Ah, chocolate! So many different kinds to choose from, and all of it delicious! But where did it originate – and is it really an aphrodisiac?

The average American consumes 11.7 pounds of chocolate a year. To get an idea of how much – imagine almost 12 packages of butter as being made of solid chocolate – or about the size of your average well-fed house cat. That is a lot of chocolate! (And it won’t stop meowing for some reason.)

The treat so loved worldwide has very humble beginnings. The cacao bean begins life inside a fruit, called a pod, on a tree in the tropics, primarily in remote areas of West Africa, Southeast Asia and Central and South America.

These delicate, flower-covered trees need much tending and, when farmed using sustainable methods, grow in harmony in tropical forests beneath other cash crops such as bananas, rubber or hardwood trees. Grown on small family farms, the beans leave cocoa farms by hand, in carts, on donkeys or rugged trucks to be sold to a local buyer and then to processors abroad. Once in the factory, they are ground, pressed, heated and stirred to create luxurious chocolate.

3,000 years ago, the ancient Meso Americans discovered the seeds which would be processed into what we now know as chocolate on the cacao tree, found in the tropical rainforests of the Americas. They mixed the ground seeds with seasonings back then, to make what they believed to be a health elixir – a bitter, spicy drink that could be considered the World’s first Cocoa drink.

The pods that the cacao seeds grew in were considered by the Mayans to symbolize life and fertility, and so the Mayans often used the symbol of the pod in their religious rituals. They called cacao “The Food of the Gods”. The Aztecs also believed the plant had magic properties, and that it could bestow wisdom and power. They also thought it to be a great source of nutrition – and most interestingly, used it as an aphrodisiac, which today’s science says isn’t so far off!

The Spaniards were the first to introduce sugar to chocolate – and thank goodness they did, or else we wouldn’t be enjoying all of the sweet confections available to us in the present. They also added new spices to the health elixir the Mayans and Aztecs enjoyed, and the modified beverage quickly spread throughout Europe like wildfire, enjoying a reputation as “the drink of the elite” for centuries.

Leave it to the French, however, to further the food’s reputation as an aphrodisiac! Casanova – the infamous womanizer – drank chocolate before seeing his lady friends, and as word of his romantic prowess spread, so did the romantic reputation of chocolate, inspiring much erotic art and literature in the French royal court.

In Barcelona in 1780, finally the first machine-produced chocolate was made. It was still in liquid form, however; smooth, solid eating chocolate would not be available until British chocolatier Fry & Sons developed the first solid chocolate bar in the early 1800s.

So when did Valentines Day chocolates begin to become a tradition? Richard Cadbury, founder of Cadbury Chocolate, introduced the first box of Valentine chocolates in 1868. However, the chocolates must have been dark, because the first milk chocolate was not brought to market until 1875, when a Swiss chocolate maker named Daniel Peter introduced it.

Chocolate became so popular around the world that during World War II, the U.S. government shipped cocoa beans to the troops. Even today, the U.S. Army includes chocolate bars in their rations. Chocolate has even been taken into space by NASA.

So is chocolate an aphrodisiac? Chocolate contains a small amount of phenylethylamine, which has been linked to the regulation of physical energy, mood and attention. A tiny amount of this chemical is released during moments of emotional euphoria, elevating heart rate and blood pressure. There’s no evidence that this chemical in foods elevates the level of the chemical in humans – however, the extra dopamine boost that you get from the caffeine and sugar in chocolate, combined from the happiness of eating such a yummy treat, might put you in a better frame of mind, which can only be a good thing when it comes to romance! Also, some scientists have said that chocolate causes the release of oxytocin, aka “the love chemical”, which causes us to bond with one another. Final analysis? It never hurts to believe!

And it can even help, if it gets you to eat a little chocolate: Dark chocolate (as opposed to milk or white chocolate) contains healthful flavonoids similar to those found in tea, red wine, fruits, and vegetables. Studies have shown that dark chocolate can improve blood vessel flow and may improve blood sugar and insulin sensitivity to help reduce the risk of diabetes. But beware, chocolate candy has plenty of saturated fat and sugar, so enjoy small portions of as part of a healthy diet.

If you do happen to overindulge, just remember, these “Chocolate holidays” only come a few times a year, so just get back to your healthful eating plan as soon as possible – and take a nice, long walk outside to get your motivation and energy back in line. That always does a body good!

Tour a Chocolate Factory in San Francisco (video – RealPlayer required)

One Spring she arrived late. Upon her late arrival, she found a small bird whose wings were frozen in the snow. It was then that she felt guilty about not arriving on time. She took this bird in as her pet and cared for it. Her guilt increased realizing that the bird’s wings were so damaged that it would never be able to fly again. She decided to turn the bird into a snow hare and even named him Lepus. She also granted him the gift of speed so that he would be able to out run and out smart anyone who hunted him. She even gave him the ability to lay eggs in various colors of the rainbow in remembrance of the fact that he was once a bird. He only had this ability on one day of the year.

