Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Happy Easter!

Hope everyone has a Wonderful and Blessed Easter!

It was a beautiful day here in Spring today, although it started off a bit chilly. I finally got around to washing off the front porch that was covered in layers of yellow pollen. Gosh, I hate that stuff. Now I can't wait to start planting new flowers and get everything ready so I can sit outside and enjoy the great outdoors.

With signs of spring in the air and Easter right around the corner, I've been thinking about the origin of the so called Easter Bunny. Where on earth did this come from? A bunny who delivers eggs? Seriously?  I’ve never heard it explained and after asking several people who gave me that “I have no idea” look I decided to Google it. Very interesting subject.

It appears that this tradition dates back as far as the 1600s in Alsace and Southwestern Germany. The German settlers introduced this legendary character when they arrived in Pennsylvania during the 1700s. Edible Easter Bunnies were made in the shape of sugary pastries in Germany during the 1800s as a part of their Easter celebration where tales were told of the “Easter hare” who laid eggs for the children to find.

Another story links the Easter Bunny to an ancient Pagan legend where Goddess Eostre rescued a wounded bird in a snowy forest during the winter season and turned it into a rabbit to help it survive the chilly winter. Hence the reason the rabbit still can lay eggs. (Well now that makes sense) To show its gratitude for being saved, the rabbit then decorated its eggs in bright colors to present to the deity every spring.

I find it fascinating how traditions and customs are started and how they evolve over the years. I know I’ve enjoyed more than my share over the years of watching the kid’s eyes light up when they see that the Easter Bunny’s made a visit. Now it's the frustration on their faces as they search and search. We make them work for those eggs now. LOL

Amongst the fun and excitement, my hope for everyone this year is that the true and glorious reason we celebrate Easter will touch your heart in a very special way.

“Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.’” (John 14:6 NLT)

I don't know about you, but spending time with my family, enjoying the beautiful weather and knowing that no matter what happens, our future is safe and secure forever in the one who gave the ultimate gift puts an extra skip in my step.  Not to mention a whole lot of love in my heart. :)