India proudly acknowledges Christian community's contribution, Christ's values guiding light: PM Narendra Modi

How Religions Around the World View Solar Eclipses

How Religions , Around the World , View Solar Eclipses. With the upcoming April 8 total solar eclipse quickly approaching, Fox News offered readers an overview of how religions traditionally view eclipses. Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism suggests that the karmic results of positive and negative actions are magnified during major astronomical events, including solar eclipses. Christianity, Christian tradition connects eclipses with a number of significant events, including the death of Jesus and the "end times.". Hinduism, In Hinduism, eclipses both solar and lunar are generally regarded as bad omens. Islam, Muslims see a solar eclipse as a time for prayer and contemplating God. The sun and the moon are two signs amongst the signs of Allah and they do not eclipse because of the death of someone... Whenever you see these eclipses pray and invoke (Allah), Kaiser Aslam, Muslim chaplain at the Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers University, via Fox News. Judaism, Similarly to Hinduism, Judaism views eclipses as "an ill omen for the world.". Eclipses should be opportunities to increase in prayer and introspection — as opposed to prompting joyous blessings. It is a sign that we really could and should be doing better, Rabbi Menachem Posner, via Fox News. Fox News reports that Rabbi Mordechai Becher cited Judaism's longstanding connections with astronomy and the heavenly message eclipses deliver. He created a system that would remind us regularly that our choices can create darkness, even at times when there should be light. Our free will choices can create a barrier between us and the Divine light, but can also allow Divine light to be seen here, Rabbi Mordechai Becher, via Fox News

Watch: Czech town's historic passion play draws hundreds in spectacular Easter display

In the lead-up to Easter Sunday, the town of Zdar nad Sazavou in the Czech Republic hosted its annual passion play, depicting the final days of the life of Jesus Christ.

5 Easter Traditions From Around the World

5 Easter Traditions , From Around the World. Every culture has its own unique holiday traditions rooted in that region's folklore and history. Here are five popular Easter traditions from different locations around the world. 1. Florence, Italy. The firework-packed cart is paraded through the city and set off by the Archbishop during Easter mass. 2. Sweden and Finland. It is common for children to dress up as witches and beg for chocolate in the streets. 3. Corfu, Greece. The tradition welcomes spring by disposing of old pots so new ones can be used to gather the season's crops. 4. Bessières, France. The tradition is said to have begun when Napoleon passed through the town and ordered the townspeople to make a giant Omelette for his army. 5. Jerusalem, Israel. Some who participate in the walk carry a large cross to symbolize Jesus’ painful journey

This Is Why We Eat Chocolate Bunnies for Easter

This Is Why We Eat Chocolate Bunnies for Easter. Though Easter is celebrated by Christians remembering Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. chocolate bunnies can be found everywhere. But according to the 'Encyclopedia of Religion,' "the Easter bunny has never received any specific Christian interpretation.". That's because much of the Easter bunny tradition is derived from Ostara, the Germanic pre-Christian fertility goddess. The word "Easter" stems from her name, and it is said that she used to have a pet rabbit. Her name spawned a fictional character, Oschter Haws, a rabbit who gave children eggs on Easter. During the Industrial Revolution, smooth, solid chocolate was developed. Meanwhile, Germany started perfecting chocolate molds, including the form of rabbits. It wasn't until the late 1800s that the chocolate bunny made its way to America. One of the best-known first sightings was a five-foot chocolate rabbit outside a drugstore in Pennsylvania around 1890. The trend caught on, and the rest — is history

Warnock Calls GOP’s Criticism of Trans Visibility Day ‘Opposite of Christian Faith’

Warnock Calls GOP’s Criticism , of Trans Visibility Day , ‘Opposite of Christian Faith’. This year, Trans Day of Visibility coincidentally fell on Easter Sunday. President Joe Biden was attacked by Conservatives for making a declaration about the day, as he does every year, because it fell on the Christian holiday. One of Biden's critics, Speaker Mike Johnson, called Biden's declaration an "outrageous and abhorrent" attack on the religion. . One of Biden's critics, Speaker Mike Johnson, called Biden's declaration an "outrageous and abhorrent" attack on the religion. . Senator Raphael Warnock, a reverend, has denounced GOP criticism, calling it the "opposite of the Christian faith," 'The Hill' reports. . Apparently, the Speaker finds trans people abhorrent, and I think he ought to think about that, Sen. Warnock, via interview with CNN's Dana Bash. This is just one more instance of folks who do not know how to lead us trying to divide us, Sen. Warnock, via interview with CNN's Dana Bash. This is the opposite of the Christian faith. Jesus centered the marginalized. He centered the poor, Sen. Warnock, via interview with CNN's Dana Bash. And in a moment like this, we need voices, particularly voices of faith, who would use our faith not as a weapon to beat other people down but as a bridge to bring all of us together, Sen. Warnock, via interview with CNN's Dana Bash. The White House also issued a statement. As a Christian who celebrates Easter with Family, President Biden stands for bringing people together and upholding the dignity and freedoms of every American, White House spokesperson Andrew Bates, via statement. Sadly, it’s unsurprising politicians are seeking to divide and weaken our country with cruel, hateful, and dishonest rhetoric. President Biden will never abuse his faith for political purposes or for profit, White House spokesperson Andrew Bates, via statement

Manipur Government's Weekend Work Order Sparks Outrage Before Easter | Oneindia News

Manipur governor's decree for government offices to operate on March 30-31, coinciding with Easter, draws criticism from tribal groups, citing offense to Christian sentiments. With Manipur's significant Christian population, concerns are raised over the disregard for religious observance. This decision reignites tensions in the ethnically diverse state, exacerbating existing fault lines between tribal communities and the majority Meiteis. #Manipur #Kuki #Meiti #Kukizo #Christians #Manipurnews #Manipurcrisis #Manipurupdates #Manipurp #Indianews #Politics #Oneindia #Oneindianews ~PR.152~ED.155~GR.125~HT.96~

This Day in History: First St. Patrick's Day Parade

This Day in History: , First St. Patrick's Day Parade. March 17, 1762. The first St. Patrick's Day parade is widely regarded as having been celebrated in New York City by Irish soldiers serving in the British army. The day honors the patron saint of Ireland, who was born to a Christian family in Britain in the 4th century. St. Patrick is credited with converting almost all of Ireland to Christianity before his death. One of the most revered legends about the saint is his explanation of the Holy Trinity using a three-leafed shamrock. Early Irish immigrants brought his feast day with them to America. According to the National Retail Association, Americans spent nearly $6 billion for St. Patrick's Day in 2018

Happy Birthday, Mariah Carey!

Happy Birthday, Mariah Carey!. Mariah Carey turns 55 years old today. Here are five fun facts about the singer. 1. She was named after the song, “They Call The Wind Maria.”. 2. The World Music Awards  honored her as the world's best-selling recording artist of the 1990s. 3. She won two Grammys following her debut album. 4. Carey is known for her five-note octave and whistle register. 5. Her holiday album, ‘Merry Christmas,’ is one of the best-selling Christmas albums of all time. Happy Birthday, Mariah Carey!