The ''Encyclopedia of Easter, Carnival, and Lent'' is a convenient source of information on virtually every aspect of Easter and related holidays. Also covered in the book are customs and observances associated with Lent as well as the Carnival that traditionally precedes the beginning of Lent.

More Than 150 Topics Covered

This reference work contains more than 150 alphabetically arranged entries that cover all aspects of Easter, Carnival, and Lent. These entries cover the holiday's history, myths, legends, customs, religious observances, related holidays, and symbols from around the world. Entries range in length from about 100 words to 3,000 words. Each entry offers suggestions for further reading. Black-and-white illustrations complement the text.

Among the topics covered are the following:

Annunciation Ascension Day Ash Wednesday Bells Burning of Judas Carnival King Crooked Wednesday Cross Easter Bunny Easter Card Easter Colors Easter Egg Hunt Easter Parade Easter Seal Egg Legends Eucharist Faberg‚ Fasting Feast of the Holy Ghost Foot Washing Forgiveness Sunday Good Friday Gospel Account of Easter Harrowing of Hell Holy Fire Ceremony Holy Week Lamb Last Supper Lent Lily Maundy Thursday Middle Cross Day Palm Sunday Passover Pentecost Pieta Plough Ceremonies Rogation Days Shavuot Soul Saturday Stations of the Cross Tree of the Cross Vigil White Sunday

In addition, several entries are devoted to the celebration of Easter in different countries and parts of the world.

Special Features

Throughout the book numerous illustrations complement the text. Two appendices provide a general bibliography and a list of Easter-related web sites. Completing the work is a comprehensive index.