Easter, in addition to its religious connotations heralds the coming of spring and the rebirth of nature's wonders. Once again reminding us that the dreariness of harsher seasons, just like trouble and heartache, always gives way eventually to the promise of warm sunny days and new beginnings.

As the days grow longer, and the sunshine brighter, one cannot help but feel their spirits rise with optimism and anticipation of the beauties about to unfold before their very eyes, as each new day brings new proof of the promise signified by Easter and so magnificently demonstrated by nature. 

In addition to the solemn promise which Easter represents to all of christianity it has, through the centuries, evolved as well into the hope of many things to many people. Easter falls on the first Sunday on or following the spring Equinox after the full moon. The date has been calculated in this way since 325 AD.

Since ancient times many cultures have associated eggs with the universe. They've been dyed and decorated, and have been used in spring festivals by each new generation to represent the rebirth of life and to signify the rebirth of man.

During the 4th century consuming eggs during Lent was taboo. However, spring is the peak egg-laying time for hens, so people began to cook eggs in their shells to preserve them. Eventually people began decorating and hiding them for children to find during Easter, which gave birth to what we now know as the Easter Egg Hunt. 

The Easter Basket shows roots in a Catholic custom. Baskets filled with breads, cheeses, hams, and other foods for Easter dinner were taken to mass on Easter Sunday morning to be blessed. This evolved into baskets filled with chocolate eggs, jellybeans, toys, and stuffed bunnies, left behind by the Easter Bunny for children to discover upon awakening on Easter Sunday.

The Easter bonnet and new clothes at Easter symbolizes the end of the dreary winter and the beginning of the fresh, new spring. In years gone by it was popular for families to stroll to church and home again to show off their new "Sunday best". How well I remember as a child, what fun it was to don our new outfits on Easter Sunday and  how we just KNEW spring had arrived !

There might still be snow on the ground, but no matter,spring was definitely here! Who cared if the air was still chilly, it was an imperative to wear our new spring coats .. it was, after all Easter !

Although no longer the custom it once was, the Easter Parade still exists in many towns and cities, although on a smaller scale and with less fanfare than in years past. Once a major spring event which no one missed, even now each Easter Sunday it draws respectable crowds, many of whom stroll along the boulevards and boardwalks in all modes of dress. From the most elaborate to the ultra casual, whether participant or observer, still to this day assuring that this unique rite of Springtime and Easter lives on.

New beginnings, sunshine, and the promise of warm breezes. Faith, hope, and optimism .... All a part of the wondrous promise of Easter.