Easter is considered to be the most important festival in the Christian calendar, and is at the centre of Christianity. Easter is the celebration of the resurrection of Christ. The Easter story starts with Jesus being crucified on the cross and his body being placed in a tomb. The story famously ends after three days in which he rose from the dead – a day that is now known as Easter Sunday. In accordance with the Easter story, the celebration covers not only the one day but includes the whole week before. This is known as Holy Week.
What is Holy Week?
1. Palm Sunday
Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday and celebrates Jesus’ arrival into Jerusalem, where he is welcomed by huge crowds of people. It’s called Palm Sunday as the people who greeted him threw palm tree branches on the road before him.
2. Maundy Thursday
This is the day of the Last Supper when Jesus had the Passover meal with his disciples. The word Maundy means command (mandate) and reflects how at the Last Supper, Jesus told everyone that we should love one another.
Many Christians celebrate Maundy Thursday by sharing bread and wine together in a service called Holy Communion, Eucharist or the Mass. It is a reminder that Jesus sacrificed his life for mankind.
3. Good Friday
On the Friday before Easter Sunday, Christians remember the day Jesus was crucified by attending services called Stations of the Cross. This is called Good Friday, when Christians remember what it means to them how Jesus gave up his life on the cross.
4. Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday celebrates the day of Jesus’ resurrection.
On this day Jesus’ disciples visited the tomb where his body had been placed and found it miraculously open with the body gone. An angel appeared, and told them that Jesus was alive. Sometime later, they met Jesus, who explained to them that he had risen from the dead.
How to share the Easter Story in your Early Years Setting
The Easter story can be easily shared in your setting in a number of ways whether this be via craft activities, storytelling or role play. Below are some ideas:
- Make your own Palm Crosses! You needn’t use real Palm branches for this but can instead use lolly sticks and tissue paper or card
- Enjoy some hot cross buns! The hot cross bun has become a symbol of Easter for a reason as the cross on the top represents the Easter story itself and the buns can be used as a symbol of the breaking of bread. Spark discussions about the Easter story in your setting by introducing these!
- Introduce symbols of new life. This could be in the form of flowers, chicks or eggs and could come in the form of crafts or decorating your setting. This is a great way to talk about new life and discuss the Easter story and the re-birth of Christ
For more Easter and Spring themed crafts to enjoy this season then head to our dedicated blog post. Here you will find even more ideas and activities to try!
We would love to hear your stories! How have you introduced the Easter Story in your setting? Share your experiences with us on social media by tagging us or using the hashtag #ExploreWithEYR!
