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cyberspace's intergalactic knowledge magnet. I am B.A. Brainiac. You can count on me to bring
you fun facts every month.
April Factoid | Back To Main Factoid Page
We hope you enjoy this month's freshly gathered facts direct from the magnetic fields of Planet
Factoid!
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"April Factoids" — April 2000
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1. Where did the word "April" come from?
The Romans named the month Aprilis, meaning, "to open." They probably chose this name because it is the
season when buds begin to open.
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2. What is the birthstone for April?
The birthstone for the month of April is the diamond.
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3. Where did the term "April Showers" come from?
Well, in April, it usually rains a lot. "Showers" refers to this rain.
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Easter
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4. When is Easter?
Easter is on April 23rd.
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5. How did Easter begin?
Scholars believe that the name Easter is thought to come from the Scandinavian word "Ostra" and the
Teutonic word "Eastre," which are mythological Goddesses representing spring and fertility. Easter was
originally a celebration of this, spring and fertility. Later, Christianity associated Easter with the
re-birth of Christ.
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6. What's the Easter Bunny?
German immigrants brought the Easter Bunny to America in the 1700's. He brings colored eggs for all the
children to find on Easter morning. The most famous Easter Bunny in the U.S. is probably Peter Cottontail.
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7. How did the tradition of the Easter Egg Hunt begin?
The Easter Bunny! Since the Easter Bunny can't be everywhere at once, he often needs helpers. These
helpers hide the eggs, often plastic and filled with candy, money, or other surprises, and the children
try to find as many as they can to fill their Easter baskets.
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8. Why are decorated eggs associated with Easter?
In ancient times, before eggs were associated with Easter they were cherished as a symbol of the
universe and were dyed and exchanged. There are many legends as to why eggs are decorated, but it
became a custom in England during the middle ages.
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9. I love candy! What kind of goodies can I expect to find for Easter?
You'll find eggs, lots and lots of eggs in all sizes and tastes: dyed boiled eggs, plastic eggs
filled with jellybeans, chocolate filled or hollow eggs, and various egg-shaped candy. Chocolate
bunnies are always to be found nearby, as well as traditional marshmallow treats, chicks and bunnies.
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10. Are there any good Easter cartoons that I could rent or watch on TV?
Many of the great Easter cartoons are those of yesterday, classics such as:
- Here Comes Peter Cottontail (1971)
- The Easter Bunny is Coming to Town (1977)
- It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown (1974)
- The First Easter Rabbit (1970's)
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