Hyvää Pääsiäistä

Photo Credit: http://www.kukkalunaria.fi/hyvaa-paasiaista-2

Its this time of the year where Christians around the world celebrates Easter. Wikipedia describes it as "a festival and holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, described in the New Testament as having occurred on the third day of his burial after his crucifixion by Romans at Calvary c. 30 AD. It is the culmination of the Passion of Christ... Easter is linked to the Jewish Passover by much of its symbolism, as well as by its position in the calendar. In many languages, the words for "Easter" and "Passover" are identical or very similar. Easter customs vary across the Christian world..." 

Yesterday, our Finnish class teacher handed out a reading sheet about the Finnish Easter. I Thought, wow! It would be a great time to share what Christ has done for us! My classmates of other religious background are keen in asking about what Easter is. The teacher described it in Finnish, pointing out to her palm. my classmate from the other row asked me, "Sarah, is that the crucifixion?" I said yes. I hope I could share more to him about it. The reading material we had, turned out to be more about the customs that don't necessarily have anything to do with the real meaning of Easter.

What does trolls, tullips, eggs, chicks, bunny, grass and dafodil have to do with what is supposed to be a Christ-centered tradition? Especially dressing up kids as a witch? Oh it breaks my heart! I think this made-up traditions makes us look funny from the perspective of other religions because there is just no good explanation for it. These traditions is so normal, people would think it is ok. Its fun anyway! And that sets aside Christ in the picture. 

But we can always go against the flow, make our own family easter tradition that focuses on Christ. Take the long weekend to reflect on Christ's life, death and resurrection, more importantly, set our hope that He is coming back again by reading the Bible. Its also a great time to bond with our love ones and take some time to rest. Hyvää Pääsiäistä! Happy Easter!