Image via Wikipedia

At some point, Lepus angered Ostara. In her fury she cast him into the sky where he remains as the Lepus constellation. This constellation is also known as The Hare constellation. It is located just under the feet of the Orion constellation, which coincidentally is also known as The Hunter constellation. He is allowed to return only once a year to give his colored eggs to the children during the festival that honors Ostara.

In many ancient traditions, rabbits and eggs represent fertility and new growth. It was also known that both rabbits and eggs can make potent remedies for infertility. However, Medieval Christians believed hares to be an evil omen. They associated hares with lust and sexuality. In fact, they went so far as to believe witches turned into hares to bring harm upon their livestock. As the Christian traditions evolved, they believed that a white hare represented triumph over lust and sins of the flesh.

It was Dutch settlers that brought the tale of the Easter bunny to the Americas in the 18th century. Children would construct nests and set them inside their bonnets and hats, waiting for the infamous hare to leave them colored eggs. This tradition eventually evolved to what we see today, stores cluttered with baskets filled with cheap toys and candy. Even still today some parents tell their children to set out carrots on Easter eve for the Easter Bunny.

With Easter so saturated with commercialism, remember when you stand with your children in line to see this over size version of Lepus, that there is history hidden among all the greed of the season. Whether the legend has factual merit or not the Easter Bunny is still a reminder of a rich, cultural history. Besides, without the Easter Bunny, children would have to wait an entire year before some mystical being brings them mysterious gifts.

 

Image via Wikipedia

            It was Easter morning. The scent of spring was inviting. It was a warm sunny day in Rabbits Ville.

            As the sun went up the children woke up Easter morning excited that the Easter Bunny had paid a visit. Kids hoped to catch a glimpse of the Easter Bunny.

            One particular lucky girl in Rabbits Ville named Rain was able to catch a glimpse. She saw the Easter Bunny hopping, leaving her behind a basket filled with all sorts of goodies. Then the bunny went outside and left behind colored eggs all along the way.

            The little girl was so excited she called to her mom. She said “mommy I saw the Easter Bunny.” Her mom said “what do you mean you saw the Easter Bunny?” The little girl replied “I saw the Easter Bunny hopping around. He left me my basket and I saw him leave behind eggs on the grass.” Her mom replied by saying “honey you’re so lucky. I have been waiting my whole life to see the Easter Bunny, but I have never seen him. How were you so lucky to see him?” The little girl then said “I just woke up, went out into the hall, and saw a bunny leave me a basket. I rubbed my eyes, because I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. I then saw a bunny hopping around leaving eggs upon the grass. I am so excited I got to see him mommy.” Her mom replied “wow you really did see the Easter bunny honey. Let’s see what the Easter bunny left you”

            They head out into the kitchen where the bunny had left Rains basket. Rain picks up a wooden basket with purple and pink ribbon on it. The basket was wrapped up in plastic. Rain sat down at the kitchen table with her mom and began to open up the basket that was left for her. Inside she found all sorts of cool stuff like candy of all different assortments, a Barbie doll, a coloring book with crayons, a stuffed bunny, and two ponies one was pink and the other was purple.

         Just then there was a knock at the door. Rains mom went to answer standing there was all of Rains friends. She welcomed them in and brought them into the kitchen. She then asked whose hungry they all replied “I’m hungry.” She told them all go play and I will go fix up some breakfast. So they all went to go play in Rains room.

            Rains mom was inside the kitchen making breakfast for all of her daughters friends. Her mom was making a breakfast fit for a king. She was making pancakes, sausage, bacon, ham, steak and hard boiled eggs so all the kids could color eggs. The aroma of what she was cooking had entered the air. It was making all the kids even hungrier because it smelled so good. The kids started flocking in asking “is breakfast ready?” “No not yet” she responded. She asked “But do you kids want to color eggs as you wait?”  All the kids excited responded yes and began to sit down at the kitchen table. She got all the stuff ready so the kids could color the eggs to keep them busy and entertained as she was finishing up breakfast. Just then Rains mom had finished making breakfast. She set up everyone’s plates and was handing out food to all the kids. She said “Those eggs look so beautiful kids.” Everyone sat down to eat the wonderful breakfast her mom had prepared. Everyone was talking about whatever was on their mind. Rain was talking about how when she woke up in the morning she had seen the Easter bunny. All of her friends were jealous because they had never seen the Easter bunny before. When everyone was finished eating Rains mom had put all the children’s plates in the sink.

