Traveling within the World
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Origins of Easter Eggs, the Easter Bunny and Other Easter Traditions by Joanne E. Brannan
At Easter time the new growth of bright green leaves along with the frantic nest building of the birds are potent reminders of the expansive spirit of the season.
Pagans have always celebrated the new life and fertility of this season, and these Pagan themes have passed into the folklore and symbolism of Christian Easter.
Renewal and Rebirth at Easter
The Christian Festival of Easter celebrates the resurrection of the Christ. The return to life of Jesus following his execution mirrors the symbolism of rebirth celebrated by pre-Christian pagan religions at the same time of year.
The themes of new life and renewed fertility still celebrated by modern Pagans and Wiccans at the Sabbat of Ostara at the Spring Equinox.
The Easter Bunny and the Moon
Christian Easter falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the Spring Equinox. Some say that this curious timing of a Christian festival indicates a link with a German moon goddess associated with the spring.
Curiously, the totem of this moon goddess was the hare, a possible link with the modern Easter bunny imagery that remains so popular to this day. Another Pagan explanation for the origins of the Easter bunny could be the sacred hares of ancient British tribes.
Pagan Easter Eggs
The egg has been a symbol of fertility and renewal for millennia. The ancient pagan spring tradition of painting hollow egg shells to be hung on a branch has been transformed into the modern day chocolate Easter egg.
Most Easter eggs today are still highly decorated. In a similar way many Pagan Traditions are reflected in today's Christmas Decorations.
The Origins of the Word Easter
The origins of the English word Easter are unclear. Bede declared that it is derived from the name of the Anglo Saxon Goddess of spring and fertility Eostre, or Eostra. However, the existence of this goddess is this is not backed up by other sources. Indeed Bede is considered unreliable on the subject of ancient pagan religions.
It seems more likely that the English Easter, and the related German name Ostern, derive from and Anglo Saxon term Estor-monath which indicated the month of beginnings.
Regardless of the exact origins of symbols such as Easter eggs and the Easter bunny, the quickening energy of the season is indeed tangible around the Pagan Festival of Ostara and the slightly later Christian Festival of Easter. Certainly the two traditions share the same spirit of hope and optimism for the months following this special time.
Sources:
A History of Pagan Europe by Prudence Jones, Nigel Pennick.
Sacred Celebrations: A Sourcebook, by Glennie Kindred.
The Wicca Bible: The Definitive Guide to Magic and the Craft by Ann-Marie Gallagher.
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Patchwork Merchant Mercenaries had its humble beginnings as an idea of a few artisans and craftsmen who enjoy performing with live steel fighting. As well as a patchwork quilt tent canvas. Most had prior military experience hence the name.
Patchwork Merchant Mercenaries.
Vendertainers that brought many things to a show and are know for helping out where ever they can.
As well as being a place where the older hand made items could be found made by them and enjoyed by all.
We expanded over the years to become well known at what we do. Now we represent over 100 artisans and craftsman that are well known in their venues and some just starting out. Some of their works have been premiered in TV, stage and movies on a regular basis.
Specializing in Medieval, Goth , Stage Film, BDFSM and Practitioner.
Patchwork Merchant Mercenaries a Dept of, Ask For IT was started by artists and former military veterans, and sword fighters, representing over 100 artisans, one who made his living traveling from fair to festival vending medieval wares. The majority of his customers are re-enactors, SCAdians and the like, looking to build their kit with period clothing, feast gear, adornments, etc.
Likewise, it is typical for these history-lovers to peruse the tent (aka mobile store front) and, upon finding something that pleases the eye, ask "Is this period?"
A deceitful query!! This is not a yes or no question. One must have a damn good understanding of European history (at least) from the fall of Rome to the mid-1600's to properly answer. Taking into account, also, the culture in which the querent is dressed is vitally important. You see, though it may be well within medieval period, it would be strange to see a Viking wearing a Caftan...or is it?
After a festival's time of answering weighty questions such as these, I'd sleep like a log! Only a mad man could possibly remember the place and time for each piece of kitchen ware, weaponry, cloth, and chain within a span of 1,000 years!! Surely there must be an easier way, a place where he could post all this knowledge...
Traveling Within The World is meant to be such a place. A place for all of these artists to keep in touch and directly interact with their fellow geeks and re-enactment hobbyists, their clientele.
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