Easter is probably the most important Christian holiday on the calendar because it commemorates Christ’s resurrection from the dead. Like many other religious holidays, though, Easter has incorporated many traditions from pagan beliefs and
pre-Christian rites of seasonal regeneration.
The word Easter has Indo-European roots and means “dawn”. This is a direct reference to the pagan goddess of dawn and new life. The egg, a symbol of Easter, is a sign of fertility which reflects ancient spring renewal rites and beliefs that have been absorbed into the Christian tradition. Even the Easter bunny who brings the eggs was the escort of the Germanic goddess Ostara, who had a holiday named after her that fell on the vernal equinox. This serves to underscore the pagan elements that still remain a part of this quintessential Christian holy day.
In the United States, Easter is celebrated in several ways. On Easter morning children usually begin their day by looking for Easter eggs that the Easter bunny has hidden for them. Of course, most children know that the eggs were hidden by their parents, not the Easter bunny. In fact, many children help their parents color the Easter eggs, knowing that soon they will be eating them as a snack on Easter day. Some cities have Easter egg hunts at the local parks.
Since Easter is always celebrated on Sunday, many people attend “Sunrise services” at their local church. In fact, more people go to church on Easter Sunday than at any other time of the year. Sunrise services begin very early in the morning, usually right about the same time as when the sun begins to rise, and last until almost noon. After church families gather and have a big holiday feast.
Easter also marks the coming of spring. People are usually happy that winter is over, so parks are usually full of people who want to get outside and enjoy the fresh air.
1.Which of the following best defines Easter?
A.It is partially religious.
B.It is a Christian holiday.
C.It is purely a religious tradition.
D.It is the most important Christian holiday.
2.The Easter egg represents __________.
A.spring
B.new life
C.productivity
D.Easter
3.What is the main point of the third paragraph?
A.Children like eating eggs on Easter.
B.Children help their parents on Easter.
C.People participate in many activities on Easter.
D. A lot of people go to church on Easter.
4.The celebration of Easter does not include __________.
A.eating Easter eggs
B.hunting Easter eggs
C.buying gifts for children
D.having religious ceremonies
5.Why do people go to parks on Easter?
A.Because spring is coming.
B.Because it is part of the celebration.
C.Because the air is fresh on that day.
Because they feel free on that day.
相关资料：
复活节（Easter、一般指春分月圆后第一个星期日）复活节是基督教纪念耶稣复活的一个宗教节日。
每年，春分过去，第一次月圆后的第一个星期日就是复活节。
日期年年不同，一般在3月22日至4月25日之间。
复活节有不少传统习惯，最典型的要数复活节彩蛋。
古人常把蛋视为多子多孙和复活的象征。
后来基督教徒又赋予蛋新的涵义，认为它是耶稣墓的象征，未来的生命就是从其中挣脱而出世的。
复活节时人们把鸡蛋染成红色，代表耶稣受难时流出的鲜血，同时也象征复活后的快乐。
还有一种古老的习俗，是把煮熟的鸡蛋送给街头的孩子们做游戏，他们把蛋往前滚，谁的蛋最后破，谁就获得胜利，蛋全归他所有。
兔子也是复活节的象征。
因为兔子繁殖力很强，所以人们把它视为新生命的表现者。
大人常绘声绘色地告诉孩子复活节彩蛋是兔子下的，并把彩蛋放在花园里，让孩子们玩找蛋游戏。
现在每逢复活节，美国大小糖果店总要出售用巧克力制成的复活节小兔和彩蛋。
这些彩蛋小的和鸡蛋差不多，大的竟有甜瓜那么大，孩子们自然喜欢，送给亲戚朋友，也不失为上佳礼品。