The Blackfoot optimist. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1907-1918, 1912-04-08

exchanged as gifts. even solemn dig.
nitaries carrying them about in their
voluminous robes and presenting
them to friends.
Easter Symbols Universal.
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 the world, imitation eggs are made
of confectionery, and jewelers. go so
far as to make eggs Of gold and sill.
yer and to set them with gems for the
Easter trade.
The 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 flocks assemble, the Easter
lights burn on the affairs and faithful
congregations sing Easter carols with
Joy.
The most solemn celebration of all
is that held in the Church of the Holy
Sepulcher at Jerusalem. Pilgrims as
semble from every corner Of Christen-
dom, and ascend the Via Dolorosa
chanting prayers. Many attend the
feet-washing ceremonies, and throngs
haste to the church where devotion
keeps them waiting from Good Friday
until Saturday afternoon, when the
Patriarch with unlighted torch enters
the gloom Of the sepulcher.
They watch with bated breath for
his return. No light flickers in the
darkness. then suddenly blaze
flames up. the torch h on fire and
with 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 60 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 offlciates at
mass on that day and st. Peters is
filed 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 is seated
in his chair of state in vestments
ablaze with gold.
Easter carols are sung in all Chris
tian lands. Some of the most beauti-
full are those from the Tyrol. where
singers go 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 a gift tree,
like our Christmas tree. while jew
eled Easter eggs are exchanged in
the imperial household.
The Easter carol of the Christian
church is sacred history and nature
worship together. One of the favor.
ties begins:
LET the merry church-bells ring,
Hence with tears and siging,
Frost and cold have fed with spring.
Life hath conquered dying:
Flowers are smiling helds are gay,
Sunny IL the weather.
With our rising Lord today.
All things rise together"
Another carol is The Strife Is Der.
the Battle Done" while many have
the refrain Of "AHeluia." Wherever
there are chimes Of bells they are
rung joyously in celebration.
There IL a mystery about the orr.
gin OF the Easter rabbit Of Germany.
Egg-hunting in the forest, where
grown people have hidden the coiored
eggs. is as popular as egg-rolling Ia
on the White House grounds in Wash.
ington. In some places doves are lib.
Grated at Easter. and 1t is quite gen.
eral to fill Easter baskets with flow.
ers. or cakes. and to make visits IN
renew good will among friends.
A great deal Of beautiful music has
been written for the Easte. services.
which have become elaborate occa-
sions in the churches. Many carols
that are sung have been handed 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.