| Risus Paschalis
Each year, more and more churches of all
persuasions all over the United States, and in far corners of the world,
are celebrating the Easter season in new ways.
Urged on by the Fellowship
of Merry Christians in the United States, churches are
resurrecting old old Christian customs from Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and
Protestant traditions. One old custom originating in Bavarian
practice has the faithful gathering back in church Easter afternoon for a
time of story-telling and practical joking. Early orthodox churches
in gathered on the Monday after Easter to tell stories, jokes and
anecdotes. To this day in Slavic regions Christians gather the day
after Easter for folk dancing and feasting in the churchyard.
This was a time of celebrating the big joke
that God pulled on Satan. It is known as Bright Monday, White
Monday, Dyngus Day, and Emmaus Day in various countries.
Wherever it is celebrated, by whatever name, it is characterized by joking
around, singing, dancing, and merry-making.
The Latins call it Risus Paschalis --
God's Joke, the Easter Laugh.
Some start on April Fool's Day to prepare
for the divine folly of the Easter surprise.
At Christ Presbyterian Church in Drexel
Hill, Pennsylvania, USA, the Sunday after Easter is celebrated as Holy
Hilarity Sunday. Others call it Holy Humor
Sunday, Holy Fools Sunday, or Bright Sunday. But,
whatever it is called, we celebrate Risus
Paschalis.
Take a look at some of the resources
collected here and plan a celebration that is appropriate to your
situation. Let us know what you do and how you celebrate risus
paschalis. |