![]() ![]() We will only focus upon showing how the meaning of the motifs appearing in the story of the Garden of Eden might modify the interpretation of the story of the open tomb. It is not the aim of this article to determine whether this coincidence (of motifs and themes) is accidental or if it due to the theological assumptions and content of both stories or if it due to the conscious intentions of the Evangelist. In this sketch we will focus mainly upon the following motifs and themes that appear in both stories: the motif of the garden and the gardener, the theme of searching and the associated motif of the name, the theme of knowing and seeing (visual perception), the motif of heavenly beings and the associated motif of the swords, God’s prohibition or the motif of the covered body. This coincidence of motifs and themes may modify the interpretation of the Evangelist’s story. The Yahwist story of the Garden of Eden, covering the creation of the first people, their initial happiness and their consequent fall into sin, contains – constructed out of symbols – motifs and themes that appear also, though in a different form, in the Johannine narration regarding the open tomb (Jn 20:1-18). Other symbols can only really be understood in the environment and mentality in which they are anchored due to having formed there. They are identified by their commonality. Certain symbols are anchored down in the consciousness of many cultures for which they serve as archetypes. Within the New Testament, the greatest number of symbols appears in the Johannine texts, particularly in the Apocalypse and the Gospel. Subscribe to Building Faith.One of the most heavily laden with symbolism texts in the Old Testament is the story of the Garden of Eden (Gen 2, 4b-3, 24), sometimes referred to by Bible scholars as the Myth of Paradise, the stress being on this literary genre being set apart by its specificity as compared to other myths of the ancient cultures. Wife, mother, soon-to-be-grandmother, and author, she enjoys connecting people with each other and the resources they need for growing in the knowledge and love of Jesus.ĭid you enjoy this article? Consider subscribing to Building Faith and get every new post by email. Sharon Ely Pearson is a 30+ year Christian formation veteran, currently serving as an editor and the Christian Formation Specialist for Church Publishing Incorporated. – New green “grass” will appear in 7-14 days. – When sprouts appear, remove from the bag and put in a sunny location. – Keep in a warm place and check daily for sprouting. – Carefully water the soil with the spray bottle and put the watered pot or basket in a plastic bag, sealing it closed. – Sprinkle a thick pinch of wheat seeds over the surface of the soil. – Take a pot or basket (lined with plastic wrap) and fill it almost to the top with soil. Wheat seeds (found as whole wheat at natural food stores) Pots or baskets (such as plastic berry baskets) Now the green blade riseth from the buried grain, wheat that in darkness many days has lain love lives again, that with the dead has been: Love is come again like wheat that springeth green. Consider one of the best known Easter hymns: Symbols of growth and renewal have always marked the Easter season. It is a simple activity that can be done at home or with children in Church School during the waning days of Lent. The European custom of growing wheat at Easter, as a symbol of Jesus’ death and resurrection, is finding new popularity in our own times. (See the link for full directions with step-by-step photos) ![]() – Add other items as you build and complete your garden – Place the terracotta pot in the center for the tomb – Place the potted plants in the large dish, and surround with dirt Shallow dish, terracotta pot, rocks, dirt, large rock, One of our favorites is from Catholic Icing. ![]() You can find pictures and instructions for making a Resurrection garden in various places online. This activity brings the Easter story to life, while connecting the resurrection story to new life and growth. Try these two activities to bring the Easter garden metaphor to life! From the garden of Eden to the garden in John’s gospel where Jesus makes his first post-resurrection appearance, a garden is the place where God dwells, the place where God proclaims that everything is good, the place where God in Christ calls us by name. ![]() The garden metaphor represents Easter perfectly. The resurrection of Christ is proclaimed with shouts of alleluia, and there is good news for everyone: death has been put to death, humanity has been restored, even the face of the earth is renewed with life, the desert flowering into a garden. “Forth he came at Easter, like the risen grain, he that for three days in the grave had lain, quick from the dead my risen Lord is seen: Love is come again like wheat that springeth green.”Įaster is the great feast of the church, the week of weeks, a fifty-day festival of rejoicing. ![]()
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