🐣 Easter eggs reclaiming religious freedom

The meaningful and colorful tradition is invaluable to Ukrainian women

Hi ReligionUnplugged readers,

As Easter approaches this Sunday — and Orthodox Easter follows the week after — many will be decorating Easter eggs in accordance with the old tradition.

Eggs are an ancient symbol of rebirth, and the Easter egg tradition was first linked to pagan traditions that celebrated the beginning of spring. When Christianity spread in Ukraine during the 10th century, they became a Christian tradition too. Called pysanky, the decorated eggs are detailed and brightly colored.

Now, beyond being a colorful and crafty activity to celebrate the holiday, the Easter egg represents the death, tomb and resurrection of Jesus.

In Ukraine, the tradition remains vital to many, and it serves as a way to seize religious freedom even in the midst of Russia’s attacks.

In today’s top story, columnist Chelsea Langston Bombino explores the creation of pysanky and their special relevance to women and mothers in Ukraine.

“Spiritual motherhood is brought to life through sacred, ancient myths like the Ukrainian women who co-create the world anew each morning through their perpetual creation of pysanky eggs,” Bombino writes.

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How Easter Eggs Represent Ukrainian Women's Power To Reclaim Religious Freedom

(ANALYSIS) Spiritual motherhood is brought to life through sacred, ancient myths like the Ukrainian women who co-create the world anew each morning through their perpetual creation of pysanky eggs. And particularly now, spiritual mothers like Zielyk are inviting each of us to step into our own individual and collective sacred stories through art, beauty and creativity. by Chelsea Langston Bombino

How Muslim Women Are Reconciling Gender Justice And Islam

(ANALYSIS) As a Muslim-Pakistani woman who is also a journalist, I find myself unable to turn off from such news. In these cases, what set me off more is that unlike previous instances of violence against women where a certain amount of support and discussion helped me deal with the fear and anger that accompanies such news, Khan’s and Muhammad’s untimely deaths were met with silence. by Anmol Irfan

Museum Of The Bible Offers Up Faith, History And Easter Activities

Washington, D.C.’s Museum of the Bible is fascinating for Christians of all denominations and even for people who identify with another faith tradition. The museum — in addition to highlighting Hebrew texts and the time Jesus lived — also integrates how the Bible and Christianity have influenced American culture and society since the early 1600s to the present. by Clemente Lisi

NCAA Basketball Star Caitlin Clark's Success Rooted In Her Faith And Catholic Education 

Everyone now knows what Caitlin Clark can do after her wonderful performances this season — but many schools had seen that potential a few years ago. She was heavily recruited by a number of schools after ESPN rated her one of the nation’s top prospect in 2020 when she was a budding point guard at a Catholic high school in Iowa. by Clemente Lisi

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⛪️ Tears And Faith After The Covenant School Shooting In Nashville 🔌

In this week’s Weekend Plug-in, Bobby Ross Jr. highlights coverage of the mass shooting at a Presbyterian elementary school in Nashville, Tennessee. Plus, as always, catch up on all the best reads and top headlines in the world of faith.

Don’t forget! You can subscribe to receive Bobby’s column directly in your inbox on Friday mornings!

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