You say Pascha and I say Easter

Sometimes life is about compromise, so this Easter, try a little give and take! Maybe you have a new love who has opened your world up to fresh and interesting customs, or it could be that your Aunt Joan is bringing her Jewish boyfriend to your family’s Christian Easter celebration. Perhaps you’re a kindergarten teacher who wants to take the opportunity to teach the class about the diverse backgrounds and faiths in your classroom. Either way, lots of different cultures celebrate this wonderful springtime festivity so there are many different ways to observe it! With the global village we are now part of, more and more families and groups are finding reasons to blend their different customs - and the celebration can be all the richer for it! Here are a few tips on how to celebrate your different Easter traditions together:Have a discussionStep one in blending any custom is to find out what can’t be left out. Invite discussion between you and your loved one, or the parents of the class, so you can find out the most integral and interesting parts of each celebration. Here are some questions to get the discussion started:•What exactly do you celebrate? When it comes to the celebration most commonly known as Easter, you could be celebrating the resurrection of Jesus, the rites of spring or the evasion of the wrath of God (as in Passover). It is important to understand what is being celebrated and to honor and respect each member’s belief system. •Why do you celebrate? This seems like the same question as above, but it will garner much different answers. Some people may only celebrate because it’s what their parents do. Some may celebrate for a deeply devout reason. Again, everyone’s reasons are valid and deserve respect; but the answers to this question might give you some insight as to whether the celebration should be solemn or festive.•What kind of foods do you eat? Because Easter is celebrated in the spring and many traditions involve fasting before Easter, foods are very important to this holiday. Blending several different customs may make for the most interesting meal you’ve had in some time. And the Easter mélange that has shown up in your basket in years gone by will pale in comparison to the variety you’ll see with a blended celebration! •What activities are involved? From scrambling around with hare pie to burning holy light, there are as many different activities associated with Easter as there are colors on your eggs. Take full advantage of the opportunity to fill your day with meaningful observances, fun games, and happy memories.Plan it outOnce you know some of the customs you will be celebrating, work together to plan your gathering. Whether it’ll be just the two of you or the thirty kids in your class, figure out what should go where. Be sure to group quiet or devout practices together, and then get on with the partying. Plan a menu that includes everyone-try new recipes from his mom or ask school parents to each send in a traditional food. You’ll broaden your horizons, your event will be more interesting, and you’ll nurture a respect for humankind that will last through time.

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