Children learn the true meaning of Easter

Apr 5 2007 By Emma Cullwick, Birmingham Mail

BUDDING young thespians at a Birmingham school donned costumes to stage a play as they celebrated Easter.

Youngsters dressed up to tell their teachers, parents and classmates the Biblical story of Jesus's death and resurrection during the production at Lyndon Green Junior School, in Wensley Road, Sheldon.

Proud head teacher Judy Burgess said the youngsters had spent months rehearsing the play.

"They had lots of fun and seemed to really enjoy themselves," she said. "Everyone was very impressed with how they did and I think it was not only a great way for them to boost their confidence but it was very educational too."

The youngsters appeared to be bucking the trend after a new survey has revealed many young people are ignorant of the meaning of Easter.

Research among more than 1,000 people showed that many of those aged between 15 and 24 thought it was about buying chocolate eggs.

One in ten of that age group didn't know why Easter Sunday was celebrated and one in six had no idea of the significance of Good Friday.

Half of those surveyed by supermarket firm Somerfield said they were giving up something for Lent, even though many didn't know the religious meaning behind their decision.

Today, the Bishop of Birmingham, David Urquhart, urged people to use the holiday to visit their nearest church and find out the true meaning of Easter.

"Most people don't have contact with the Christian church or the Christian message in the Bible," he said.