Explore the reading
Links to the story of Persephone
You will need: some wheat seeds (available from health stores); a tray of sprouted wheat grass (this could be left out if not prepared in advance); a storybook or downloaded version of the story of Persephone for children (see below for sources). If downloading a story, then search on the internet for suitable pictures to accompany the story.
Put the wheat grains in a bowl and hand them round so everyone can take one to hold and look at but don't say what they are. Explain that the tale of Persephone is a famous story from Ancient Greece. It would have been well known across the ancient world at the time of Jesus. Tell the story of Persephone with some projected pictures. Invite people to explain what the story of Persephone is trying to say. The story encompasses many themes – about life and death, the turning of the seasons, the role of memory, and growing and changing. Ask people if they can identify the seed in their hand. Show the wheat grass that has grown from the same seeds. Consider the story of Persephone and think about why Jesus used the grain of wheat metaphor in his teaching. Does this offer any insights into our faith? Is faith always the same or does it grow and change as we grow and change
For the Persephone story, beautifully illustrated see,
Persephone: A Journey from Winter to Spring , Sally Pomme Clayton and Virginia Lee, Frances Lincoln Children's Books, 2009, ISBN: 978-1845075330, available from Amazon.
Simpler versions can be downloaded from:
www.historyforkids.org/learn/greeks/religion/persephone.htm
www.greece.mrdonn.org/greekgods/demeter.html