Welcome to all Easter Egg Hunt Families! We had a fun weekend together. This is Holmeswood Baptist’s (9700 Holmes) Family Blog, with once-a-week updates on happenings. We invite you to join in whenever you are able! = )

There is a small Catholic school in the Long Ditton area outside of London that has a wonderful tradition the day after Easter (Easter Monday)…

They PAUSE.

With all of the busyness of work and school, family life and activities, Lent is especially busy. During the 50-day Season of Easter (YES, it is LONGER than Lent), the students of this school pause. They go outside, explore with classmates and wonder about God’s Creation. They lean into the Easter season as a time of reflection, simplicity, or cherishing time with Christ in Creation. I think it is a grand idea!

We see the word “Selah” throught the Psalms in Scripture, and this is likely a pause to reflect and contemplate the line just read. “Selah” is a Hebrew concept, a term to pause in God’s presence. In this act of pausing, God can give us a revelation that transforms our perspective, which then brings us closer to God. Wow!

How can you and I PAUSE for a little while (50 days), really relishing in this Spring season and the new life surrounding us? How can we stir new life from within us and become refreshed in this Easter season? As you think about it, here are some Fun Facts about the Easter season:

Easter Season Fun Facts

according to Western Christianity and Google

1. The Easter Season is 50 days long, which is longer than the entire season of Lent! It starts on Easter Sunday and continues for 7 weeks, until Pentecost (which means “fiftieth” in Greek) Sunday.
2. The Easter Season is often called “Eastertide.”
3. Why eat ham? Traditionally, lamb was served at Easter because its roots with the Jewish Passover carried over, when lamb was always served. In the United States, ham became the “norm” because hams cured over the winter months (before freezers and fridges) were ready to eat around Easter.
4. Why do we have Easter lilies? These flowers originally came from Japan to England. The US didn’t start adding lilies to the Easter tradition until World War I, when people saw these lovely fragrant flowers as offering new life and the hope of rebirth, just like the themes of Easter.
5. Why hide eggs? Easter eggs date back hundreds of years, even to Medieval Europe when games were played using eggs as the objects. Christians incorporated the eggs into Easter celebrations because of the symbol of new life and hope. Many cultures around the world use eggs as a sign of new life!
6. The Easter bunny delivering candy and treats originated in Germany, and Dutch settlers brought this tradition to Pennsylvania for USAmerians to join in the fun. Also, 70% of all Easter candy purchased is chocolate.

Happy Pausing!

~Laurel