          Once everyone had their plates in the sink and the mess from breakfast was cleaned up. Rains mother asked the children “do you want to have an Easter egg hunt?” All the kids were enthusiastic and replied “yes” shouting. Everyone then went outside to try to find the Easter eggs that the bunny had hidden in the grass. The kids were looking in the bushes, up in trees, behind the trees, and every location that they may have been hidden. Once all the eggs were found they opened up their eggs to find out what surprises where hidden inside. Inside the eggs there was candy! All of the kids were excited.

            After having a fun filled day all the kids were tired. The kids left Rains house and said Thank you to Rains mom for having them all day. Everyone enjoyed the festivities of the day and went home. 

Pagan History of Easter

Easter is originally a concept from pagans and they used to call it ‘eastre’. This was intended as celebration of spring season. Spring season as per pagan perception was for natural fertility and so it reflects in their celebration. Bunny as symbol is taken based on the fertility goddess they used to worship during this season. This goddess was known for her power of spring season and fertility and they used to believe that she blesses her worshipers with more health and fertility in natural form. Bunnies are known for their high fertility and hence chosen as symbol for this season. Before Anglo-Saxons got mass converted into Christianity they used to worship goddess of offspring through bunny symbol.

Christian History of Easter

After mass conversion of pagans under Christianity the name of the festival was changed from eastre to ‘Easter’. At first this festival was in conflict with new religion Christianity. But some of the preachers managed to mix it with Christianity by totally removing the pagan essence from it. They didn’t give much exposure to pagan bunny symbol and fertility season. This Easter was then modified with Christ resurrection celebration. Staunch Christians usually prefer to follow this new tradition instead of pagan influence on this season.

Easter Bunny

Original Easter bunny symbol from the pagan festival is really to hard to find on the internet. There are some pagan texts available which are likely to have this ancient symbol in them. In modern Easter, the symbol of bunny is modified by funny or laughing bunny or with illustration of bunny near eggs. You’ll find such modern Easter bunny illustration on greeting cards and Easter bunny chocolate gifts. There are some interesting Easter bunny folklore stories published as well. These story books are definitely worth to read for children who have interest in this festival.

Easter Egg

The Easter bunny and Easter eggs traveled continents because of dutch migrations. In America, Easter eggs and bunny got popular because of German migrants in 1700. You’ll find that the method of decoration is quite different among European nations. Eggs are known for their fertility symbol and re-born concept of Christ. This is the reason eggs and bunny symbols of this celebrations are not modified by Christians. The Easter eggs from German and Russia are known for beautiful crafting and variety. During festival celebration eggs are decorated with various colors and placed in basket along with Easter bunny doll or symbol. These Easter eggs in basket are usually chocolates or other sweets placed for the celebration. People often think that some of these eggs are chicken or goose eggs but that’s not the case. They’re often cake, sweet item or simply chocolate wrapped with colorful covering.

CARDIFF:Seorang pelajar merebahkan dirinya ke bawah kereta api yang bergerak selepas menerima mesej pesanan ringkas daripada teman lelakinya yang membatalkan temu janji mereka untuk menonton wayang.

Satu inkues diberitahu, Gabrielle Joseph, 16, memberitahu rakan di Facebooknya: “Saya akan membunuh diri malam ini’ kerana terlalu kecewa selepas temu janjinya pada keesokan malam dibatalkan.

Pelajar yang juga model remaja itu mati beberapa jam kemudian.

Gabrielle disifatkan sebagai remaja yang periang dan peramah dengan kehidupan yang sibuk, belajar di sebuah kolej dan menjalankan dua kerja sampingan, termasuk satu di kedai fesyen Hollister yang popular.

Dia bercita-cita menjadi model terkenal dan dalam laman webnya, dia menulis: “Untuk menjadi orang yang tidak boleh diganti, kita perlu sentiasa berbeza.” Inkues diberitahu, dia begitu terganggu selepas menerima mesej berkenaan pada hari Easter April lalu dan 75 minit kemudian, dia mati akibat kecederaan teruk selepas dilanggar kereta api yang bergerak selaju 125 kilometer sejam berhampiran kediamannya. – Agensi

While much of Bede’s youth is left a mystery a few things are known. Bede was born to parents of St. Peter, which was newly founded in 672. He was born in Wearmouth and at the young age of seven was given to a monastery in Jarrow by his relatives. It appeared that Bede’s parents did not have much to do with him during his life, as they do not appear in any of his writings. However, in the monasteries Bede was in the care of Abbot Benedicts and he was eventually moved to the twin house of the monastery located in Jarrow when Bede was replaced by Ceolfrith in the first monastery. However, according to the Life of Ceolfrith, Ceolfrith does not seem to dislike Bede and even suggests that they were the only two people of the monasteries to survive a plague. By the time that Bede was 19 years[3] old he had became a deacon at the monastery and was teaching the monastic rule.[4] Bede did not travel, very much, that historians know of. His writings suggests that he left the monasteries several times but the only concrete evidence is of two visits outside of Jarrow; once to Lindisfarne and once to York.

