Many shops decorate their windows with bright colourful lights and tinsel even though this looks attractive and gets you into a Christmas mood they should remember the true meaning. Many big stores open on Christmas day, shopkeepers know that there is a big demand for presents during this time. But there is a limit to what parents can buy. In shops advent calendars do not show the events of Jesus, now the tradition has been taken over by the newly advertised chocolate calendars. ‘Advent’ is supposed to be counting down to Jesus’ birth not counting down to the biggest chocolate on Christmas day.
Christmas card tradition has also been taken over by new symbols for example reindeers and snowmen. Cards should show Jesus’ birth as there are distributed to family and friends to show they remember them during Christmas. Even if they don’t remember Jesus a religious card will make them think of him.
Easter is another time Jesus should be remembered as he rose from the dead, but people are taken up by the advertising again. Easter eggs are a hugely sold product at Easter. This is what small Children relate to Easter, they should also be told what the true meaning is. All children know that the Easter bunny will leave eggs behind for good children it is another reason for shopkeepers to commercialise and make money out of a religious festival which is wrong! Many shops also sell cards with no religious symbol. It is nice to know people still send cards to show good will but it still doesn’t show the meaning of Easter.
But some people disagree with this. Religious customs still go ahead. In schools pupils reinact the scenes of Christ or nativity’s take place and throughout advent, they count down with an advent wreath and have a crib scene.
There is also a big attendance at church during Christmas and Easter to remember Christ. When people send Easter cards they remember when the wise men gave Jesus gifts. The giving of presents and cards shows sharing and the spirit of Easter. During this time everyone remembers loved ones which shows Jesus has taught them well. Carol singers get many people in the spirit of Christmas they are also worshipping Jesus at the same time. This also lets people think about Jesus.
During Christmas and Easter there is a remembrance of Jesus Christ. Especially at Easter, chocolate eggs are given and shared amongst friends mainly children this represents ‘life’. This shows Jesus rising from the dead and at this time during spring new animals are born.
In Jesus’ life Easter was the time, the tomb that Jesus’ body lay in after his crucifixion was found empty. People found out that Jesus had risen. People rejoiced and this time is called the resurrection now.
Another mass produced product at Easter is ‘Hot Cross Buns’. The Religious meaning in these are the cross representing the cross Jesus was crucified on and the spices in them represents the spices which were put on his body to preserve it when he had died.