Friday, March 25, 2011

A Joyful Easter - Postcard Friendship Friday #56



Isn't this a lovely postcard?  The delicate colors and beauty of artistic expression just fills my eyes.  It seemed a perfect postcard for this dreary March day.

There is a fascinating bit of history I found about the origins of Easter.  In ancient times, the Saxons celebrated the return of spring with a festival commemorating their goddess of offspring and of springtime -- Eastre. 

As Christianity spread and these ancient peoples embraced Christianity, it became dangerous to expose their new way of thinking.  Many of these courageous individuals were put to death as a result of their faith in Jesus Christ.  

It is said, in order to avoid persecution in those days, early Believers began to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ during the pagan festival of Eastre.  This festival actually occurred during the same time of year as when Christians already celebrated the Risen Christ.  When early Christians chose to celebrate Christ's resurrection during the holiday of Eastre, no one questioned their special observances of the day.  Eventually the old name, Eastre, was changed to its modern spelling, Easter. 

I find the courage and wisdom of these ancient peoples to be remarkable.  Have a Joyous Easter, everyone!  Happy PFF!

* Dave has a wonderful contest going this week--and the winner will receive a piece of his art.  For more details check out his blog, Old Paper Art.  

* Heather also has a contest going! You could win the charming featured postcard!  For more details, visit Send a Postcard A Day.

* Don't forget to visit Gemma at Greyscale Territory for Weekend Mailbox!


at

14 comments:

  1. Lisa'sLettersandLaceMarch 25, 2011 at 10:27 AM

    Thanks for the info. love it. Blessings, Lisa

    ReplyDelete
  2. Terra March 25, 2011 at 11:12 AM

    I adore this sweet postcard.

    ReplyDelete
  3. JoyMarch 25, 2011 at 11:15 AM

    I love the flowery cross. pretty card.

    ReplyDelete
  4. HeatherMarch 25, 2011 at 11:24 AM

    What a lovely card.

    This week I decided to show a new card for my PFF, and offer it as a prize. It seemed like a way of making today even friendlier.

    ReplyDelete
  5. MrCachetMarch 25, 2011 at 11:28 AM

    Thanks for the boost, Beth! And Thank You Big for host PFF as usual.

    ReplyDelete
  6. papel1March 25, 2011 at 11:47 AM

    Lovely Easter Postcard. Thanks for doing PFF. I meet so many nice bloggers.
    Judy

    ReplyDelete
  7. ClytieMarch 25, 2011 at 12:14 PM

    What a gorgeous card ... and what fascinating history you have uncovered yet again!

    P.S. It's perfect!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Sheila @ A Postcard a DayMarch 25, 2011 at 12:34 PM

    It really is a beautiful card!

    ReplyDelete
  9. FunoldhagMarch 25, 2011 at 12:40 PM

    I think Easter postcards are about the prettiest ones - and that one is a beauty! They are so flowery, lovely colors, and just plain sweet.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Home and HeartMarch 25, 2011 at 3:39 PM

    So true, I don't think people realize that most holidays are very much pagan in origin. Love her sweet face!

    ReplyDelete
  11. ClytieMarch 25, 2011 at 3:42 PM

    Hey sissie, you mentioned that Grammie worked at the Portland Hotel as did Amelia. Since she was Grampa Lesters cousin ... I wonder if that's how she met him??? What a wonderful love story if so!

    ReplyDelete
  12. viridianMarch 25, 2011 at 5:08 PM

    Beth - if you have a few stamps you can join me for sunday Stamps too!

    ReplyDelete
  13. MuseSwingsMarch 25, 2011 at 9:07 PM

    Pretty card. The colors are lovely and she looks comforting and delicate

    ReplyDelete
  14. dakotabooMarch 27, 2011 at 2:45 PM

    Lovely Easter postcard and write-up. This weekend has been a bit manic (in a good way) with a family wedding taking up pretty much all the time. However, I didn't want to be left out this week so I've re-cycled an old blog post of mine from a year or so ago, before I had discovered PFF, so hopefully it's new to everyone here. Happy (belated) PFF.

    ReplyDelete