Does this remind you of anything coming up shortly? Easter eggs are taken for granted, but children are often unaware of their symbolic significance.
Eggs
Do you get or give Easter eggs? Which eggs do you prefer - hollow chocolate eggs, those with sweets or presents inside, hard-boiled eggs with painted shells? Do you hide them, roll them down hills, or just eat them? What can you paint on eggs (colourful designs, a face, Humpty Dumpty, your favourite football team strip)?
Easter
Why and when do Christians celebrate Easter (death and resurrection of Christ, a Sunday after the full (paschal) moon between March 22 and April 25)? Easter follows a period of fasting called Lent (the six-and-a-half-week period from Ash Wednesday marking Christ’s 40 days in the wilderness). Do you know of similar periods of fasting and celebration in other religions (eg, Ramadan)?
Symbols
Eggs were pagan symbols of what (fertility, thus association with rabbitsthe start of spring)? Can you think of any other symbols (picture of children = school ahead warning to drivers; cross = Christ and suffering; eagle = strength and freedom; the Grim reaperskull and crossbones = death)?
Writing
You are a member of a “Star Trek” crew, just landed, and you see this giant egg. Write your report describing what you think it is.
Ted Wragg is professor of education at Exeter University
