Easter is the most crucial Christian feast, the essence of which is religion in the redemption of mankind through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Although Poles are a nation in the majority of Catholics, even from brief observations it is clear that they focus more than on the spiritual dimension on the tradition and ceremoniality of these holidays. In this respect, alongside Christian symbolism, there are elements that have nothing to do with Christianity, specified as eggs, krushanki, rabbits, or the habit of a lynx. This shows the common penetration of the Christian and pagan traditions over the centuries. In fact, the Church was incapable to eradicate pre-Christian rites and customs, and thus "accustomed" them and adapted them. This was not especially difficult, for both in the case of Christian Easter and in the case of pagan Jari Gods (the festival of the spring solstice) it was about the triumph of life over death, light over darkness, good over evil. It is worth looking at the interesting symbolism of Easter.
I think the symbol most associated with Easter is egg, which, however, is hard to relate straight to Christianity. Eggs were present in many religions and cultures as a symbol of rebirth of life. This symbol was placed, among another things, in Egyptian tombs as a sign of hope for a return to life. In Slavic beliefs, the egg was a solar symbol, embodying the sun, light, fertility, or rebirth of the natural forces, which had a close connection with the spring solstice. Eggs were besides an amulet to counteract witchcraft and evil powers. It was common for Slavs to decorate eggs (writing, krushanki), which aimed to guarantee health, abundance and success in the coming year. This customized has survived to this day, although modern-day Easter eggs are sacred in churches and have gained Christian colors.
Similar character is symbolic Easter rabbit. The rabbit was a symbol of spring, waking up fresh life and fertility. Unlike the lambs, however, Easter rabbits had no mention to Christianity, as evidence of the intertwining of old and fresh beliefs. Although the Easter Bunny symbol spread in our country rather late, it is associated with Easter holidays.
Another Easter symbol is palms. Although they are commonly identified with the celebrations of Palm Sunday – in remembrance of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, the customized of making palm trees (union of various plants and herbs) begins with Slavic customs. Palms were made of willow branches, with the addition of specified plants as beechseed, juniper, or blueberry. They had the power to drive distant spirits and defend them from evil. frequently our ancestors besides struggled with palm trees to guarantee their wellness and vitality.
Another Easter customized is the tradition of water splashing called popularly scopus-dyngus. This customized besides has pre - Christian roots and symbolized cleansing in the past. It was besides widely thought that watering was conducive to fertility, and therefore, the virgins were frequently poured on release. However, it is worth noting that initially the propeller and dyngus were separate customs. Smigus meant symbolic threshing of willows and pouring water, and dingus was a form of redemption from these practices, for example, through refreshment.
Clearly, then, Easter’s rites go far beyond the Christian knowing of Easter. This is 1 example of the permeability of beliefs, traditions and customs over the centuries. There is besides no uncertainty that although the festival is religious, it unites people regardless of the planet view. In addition to Christians, unbelievers and many another religions usually sit at the Christmas table. This shows that the Easter message of life’s triumph over death has a universal dimension.
Michał Radzikowski
