All about Easter

Have you ever asked the question, do you just live with someone because it is convenient? Or do you live with someone because that is more important to you than just living? 

When you get it wrong, it’s ok if it does not work out, it was just not the right time. Try again, you will never know without trying.

Just watched a movie and those Americans pronounce Pecan as ‘Picon’ but spell it pecan, I must object to this pronunciation, it is pronounced ‘p can’

Sculptures by the Lakes

Last weekend we took Lauren and Robert to Sculptures by the Lakes. It is a quiet and beautiful outdoor gallery set in a 26-acre garden. It is an artistic haven created by renowned sculptor Simon Gudgeon and his wife, Monique, a well-known horticulturalist. With the clouds threatening a heavy downpour, we started our walk through the seamless integration of art and nature adorned with Simon's striking sculptures. It was good to note that children under 14 are not permitted on site, ensuring a quiet and undisturbed experience for all adults.

I did find it interesting the way we found different sculptures appealing. Lauren and Susan really enjoyed those that not only looked amazing but were also creating a mood, like the tubular bells and the rotating abstract forms moving in the wind.

We all at some stage just stopped and took in the tranquillity and beauty of such a well-designed garden complimenting the sculptures or was it the sculptures enhancing the garden? Either way, you stopped to take it in.

It is time to veer off the course and do something truly wonderful. You are all wonderful people, just make sure you are wonderful together.

Different Religion's celebrations around Easter

I did some research on religious celebrations for different faiths.

Ramadan

Wikipedia - Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed as a guide for humanity with clear proofs of guidance and the standard ˹to distinguish between right and wrong˺. So whoever is present this month, let them fast. But whoever is ill or on a journey, then ˹let them fast˺ an equal number of days ˹after Ramaḍân˺. Allah intends ease for you, not hardship, so that you may complete the prescribed period and proclaim the greatness of Allah for guiding you, and perhaps you will be grateful.

Jewish Passover (Pesach)

The holiday commonly known as Easter, in spite of obvious differences, derives from the Jewish festivity the Torah calls “Pesach”, also known as “Passover”, an eight-day-long celebration of the Israelite's liberation from Egyptian bondage and their subsequent exodus.

Christian Easter

Easter weekend starts on Good Friday, actually not a day you would call good, you would not wish someone a happy Good Friday either. The feeling is that the term Good came from an old English word ‘Holy’. So it is really Holy Friday and a day of reflection.

Easter is a time of renewal and celebration, marking the arrival of spring with its promise of new life and fresh beginnings. This joyous season is observed by many around the world, each bringing their own traditions and customs to the festivities.

Essence of Easter 

At its heart, Easter is a story of hope and resurrection, symbolized by the Christian belief in Jesus Christ's rise from the dead. It's a time for reflection on themes of redemption and the triumph of life over death.

Traditions of Easter

Families gather to share meals, often featuring special dishes like lamb or ham, symbolizing sacrifice and festivity. Children delight in Easter egg hunts, a playful nod to fertility and the hidden surprises of life. The Easter Bunny hops into the scene, a whimsical figure delivering sweets and treats, adding to the merriment.

Celebrations of Easter

Easter also showcases a tapestry of cultural diversity. From the solemn processions of Semana Santa in Spain to the vibrant Easter markets of Germany, each tradition reflects the unique heritage of its people.

Togetherness

Above all, Easter is a time for togetherness, a moment to reconnect with loved ones and the natural world as it awakens from winter's slumber. It's an opportunity to create new memories and cherish the enduring spirit of community and kinship.

Now on to Easter eggs, that is the most important stuff.

Easter - Please don't overdo it

The tradition of eating and gifting chocolate at Easter dates back centuries ago when Christians began exchanging eggs as symbols of rebirth. But this has its dangers, some life-threatening. Doctors are united in an Easter message - ‘I urge people to enjoy their Easter eggs in moderation and resist the urge to eat a whole egg in one go. As well as Easter eggs, many of us will be meeting up with family and friends for social occasions which will see us eat more cakes and biscuits.’ Well, there you have it, I for one will not consume an Easter egg in ‘one go’ but practise moderation. Do you eat a whole egg in ‘one go’?

When did Easter eggs start?

The first chocolate eggs appeared in France and Germany in the 19th Century, but they were bitter and hard. As chocolate-making techniques improved, hollow eggs like the ones we have today were developed. They very quickly became popular and remain a favourite tradition with chocolate lovers today. The first hollow chocolate Easter eggs to be sold in the UK were released in 1873 by the company Fry's.

What about the Easter Bunnies?

The story of the Easter Bunny is connected to Pagan tradition and is thought to have become common in the 19th Century. Rabbits usually give birth to a big litter of babies (called kittens), which are seen as a symbol of new life. In Germany in the 1700s children would build nests, and leave carrots out for the "Osterhase" or "Oschter Haws" - the Easter bunny. Legend has it that the Easter Bunny lays, decorates and hides eggs for good children, as they are also a symbol of new life.

This is why some children might enjoy Easter egg hunts as part of the festival. The Easter Bunny doesn't do all the work alone though! In Switzerland, Easter eggs are thought to be delivered by a cuckoo and in parts of Germany by a fox.

Talking of children, we spoke to Angela the other day and I found myself remembering when she was born. I remember holding her in my arms for the first time and not being able to put my feelings into words, today I found the words. 

It was as if a little of heaven had broken off and landed right in my arms. 

I understand what true love is and how children are the source.

As we embrace the Easter season, let's carry its message of hope and renewal into our lives, spreading joy and compassion wherever we go. Happy Easter to all!