Bede in the monasteries learned much and became a well educated man. Bede was fluent in writing and speaking Latin as well as Greek. Bede became a teacher in the monasteries and taught prayer and other studies to the monks. Bede becoming a monk at a very young age helped him to succeed in the monasteries because that was his way of life and he did not know anything other than what he learned in the monasteries. Bede’s knowledge of Latin was very fluent and can be found throughout his writings as well as his knowledge of Hebrew. Evidence of this is located with the Bible that he transcribed into Latin. However, recent suggestions made, seem to suggest that Bede knew some knowledge of Greek. Possible enough to read, but not enough to interpret the critical thinking involved in Greek literature. A few Greek phrases that were recorded by Bede have been borrowed by Felix, another monk at the monastery, but not much has been investigated to know how well Bede knew Greek. However the evidence still suggests that Bede knew some Greek, to the extent, historians are still trying to determine. [5]

While in the monasteries Bede became very knowledgeable. He used his learning to create several works that dealt with a variety of topics: theology, chronology, history etc. Bede’s work while being lengthy was remarkable in the clarity and quality, and the range of material covered. Bede’s theological works of the bible were done in a way the attempted to eliminate discrepancies. Bede read and interpreted the Bible as an allegory and by trying to eliminate the discrepancies in order for the Bible to become more widely accepted during the early medieval period. Bede completed two works the dealt with chronology. De Temporibus (On Times) and De Temporum Ratione (On the Reckoning of Time), both were dealing with the dating of Easter. During the time several discrepancies came about dealing with calendars and the dates on religious festivals. Bede was able invent the use of A.D. for the years after Christ’s death, making modern calculations of ancient times easier to keep track of. Not only did he come up with A.D., but while he was working on the dating of Easter, he paid particular attention to astronomy. Bede noticed how the moon affected the tides and was very observant of nature and science.

Bede as an historian took on many different aspects. In his books he discussed the reign and leaders of early England as well as discussing many matters that deal with the church and the Popes. By writing about these matters Bede was able to illustrate the lives of Anglo-Saxon’s living in England for modern historians, and left much of what we know today, on the lifestyles that they lived.  The Ecclesiastical History of the English People[6] is compiled of five books written by Bede all of which are untitled but contain a variety of information. The first book contains information regarding the diversity of races and the geography of Britain, then in book two Bede deals with Christianity and after Pope Gregory’s death. Books three and four deal with the success of different people and includes miracles deemed as being an act of God, book five also incorporates miraculous stories of God as well as the dating of Easter.

Book one of the Ecclesiastical History of the English People begins by describing Britain and Ireland in terms of location. This book seems to discuss the oldest amount of information know to him at the time, and deals with ancient inhabitants and the troubles that they encountered. Bede then moves into the Roman impact on Britain and discuss the arrival of Julius Caesar and Claudius. After this Bede begins discussing the Kings of Britain and the Christianity impact that the kings had upon Britain. Lucius being the first king desired to become a Christian, while a few years later during the reign of Diocletian, the Christians were persecuted. The majority of the first book written by Bede can be summed up into a kings list of Britain but also includes the impact of the kings and their connections with the Church, Christianity, and the Pope’s during each king’s reign. The latter portion of book one deals with Pope Gregory and the letters that were sent by him to different individuals during the time. [7]

Bede’s second book begins with the death of Pope Gregory and continues into discusses St. Augustine’s discussion of the Popes death and the impact. Then flows back into the discussion of kings, Ethelbert and Sabert, the beginnings of Pope Boniface and his letters as well as his advises to Queen Ethelberga. The latter six chapters, of Bede’s second book, deal with King Edwin and his reign.

The Third book picks up with the succession of King Edwin and Oswald becoming king. However, the majority of book three deals with the miracles that occurred after King Oswald’s death and the miraculous powers of Oswald’s tomb, and the place where he was killed. Some of the miracles that Bede discusses in Book three are: the curing of a young girl of Palsy, a boy cured of an ague[8], and the powers of the bones of Oswald being able to remove devils and demons from the possessed. From these stories one can realize Bede’s faith to the church and to God. However, in relation to his book these stories dealing with the supernatural seemed to almost be out of place, as most of the information derived in the five books of Bede, contains information regarding Kings, Popes, etc. who are tangible beings that have left concrete evidence of their existence. After discussing the miraculous powers of King Oswald, Bede continues discussing the kings, bishops and popes.

