Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1912-04-04


The colored Easter eggs, as gay as
the Easter flowers in the fields, are
universal. In Russia and In Paris,
and In fact today in all large cities
OF tho world, imitation eggs are made
of confectionery, and jewellers 60 30
far as to make eggs of gold and sill
yer and to set them with gems for tho
Easter trade.
Easter symboIs Universal.
Tho Christian church introduced
the most beautiful celebrations OF all.
Easter is the inspiring feast Of the
year and its celebration means a re-
newal of faith. Even in remote parts
Of the world. where priests and their
little Jocks assemble, the Easter
lights burn on the affairs and faithful
congregations sing Easter carols with
Joy.
The most solemn celebration q all
II that held In the Church Of the Holy
Sepulcher at Jerusalem. Pilgrims a.
semble from every corner Of Christen-
dom, and ascend the Via Dolorosa
chanting praysrh Many attend the
festrwashing ceremonies, and throngs
haste to tho church whsre devotion
keeps them waiting from Good Friday
until Saturday afternoon, when the
Patriarch with unlighted torch enters
tho gloom Of the sepulcher.
They watch with bated breath for
his return. No light fickers In the
darkness, then suddenly blaze
flames up, the torch is on fire and
with a shout of thanksgiving the null
titude breaks into singing glorious
hymn Of thanksgiving. Those nearest
the altar eagerly snatch fire from the
torch, candle after candle Is lighted
until every taper In the church is
burning. The worshipers rise, the
gloom is dispelled, and they go forth
into the gray of the morning greeting
one another, "Christ is arisen" meet
ing the reply, HE is arisen indeed!"
Ceremonies at Rome.
The festal ceremonies at Rome are
most splendid. The Pope officiates at
mass on that day and st. Peters Is
filled with cardinals, prelates, and dig
nitaries from all parts Of the world
The day is ushered in by firing can
non from the Castle Of st. Angelo.
The magnificent basilica is richly
decorated, affairs are newly ornament
ed, the lights around st. Peters tomb
are burning, and the Pope 10 seated
In his chair OF state In vestments
ablase with gold.
Beautiful Easter Carols.
Easter carols are sung in all Chris
tian lands. Some Of the most beauti-
full are those from the Tyrol, where
singers 60 from house to house. Spain
gives way to Joy in fetes. and gifts are
made to the Virgin, who Is adorned
with her best robes and jewels at this
time. Russians enjoy gift tree.
like our Christmas tree, while jew
eled Easter eggs are exchanged In
the imperial household.
There Is a mystery about the orr
gin Of the Easter rabbit of Germany.
Egg-hunting In the forest, where
grown people have hidden the colored
eggs, is as popular as egg-rolling Is
on the White House grounds in Wash
ington. In some places doves are lib
Grated at Easter, and It II quite gen.
eral to I'LL Easter baskets with flow.
ers. or cakes, and to make visits to
renew good will among friends.
A great deal of beautiful music has
been written for the Easter services,
which have become elaborate occa-
sions In the churches. Many carols
that ara aunp bava haan hapdad down
by tradition and repeated from father
to son. They frequently tell the New
Testament story of the first Christian
Easter morning when Christ rose
from the tomb, and gave all human be-
ings faith in immortality.