If your family is not religious, how do you explain the meaning of Easter to you

1. 84

   twosevenposted 6 years ago

   If your family is not religious, how do you explain the meaning of Easter to your children?
   
   My family is not religious and has no problem making Christmas special, talking about the joys of giving, etc.  But growing up we never made much of a big deal of Easter.  I want to make it more fun for my son, but I'm not sure how to explain it other than "an imaginary bunny brings you candy, and you hunt for colored eggs."  I want to give it more meaning, and I like the idea of rebirth and new beginnings, but don't really want to get into the whole crucifixion story, as it's not part of our beliefs, and I feel it's a bit graphic for my 2 year old.  Any ideas?

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2. 70

   MickSposted 6 years ago

   Tell them the real meaning based on the Germanic fertility goddess, Eostre, and how the Christians stole the celebration from the native north western Europeans.

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3. 95

   Sherry Hewinsposted 6 years ago

   Even though I am not religious my children knew the story of Jesus rising from the dead. Easter was not a huge deal at our house, but I think kids should know why it is celebrated. But at 2, does he know who Jesus is and what death is? Maybe just start out with the celebration of spring and new life, baby animals being born, green shoots sprouting.

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4. 90

   Les Trois Chenesposted 6 years ago

   I have no ploblem telling the story of the crucifixion - it's an historical event after all, and I tell my son the Christian story as well. I would add in the pagan meaning of eggs, spring, rebirth etc.
   
   I'm very keen that my son knows the bible and Christian stories, hymns etc because we live in a Christian culture and without this knowledge he won't be able to fully understand and appreciate books, poetry, film, plays, art and so much more. our culture is steeped in this. I'd also like him to learn about other religions - I'm just too lazy to teach myself - as we live in a multi-cultural world now.

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