With the beginning of Book Four Bede recaps the miraculous powers of Oswald’s tomb only this time with the powers of St. Cuthbert. Once again there was people dying that were cured, and the curing of palsy. While this book seemed more fitting to place the powers of Oswald’s tomb the collection of five books are in chronological order and therefore placed in the order that events occurred.  Oswald’s tomb was just the beginning of miraculous powers that would occur in England, from God through the church; this could be a representation of how faith and the church began playing a more prominent role in society. Not only were society and the people supporting the church more but there was a more peaceful existence between the kings and the church itself. In book four there was also the bishop who made peace between two kings, this illustrated the aid of the church helping the kings to become a more peaceful and church centered nation.

Finally in book five, Bede goes into more depth with Britain in relation to the church and discusses in detail the Bishop John. John held powers similar to that of Oswald and Cuthbert. John cured a dumb man by blessing him, used prayers to heal a sick maiden, healed an earl’s wife that was sick by using holy water, and recovered one of the earl’s servants from death. John performed several miraculous acts that Bede documented. Of the miracles performed those that had been revived from the dead brought with them stories of heaven and books containing all their sins etc that is common to the events that occur in the Holy Bible. The majority of the final book illustrates strength in the church as well as the conversion of several people into Christianity.

The Ecclesiastical History of the English People contains five manuscripts put together that were all well written by Bede. The manuscripts can be read either separately or together as a whole. Possibly more fitting to be read together and for the books to actually be treated more as chapters since it does follow chronological order. While most of the written information during the time is skewed and full of fragments, Bede keeps everything flowing in simple terms that people can follow easily.

However, the great Venerable Bede died in 735, at the age of 63. After accomplishing much in his lifetime as a monk, he left historians today with the information that they needed to understand Anglo-Saxon England. Without the work of Bede everything out have been left to the archaeologists to uncover. The amount of information provided by Bede would have then been scattered with missing pieces and a kings list may or may not have been completed.  Bede was ill much of his life and according to Cuthbert, often he was breathless. Bede was breathless throughout the year with the exception of two days before and after Easter and Cuthbert writes in a letter about Bede’s death that those days was when Bede was most joyful. Cuthbert also writes about how in the room that Bede died, Bede had written scriptures and prayers on the walls of the room and spend his dying days still praying and worshiping God.

For the entirety of Bede’s life he was devoted to prayer and worship in the monastery at Jarrow. From age seven forward his knowledge increased and it can be seen from his learning of language and teachings, that he believed in and put time and effort into the monasteries. Bede lived to be 63, and he only left the monastery twice after he entered. Bede began his work by translating the Bible from Hebrew into Latin. Then from there wrote numerous books and letters in regards to religion and the outside world that he excluded himself from. Bede’s works contain detailed historical accounts of early Britain during the Anglo-Saxon times and was able to write with such clarity that makes his work still stand out today. Bede’s life was a model of success however as Cuthbert mentions in his letter upon Bede’s death, much of his inspiration came from orphans of the monasteries, since Bede himself could relate to them. Bede’s parents were not discussed during his life, he was left under the care of someone else shortly after he was born and became a monk shortly after. For Bede it may have seemed that life on earth was nothing to life for but the afterlife through faith was all the human beings have in order to keep them going through life. Either way, Bede clearly demonstrates the theme of Britain going from diversity to unity within The Ecclesiastical History of the English People, his most known work of literature.

Bibliography

Bede, Venerable. The History of the Church of Englande . Translated by Thomas Stapleton. Amsterdam: Da Capo Press, 1970.

Bolton, W.F. “An Aspect of Bede’s Later Knowledge of Greek .” The Classical Review (Cambridge University Press) 13, no. 1 (Mar 1963): 17-18.

Chaney, William A. “Review: [untitled].” Church History (Cambridge University Press) 66, no. 2 (Jun 1997): 324.

Colgrave, Bertram. “Review: [untitled].” The English Historical Review (Oxford University Press) 63, no. 248 (Jul 1948): 363-365.

Je, C. “Review: [untitled].” The English Historical Review (Oxford University Press) 62, no. 242 (Jan 1947): 117.

Roberts, Clayton, David Roberts, and Douglas R. Bisson. A History of England . 5th Edition. Edited by Charles Cavaliere. Vol. I Prehistory to 1714. New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc. , 2009.

Rosenthal, Joel T. “Bede’s Ecclesiastical History and the Material Conditions of Anglo-Saxon Life.” Journal of British Studies (The University of Chicago Press) 19, no. 1 (Autumn 1979): 1-17.

