In Utah, we can almost always count on the month of March “coming in like a lion.” This year brought no surprises, and the biting cold and snow storms kept us shoveling walks and driveways well through the month.
But although the long Utah winters can prove both persistent and relentless, the early sight of a tenacious blooming daffodil or the slow trickle of melting snow and ice brings hope and excitement for the coming spring and summer to children and adults alike. And nothing embodies the hope, excitement and joy of spring quite like the celebration of Easter.
As Christians, we celebrate Easter to commemorate the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. But as individuals, each can appreciate and enjoy this annual celebration of newness, life and joy.
Numerous traditions mark the celebration of Easter, with many crossing centuries, languages, and countries. But no Easter tradition is quite as iconic and beloved as the tradition of the Easter Egg. Today, the Easter Egg is the symbol of the season, but the custom dates back to ancient times as a symbol of fertility and rebirth for pagans celebrating the spring Equinox.
Later, early Christians stained eggs red, symbolizing the blood shed by Jesus Christ. Christian churches throughout the world continued the tradition and also saw eggs as a symbol of the resurrection; seemingly dead and lifeless, but opening to reveal new life and hope.
Bulgaria, Poland, Romania, Russia, Ukraine and other central European countries are famous for their intricate and beautifully decorated eggs, including the famous Faberge eggs, another popular and widely accepted symbol of newness and life. Other countries boast rituals, dances, games, or even village plays centered on the Easter egg with similar themes and symbolism. One game, egg rolling, was played in the United Kingdom to symbolize the rolling away of the stone from Jesus’ tomb before the resurrection. This tradition was continued by settlers in the New World and is still played each Easter on the White House lawn.
However we each choose to celebrate Easter I hope the thawing of snow, warm sunshine and the symbols of new life which surround us will bring us hope and joy. As March “goes out like a lamb,” I look forward to a renewal of hope and optimism. Despite the challenges we face as individuals or as a nation, I believe there is much to be optimistic about. As Floyd W. Tomkins, a Christian author, wrote, “Let the resurrection joy lift us from loneliness, weakness, and despair to strength, beauty, and happiness.”
Elaine and I wish you and your loved ones a very happy Easter season.
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