Have a Happy, Blessed Easter!

Easter is really an entire season of the Christian church year, as opposed to a single-day observance. Lent, the 40-day period leading up to Easter Sunday, is a time of reflection and penance and represents the 40 days that Jesus spent alone in the wilderness before starting his ministry, a time in which Christians believe he survived various temptations by the devil. The day before Lent, known as Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday, is a last hurrah of food and fun before the fasting begins. The week preceding Easter is called Holy Week and includes Maundy Thursday, which commemorates Jesus’ last supper with his disciples; Good Friday, which honors the day of his crucifixion; and Holy Saturday, which focuses on the transition between the crucifixion and resurrection. The 50-day period following Easter Sunday is called Eastertide and includes a celebration of Jesus’ ascension into heaven.

In addition to Easter’s religious significance, it also has a commercial side, as evidenced by the mounds of jelly beans and marshmallow chicks that appear in stores each spring. As with Christmas, over the centuries various folk customs and pagan traditions, including Easter eggs, bunnies, baskets and candy, have become a standard part of this holy holiday.

I do consider myself a Christian and do my best to abide by church customs, but I feel the celebration side is a way for me to keep in mind the coming spring season and warmer weather. Celebrating that the garden and flower beds will soon be presenting their new spouts of growth and new baby animals will be born, etc. A whole new season of growth! And especially after this tough, tough winter, it should also be celebrated.
So in that good spirit I am sharing the following for an awesome colorful celebration of spring! I realize that there may be more glamorous cakes decorated each year, but this one is so simple and says "Easter" just the same!  Serve this with your Easter meal!  

Just also remember why YOU are celebrating Easter.  :-)
~ Carol, Jazmin's World

Shared on Facebook!