Sweet, Alfred H. “Review: [untitled].” The American Historical Review (The University of Chicago Press) 42, no. 4 (Jul 1937): 721-722.

Venerable, Bede. Ecclesiastical History of the English People . Translated by Leo Sherley Price, R.E. Latham and D.H. Farmer. London: Penguin , 1990.

[1] Venerable Bede entered Wearmouth, the monk monastery at age seven and spent his life there and at Jarrow devoting his entire life in devotion to God and the Church as well as to study.

[2] From Bede’s Ecclesiastical History of the English People

[3] An example of the knowledge of Bede since the age for a deacon during the time period was 25 years old or older. Bede was displaying great knowledge and devotion to the monasteries at a very young age. Priests were supposed to be over 30 years old.

[4] The monastic rule consisted of Bede teaching both a mixture of prayers and studies.

[5] Information regarding the investigation into Bede’s knowledge of Greek can be located in the article An Aspect of Bede’s Later Knowledge of Greek by W. F. Bolton.

[6] The Ecclesiastical History of the English People was compiled from manuscripts found that Bede had written and was firs printed as one collection in 1480

[7] Letters that were sent by Pope Gregory were sent to bishops, kings, and a variety of people that Bede felt important.

[8] Ague is a feverish condition that is alternating between hot and cold, the feverish conditions are similar to that of malaria and in the case of the boy, he was dying and would be dead within the day’s time. However, after listening to a man and going to Oswald’s tomb he was better within three days. 

The middle of winter has long been a time of celebration around the world. Centuries before the arrival of the man called Jesus, early Europeans celebrated light and birth in the darkest days of winter. Many peoples rejoiced during the winter solstice, when the worst of the winter was behind them and they could look forward to longer days and extended hours of sunlight.

In Scandinavia, the Norse celebrated Yule from December 21, the winter solstice, through January. In recognition of the return of the sun, fathers and sons would bring home large logs, which they would set on fire. The people would feast until the log burned out, which could take as many as 12 days. The Norse believed that each spark from the fire represented a new pig or calf that would be born during the coming year.

The end of December was a perfect time for celebration in most areas of Europe. At that time of year, most cattle were slaughtered so they would not have to be fed during the winter. For many, it was the only time of year when they had a supply of fresh meat. In addition, most wine and beer made during the year was finally fermented and ready for drinking.

In Germany, people honored the pagan god Oden during the mid-winter holiday. Germans were terrified of Oden, as they believed he made nocturnal flights through the sky to observe his people, and then decide who would prosper or perish. Because of his presence, many people chose to stay inside.

Saturnalia

In Rome, where winters were not as harsh as those in the far north, Saturnalia—a holiday in honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture—was celebrated. Beginning in the week leading up to the winter solstice and continuing for a full month, Saturnalia was a hedonistic time, when food and drink were plentiful and the normal Roman social order was turned upside down. For a month, slaves would become masters. Peasants were in command of the city. Business and schools were closed so that everyone could join in the fun.

Also around the time of the winter solstice, Romans observed Juvenalia, a feast honoring the children of Rome. In addition, members of the upper classes often celebrated the birthday of Mithra, the god of the unconquerable sun, on December 25. It was believed that Mithra, an infant god, was born of a rock. For some Romans, Mithra’s birthday was the most sacred day of the year.

In the early years of Christianity, Easter was the main holiday; the birth of Jesus was not celebrated. In the fourth century, church officials decided to institute the birth of Jesus as a holiday. Unfortunately, the Bible does not mention date for his birth (a fact Puritans later pointed out in order to deny the legitimacy of the celebration). Although some evidence suggests that his birth may have occurred in the spring (why would shepherds be herding in the middle of winter?), Pope Julius I chose December 25. It is commonly believed that the church chose this date in an effort to adopt and absorb the traditions of the pagan Saturnalia festival. First called the Feast of the Nativity, the custom spread to Egypt by 432 and to England by the end of the sixth century. By the end of the eighth century, the celebration of Christmas had spread all the way to Scandinavia. Today, in the Greek and Russian orthodox churches, Christmas is celebrated 13 days after the 25th, which is also referred to as the Epiphany or Three Kings Day. This is the day it is believed that the three wise men finally found Jesus in the manger.

By holding Christmas at the same time as traditional winter solstice festivals, church leaders increased the chances that Christmas would be popularly embraced, but gave up the ability to dictate how it was celebrated. By the Middle Ages, Christianity had, for the most part, replaced pagan religion. On Christmas, believers attended church, then celebrated raucously in a drunken, carnival-like atmosphere similar to today’s Mardi Gras. Each year, a beggar or student would be crowned the “lord of misrule” and eager celebrants played the part of his subjects. The poor would go to the houses of the rich and demand their best food and drink. If owners failed to comply, their visitors would most likely terrorize them with mischief. Christmas became the time of year when the upper classes could repay their real or imagined “debt” to society by entertaining less fortunate citizens.

An Outlaw Christmas

In the early 17th century, a wave of religious reform changed the way Christmas was celebrated in Europe. When Oliver Cromwell and his Puritan forces took over England in 1645, they vowed to rid England of decadence and, as part of their effort, cancelled Christmas. By popular demand, Charles II was restored to the throne and, with him, came the return of the popular holiday.

The pilgrims, English separatists that came to America in 1620, were even more orthodox in their Puritan beliefs than Cromwell. As a result, Christmas was not a holiday in early America. From 1659 to 1681, the celebration of Christmas was actually outlawed in Boston. Anyone exhibiting the Christmas spirit was fined five shillings. By contrast, in the Jamestown settlement, Captain John Smith reported that Christmas was enjoyed by all and passed without incident.

After the American Revolution, English customs fell out of favor, including Christmas. In fact, Christmas wasn’t declared a federal holiday until June 26, 1870.

What Easter really is? What do we celebrate? Christians people celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ also known as Lord. Christians believe, that Jesus came back to life and was raised from dead. English word “Easter” comes from word “Eostre” what is Anglo-Saxon (simple English)word for April “Eostre-monath”. But Christians celebrated resurrection of Jesus long before word “Easter” and word what they used was “Pascha”.

You know, I’m a christian guy, but I don’t celebrate this season a lot. When I was younger, me and my brother used to spread some water and perfumes on our mom, grandma and other family girl members who were around. Nowadays we just spread perfumes and that’s all. They give us some eggs and bunnies. Also some money, for sure, not so much, but it counts anyway. Offers for alcohol beverages I usually don’t accept because I’m not a drinker, but sometimes I say yes, alright. We have also lot of food to eat. Many kinds of meat and also potato salad.

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What about people in England? How do they celebrate? I don’t know if I’m right, but they don’t spread any water or anything. They hide some eggs in the garden and children try to find them all. Go to church and also have lot of food.

I read one article which wrote little James from England. He says “At start we have Easter celebration in school. Last year it was Easter Bonnet competition. We designed and made colorful hats by ourselves on Easter and Spring theme. This year, we are going to make Easter miniature gardens. We also have Easter egg hunt. That’s my favorite activity in school. There is lot of small hidden eggs around the school and we try to find them. When it’s Easter we have two weeks off school. On Good Friday my mom makes hot cross buns for tea. On Easter Sunday we get up very early. Me and my family join other families on the hill and watch the sunrise. Then we have breakfast with the other families. After this breakfast we all go to church. After we come home from church everyone gives each other chocolate eggs. Children in England get big ones filled with sweets. Then I usually play some games and watch television. For dinner my mom cooks roast lamb. After dinner, mom and dad hide small chocolate eggs all around the garden and me and my sister try to find them all. I usually beat my sister in collecting the most, but I always give her some to have same about. Later in the afternoon, my aunt, uncle and cousins come over for tea with special Easter Cake.“ . It’s not a copy of his article if you think. I just wrote in his name what was it about. I think they have better Easter than we have.

Happy Easter! 

Bunnies, chickens and colored eggs all have to do with the Easter Tradition. Today we want to know what do eggs and bunnies have in common. Why isn’t the chicken laying the colored eggs?

Easter was not always a religious holiday but actually had its roots in pagan lore and legend. It was not until 325 A.D. that the Nicean Council declared it a religious holiday.

In order to understand the symbols of Easter we must go back to its early history. 

According to Legend there was always an early spring festival celebrating the end of winter and the beginning of Spring. This festival was held at the time of the first full moon following the vernal equinox. A fertility goddess named Estre was the goddess of offspring and springtime. 

Many pagan religions held the same festival but with different names for their fertility goddess. She was known as Ishtar, Ashtoreth (mentioned in the Old Testament), and Eostre. Besides the difference in names the similarities suggest the same goddess.

She was the goddess of fertility. It was believed by Babylonian legend that a giant egg fell from heaven and was incubated by doves. This is how Ashtoreth/Ishtar/Eastre was born. The god of fertility was called Baal, or Bel in the celtic tongue.

The egg is an earthly symbol of the god of fertility. The hare is associated with the goddess. Together we have male god and female goddess to bring on the season of fertility.

The egg symbolizes the beginning of life, the germination of life. Gifts of colored eggs were often given to celebrate the coming of spring.

