christian festivals. The mourn
ful season of Lent is over, the Savior
has been crucified, buried, and ''now is
Christ risen indeed, the first fruits of
them that slept"
1t is customary throughout the United
States for ladies to display their new
spring suits and bonnets on Easter
Sunday, but should they consider the
matter in a solemn way they would
deem it time to rejoice rather than to
despair.
On Easter Christ "rose from the dead''
to become monarch of all Christianized
| nations, ever more to reign.
Joy to the world; the Lord has come,
Let earth receive her king;
Let every heart prepare him room,
And Heaven. and Nature sing"