Easter a time of rebirth, renewal

Foster’s Daily Democrat, NH
Sunday, March 27, 2005

Don’t let the miles or grudges keep you separated from friends,
loved ones

>>From turmoil comes an appreciation for life’s bounty. So too is it
that the harsh and barren winter gives way to spring as nature renews
the cycle of life.

Flowers start to bloom and farmers begin to till the soil that will
nourish life with fruits and grains.

As part of this renewal, Christians today celebrate Easter and the
resurrection of Christ. They mark the conclusion of his journey
from darkness into light and the Christian tenant that mankind has
been redeemed.

But, while Easter Mass and the Resurrection serve as the cornerstones
of today’s celebration, cultures around the globe magnify the day’s
significance in many special ways.

In Greece, Easter eggs are dyed red to symbolize and honor the blood
of Christ. In Germany and Austria, green eggs commemorate Christ’s
last supper. An Armenian tradition involves decorating hollowed out
eggshells with religious images significant to the holiday.

In the United States, the traditions also vary while still recognizing
the egg as the symbol of germinating life and the coming of spring.

Pennsylvania Dutch children are taught that if they are good, the
Oschter Haws will lay a nest of brightly colored eggs.

On Monday, children will descend on the White House to roll Easter
eggs down the South Lawn continuing a tradition that Congress outlawed
in 1877 because it was tearing up the grounds of the Capitol.

But, in 1878 President Rutherford B. Hayes issued an official order
that “should any children arrive to egg roll on Easter Monday, they
were to be allowed to do so.” Now, over 125 years later children still
flock to the White House dressed in Easter finery to hurriedly move
brightly colored eggs across the South Lawn.

In New Hampshire and southern Maine, communities have come together
to renew their celebration of life and family.

Bolduc Park in Laconia was the site of an Easter egg hunt.

The Center Harbor fire station played host to an Easter party

In Portsmouth, children enjoyed an indoor beach party at the Edgewood
Center.

Rochester came together for a potluck supper at the Roberge Center.

In Kittery, Maine, children and adults decorated Easter eggs at the
Community Center and Traip Academy high schoolers sponsored an Easter
egg hunt for their younger counterparts.

Such traditions celebrate Easter and the meaning of the Resurrection
by fostering a sense of community and of family, the foundation on
which civilizations are built.

Of course, there will be families which will not be able to come
together for an Easter celebration. Many are separated by war and
illness. Children are away at college, others have chosen jobs in
warmer climates.

But physical separation is no excuse. Through His resurrection and
ascension, Christ taught us that it is our spirit which is important.

The miles need not separate families and friends if they are united
in spirit.

Pick up the phone. Send an e-mail. Repair a damaged relationship. Renew
your life and the life of someone you care about.

That is the message of Easter.