It is not surprising to find the hare as a symbol of fertility. The hare is a nocturnal creature and is actually a little different from the cottontail rabbits that we have associated Easter with today.

What is the difference between hares and rabbits? Well, as already mentioned hares are nocturnal. Hares are also born with their fur and their eyes wide open. They are ready to hop right away. Bunnies on the other hand are born with no hair and blind. They must stay with the mother until they are weaned. Bunnies run, hares hop. As rabbits are seen more readily than hares, the rabbit became the symbol for Easter.

Rabbits begin reproducing between the ages of 3 and 5 months of age. The gestation period is 28 days (a lunar cycle) and the litter can be from 3-9 bunnies with the average being 4 per litter. 

Bunnies are prolific breeders so we see how they are so easily integrated into the springtime celebration of Eastre.

The legend is told that Eastre had a beautiful, large bird. One day she magically changed it into a hare and that is why it makes nest and fills it with eggs.

The Easter bunny was first mentioned in Germany in the 1500’s.

Eggs, as mentioned earlier, were a symbol of rebirth. They were given to each other to celebrate the arrival of spring. The egg represents fertility, purity and rebirth

It is believed that eggs make a man more virile. We can see why eggs would be such a mainstay in the fertility festival.

There is an old legend that you can stand an egg on its end during the spring equinox. This apparently has to do with the force of the sun on that particular day. It has been proven that this is not so. You can stand an egg on end any day of the year. It is not the force of the sun but the skill of the person standing the egg that has merit.

It is also interesting to note that eggs were used to cure the “evil eye”. The evil eye was a curse which was believed to dry up all living things. It was said to wither trees, dry up milking animals and nursing mothers etc. The cure always involved using an egg to withdraw the curse.

So we can see now how we got the Easter Rabbit and colored eggs. 

One more thing I would like to look at is the tradition of eating ham at Easter and how the festival of Eastre and Easter came together.

According to The Encyclopedia of Religion, 1987 “Easter” “It was a popular Easter custom amongst Europeans and Americans to eat ham at Easter, because the pig was considered a symbol of luck in pre-Christian European culture.”

German tradition believed that pigs are symbols of luck. If you had a pig to feed your family you were considered lucky, because times were hard.

(This luck of the pig is probably one of the reasons that people keep their money in piggy banks.)

According to Legend, Nimrod, one of Noah’s descendants, married his mother and became a great king. After his death, his wife/mother proclaimed he had become a “sun god” and was to be called Baal. He was worshipped as a god of fertility and promoted sexual sin. Ishtar (his wife/mother) eventually became pregnant with her son Tammuz who was killed by a pig. She ruled that because her son was killed by a pig, then pig must be eaten on this particular Sunday.

It is interesting to note that swine is not eaten by those of the Jewish faith. It was an abomination of God to eat. The Passover was celebrated with eating lamb which symbolizes their redemption. Some may say that eating ham at Easter is an abomination of the Christian religion.

Problems arose because the festival of Eastre and the Christian observance of celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus fell at the same time of year. Pagans did not like the idea of Christianity because it was too solemn a religion. The early church felt that if it borrowed some of the pagan symbols and icons and make them part of the Christian celebration, this would help the pagans to turn to Christianity more easily. The change was a good way to ease converts from paganism to Christianity.

Because the celebration of Eastre and the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus fell at the same time of year the Nicean Council declared that the day would be celebrated on the first full moon after the vernal equinox and would be called Easter, instead of Eastre.

And that my friends is how Easter was created. 

What is Easter without its symbol – the Easter Bunny? Their main responsibility is to carry the eggs in his basket for children behave. Everyone knows that only good children received gifts and they are expecting the Easter Bunny with delicious sweets.

These Easter holidays he is very busy – is quick to deliver the presents, but then … The Easter bunny has not had any idea that gets into this quagmire. Instead of well-bred children, the city was overrun by zombies and ugly children now have become the home of evil. What will you do? Help this poor Easter bunny to survive through many waves of zombies – zombies thirsty children craving flesh and blood.

In this new version of the children zombies the player can switch weapons – usually 6. Note that the number of bullets is limited, if you want to reload your weapon, you must seek the same type of weapon, there are also health zombies remaining after destroyed. Also, if you want to pass all 20 levels, you can choose the survival mode and just earn points by killing zombies. At the beginning levels are easy and more and more difficult to fight the main boss – Big Daddy.

This online shooter keep your interest – you absorb until you pass through. If you like to play action games, this mini-game will be fun for you – the gameplay is very easy – use the WASD keys to move and shoot with the left mouse button. Move quickly and try not to lose control of the situation, because the amount of undead is constantly growing – and all the territory is full of these nasty creatures! Over 20 levels of zombie slaughter!