Easter/April First!

Happy Easter!

Easter is probably one of the most important holidays to the Christian faith. The holiday is to celebrate the death of Christ Jesus who resurrected from the dead three days later. As I talked about in a previous blog post for Spring, lots of the symbolism we use is taken from pagan traditions of Spring. While eggs and bunnies are not Christian originated symbols, they are used as a representation for rebirth- or the acceptance of this event that Jesus died and rose for those who believe. Easter does not have a set date, but again has roots in a somewhat rather pagan way of deciding it's date. 

Astronomers wanted to set a date that coincided with Passover originally. So, Easter is the first Sunday after the Paschal Full Moon. The Paschal Full Moon varies year to year but is usually within two days of the actual  full moon. This is why we can celebrate the holiday in March or in April! 

Some people who follow Ostara- or the first day of Spring decide to celebrate this holiday on Easter instead because of the symbolism and ease of traditions. 

April Fool's Day is Here!

April 1st is regarded as a day of pranks and tricks, and the United States isn't alone. Many other places have their ways of trickery at or around the date. Some say the saying began sometime in the Middle Ages where some of Europe would celebrate the New Year the week leading to April 1st, and those who celebrated at January 1st would call those who celebrated later "fools" for doing such silly things. Throughout history April 1st has been regarded as the Day of Fools, Flemish poet Eduard de Dene in 1539 wrote of a nobleman who sent his servants on foolish errands on this date. On April 1, 1698, people were tricked into seeing "Washing the Lions" at the Tower of London after getting tickets.

So whatever you do and where ever you go just be on the lookout and don't take things too seriously. Chances are people are out for an innocent laugh.