We will have plenty of time in the coming weeks to talk about the miserable state of the world (it’s getting pretty scary out there, isn’t it?) but today I want to talk about my favourite celebration, Easter.
Hot cross buns, painted eggs, bunnies; what’s not to love?
Beyond the obvious symbols of Easter, there’s this.
Easter is the perfect celebration.
It focuses on life, death, rebirth and renewal. Its name can be traced back to Ostara, the Germanic goddess of fertility. It’s tied to the vernal Equinox which is why it’s celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the 20th of March and not a fixed date. It incorporates elements from many religious traditions including the Jewish celebration of Passover.
Most importantly, it symbolizes the belief so eloquently expressed by the late Labour MP, Jo Cox: there’s more that unites us than divides us.
Let’s hold on to that thought as we face the challenges ahead.
May you have a peaceful and joyous Easter.
Susan on the Soapbox 
Thank you for your positive thoughts and I just love the bunny. Have a nice Easter.
Rose, he is a cute bunny isn’t he? Like I said, what’s not to love 🙂
I wish for you (and everyone) a VERY Happy Easter as well; and thank you for helping to bring a little more sense (and sensitivity) to this confusing and ever more troubled world!
Thank you Terry. Sometimes we all need a little break before plunging back into fray. Happy Easter!
And a happy Easter to you, Susan, and your fans . . . 🙂
Thanks RJ (I loved the reference to my fans).
Lovely, positive sentiments — thank you. Happy Easter to you and yours, as well, Susan!
And to you and yours Mare!
Happy Easter everyone.
I, for one, am particularly pleased that every person commenting feels free, and without guilt, to say “Happy Easter”!
Thanks Ed. That’s the beauty of Easter, it draws on so many different religious traditions.
Sweet piece amiga; blessings to you and yours, and muchisimas gracias for your continuing writings. Kind regards | LCA
Much appreciated Leo. And please keep posting your interesting and informative pieces on social media as well. 🙂
I appreciate the lack of commercialism that has crept into so many cultural & religious celebrations.
Well, yes, commercialism is a problem…sometimes I wonder who’s more annoying, the guy who invented the Pet Rock or the sap who paid $12.00 to own one.
Happy Easter to you and your family!
Same to you Linda…I know for a fact you’ve run out of chocolates at your house and are now suffering from chocolate withdrawal…hang in there, it will pass.
Happy Easter to all!
And to you and yours Erin!
Happy Easter to everyone. Trying to figure out how the bunny made it into this celebration? 🙂
You made me smile Carlos. Apparently the bunny has a reputation for being frisky and thus is the perfect symbol of fertility and rebirth…and that’s all I’m going to say about it 🙂
Well that makes sense. Thank you 🙂
Hello Susan. I’m late. I’ve been rather focused on a project. I wanted to wish you and your family a Happy Easter. Thank you for the interesting post about Easter.
Jo we wish you and your family a Happy Easter as well. Looking forward to seeing your project on line.
Another thoughtful piece that reminds us of the vital connection between positive regard for each other and the possibility of creative new life for each of us!
Thanks David. Recently I heard a CBC interview with Dr James Maskalyk. Maskalyk is a Toronto ER doctor who teaches medicine and works in ERs in Toronto and Addis Ababa. He said the lesson you learn when working in ER is that once you cross the threshold it doesn’t matter if you’re a Muslim or a Christian or an old person or a young person; what matters is what’s your pain on a 10 point scale. He said in today’s world borders seem to matter more than they ever did before, and who you are and where you’ve come from seem to matter more than ever before, but from his perspective it doesn’t matter at all. A simple, beautiful lesson that we should all take to heart.