Happy Easter!

Funny how we haven't had a lot of white Christmases lately but plenty of white Easters! I remember shooting a wedding on Easter a couple years ago and the bride running outside in her strapless dress for some portraits in the snow! This year it's nice to relax with family and let the kids hunt for their eggs.

So what's the reason for the egg as part of Easter? I did a little research and saw this interesting description:

"Easter eggs historically also held a particular appeal to Christians who observed Lent. For many years, eggs were prohibited by the Catholic Church, along with meat, during the period of the Lenten fast. Consequently, Easter eggs were an eagerly anticipated part of breakfast on Resurrection Sunday, or Easter morning. It is customary in some Slavic countries to bring brightly dyed Easter eggs to church on Holy Saturday to be blessed before consumption at breakfast the next day.
Through the ages, Easter eggs have been dyed with natural dyes made from plant materials and other foodstuffs. Today, while some people still prefer the subtle tones produced by natural dyes, commercial dyes are available in tablet, powder, and liquid form. Different cultures have different customs attached to how they make Easter eggs a part of their Easter celebration. Hunting for hidden eggs and egg-rolling contests remain popular."

While we don't prohibit eggs during Lent, the tradition is still nice (and the egg casserole at church this morning sure was good!!). Eggs are also a metaphor for new life and this is perfect on Easter since they symbolize our new life in Christ, made possible by His death for us on the cross and His resurrection 3 days later on Easter morning. This means we get to spend eternity in heaven with Him! Hallelujah indeed! Happy Easter everyone!


oh PS -- here's my favorite shot from that Easter wedding a couple years ago: