A Tudor Easter!
Celebrate Easter like the Tudors!
by Hannah Taylor
Suitable for Key Stage 2
Aims
To consider how the Tudors celebrated Easter and how that differs from today.
Preparation and materials
- You will need the PowerPoint slides accompanying this assembly (A Tudor Easter!) and the means to display them.
Assembly
- Ask the children what they think about when they hear the word, Easter.
Listen to a range of suggestions. - Show Slide 1.
Maybe some of the children spoke about Easter eggs or egg rolling. - Show Slide 2.
Maybe some spoke about the Easter bunny, Easter bonnet competitions or Easter food. - Show Slide 3.
Maybe some spoke about the death and resurrection of Jesus. - Point out that when we think of Easter today, we often think of the chocolate, fluffy bunnies, and Easter egg hunts; but in Tudor times, there were some strict traditions to follow.
Show Slide 4. - In the time of the Tudors, King Henry VIII made changes to the church, and he ensured everyone followed his strict rules.
- What were the strict rules?
Six weeks before Easter Sunday, everyone fasted for Lent. In Tudor times this meant people gave up sweet treats, meat and dairy for 42 days. When Easter Sunday finally came, everyone was allowed to enjoy these foods again.
On Palm Sunday green plants were blessed, this was then followed by a big parade around the Church.
On Good Friday there was the creeping of the cross, this meant that the clergy and even the king would have to kneel and crawl to the crucifix. They would then have to kiss the feet of Jesus on the cross to show their devotion to him.
On Good Friday there was a ‘blessing of the rings’ ceremony. During this the monarchs would ask God to bless their rings with the gift of healing. Superstition said that if someone was sick and they kissed the ring, they would be healed.
After sunset on Easter Saturday a Paschal Church service would be held. The Pascal candle would then be lit, and everyone would take turns lighting their own candle to symbolize Jesus being the Light of the World. This service is still celebrated in some places today.
Show Slide 5. - What did the Tudors eat at Easter?
The Tudors would enjoy grand feasts after Easter Sunday, with rich meats and sweet cakes. They would also decorate simnel cakes with delicate flowers.
Show Slide 6. - Tudor Easter activities and celebrations
Easter Sunday was a merry time, where everyone could come together in warmer weather and enjoy a big feast. Gifts of spices, food, animals and eggs were given out, and servants were given time to visit their families.
There would have been a lot of entertainment, such as plays, games, fayres, music and dressing up. - Examples of medieval games
One of the most famous games we play at easter is to have an Easter egg hunt. In Tudor times, there were lots of games that included eggs.
Egg tapping – Egg tapping is like conkers except that eggs are used instead of conkers. The main aim of the game is to tap your opponent’s egg with the aim of breaking it, without cracking your own egg. The eggs are hardboiled before the game!
Egg rolling - The main point of the game is to roll an egg down the hill, without it breaking, the competitor who rolls their egg the furthest wins.
Egg dancing – Egg dancing is a traditional Easter game dating back to Saxon times. , Eggs are laid on the ground and the goal is to dance around them, without breaking any or damaging as few eggs as possible.
Time for reflection
Easter is a wonderful time to come together to celebrate. It is a time of fun, but also a time to remember the death and resurrection of Jesus. Some of the Tudor traditions can be seen in our celebrations and traditions today.
Let’s take the time to think about Easter and what it means to us.
Let’s take the time to be thankful.
Prayer
Dear Lord,
Thank you for the fun things we do at Easter.
Thank you that we can remember your death and resurrection,
Thank you for the hope and new life you give.
Please help us to be full of joy this Easter.
Please help us to live in your peace and love every day.
Amen.
Song/music
‘Amazing Grace’ by Carrie Underwood. This can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tae3rpIvpg
