Easter Bunnies, Crosses, Fasting, & Passover – What in the World do I Celebrate?

Not everyone celebrates the Easter holidays. Regardless of our religion (or, in some cases, none), we tend to be overwhelmed this time of year. Whether it’s Passover, celebrating freedom, the resurrection of Jesus, Ramadan to achieve God consciousness, or the Easter bunny coming out of the frost to hide colored eggs, it’s all a time of renewal. Whether it’s a religious event or a fun celebration, we can be thankful for the gifts shared during these holidays.

Passover ended when the Hebrews were freed from slavery in Egypt. Pharaoh, unwilling to release the slaves and seeking retaliation, demanded that all firstborn males be killed. God had instructed the Israelites to smear lamb’s blood on the door so that the angel of death would pass over and spare the firstborn’s lives. The Israelites’ firstborn sons were spared, but Pharaoh’s son died. What he wished on others was inflicted on himself. This was the final blow in a series of consequences that ultimately broke Pharaoh’s will and allowed the enslaved people to escape. This biblical story is also a metaphor for gaining freedom from bondage and overcoming our own weaknesses.

Once the slaves were freed, they resisted living in a truly godly way. Because of this, they remained stranded in the desert for forty years instead of reaching the Utopia that was so near. My own life was lost for many years until I handed it over to a higher power, was liberated from the slavery of addiction, and found peace and joy.

This holiday also reminds us that we are forgiven and that we are to forgive. Without forgiveness, authentic joy is not possible.

This holy week is also a time for children to celebrate a day of make-believe. I remember my best childhood Easter when I was four years old, attending a community center Easter egg hunt. Whoever found the golden egg won a prize. I didn’t find the golden egg, but I remember the exhilaration I felt running around, a spring breeze blowing through my hair while collecting pastel-colored eggs and placing them in my wicker, straw-filled basket. When I got home, my grandmother hid the eggs for me again.

When I was too old for Easter baskets, I wanted to go to church on Easter Sunday. I had a spiritual longing and would attend whenever I could with friends. Over time, my journey took me around the world. Eventually, I realized that what I was searching for was inside me – an inner love that always guides and comforts me.

These holidays are celebrated during spring—Mother Earth melts away the past and bursts with renewal. We can count on this season year after year. By starting each day by giving back in the same way, we can also let go of the past and spring forward with renewal. This year could be the year you melt away the ice and allow the real you to emerge from the cold, solid ground of your past. And regardless of your beliefs, be assured that you are one of many lovely flowers here to bloom and share your beautiful self with those around you. So let your heart open to this special time of year and watch your garden grow.

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