Easter, a time of chocolate bunnies, brightly colored Easter eggs and kids hopped up on too much sugar.

Giving chocolate on Easter is a tradition, but in an age of healthy eating there are many ways you can make it a memorable Easter, without the fatty chocolate which can lead to obesity.

Stuffed Animals

Every kid loves a teddy bear and they will get much more mileage, friendship and enjoyment out of a stuffed animal over a chocolate bunny that will last a few hours at most.

Small Books

Get them reading early, or continue a reading tradition by giving a book to a child on Easter. Reading can open up new worlds for your child, taking them on adventures and through mysteries that their imagination can explore.

Eggs with toys in them

Instead of a chocolate egg, give your child an egg with a toy inside. Preferably, make it a toy they have to construct. This will put their problem-solving and creative skills to work. Plus, they will get a great deal of enjoyment out of the toy.

Silly Putty

We all have had silly putty and we all love to put it on the newspaper and make a copy of a picture. Silly putty, while it can be messy, is a great deal of fun for any child. Teach them to sculpt something out of it and you may open up a whole new creative outlet that you didn’t even realize was there.

Tiny Art Sets

Do you have a little artist in the family? Nurture their artistic side with a small paint set. Get them to paint eggs or glasses instead of feeding them sugar.

Fruit

You know the saying, fruit is nature’s candy, and despite their initial misgivings, every child loves bananas, grapes and watermelon. This is a cheap and healthy alternative to any chocolate bunny.

Coloring Books

Instead of giving them chocolate, sit them down with a coloring book and watch their inner painter take over.

Video Games

Games may not be the best alternative if you are going healthy, but it is a much better bet than chocolate. Try and get them a game that tests their problem-solving skills and helps them learn.

Disposable Camera

You would be surprised with the kind of pictures you can get by looking at things from a different angle. Give a disposable camera to your child and watch them photograph the world from their eyes and their level. It may open you up to a whole new world, the world of a child.

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Easter is often considered to be nothing more than a Christian holiday that is celebrated around the world. The Easter holiday marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The origin of Easter can be traced back to mythology. The name Easter comes from the name of an ancient Greek Goddess of Spring, Eostre. Eostre, it was believed returned to the Earth after a long, cold winter and with her, brought along the light and warmth of Spring. Ancient Greeks celebrated the return of Eostre and spring with pagan festivals. As with many pagan festivals, the date coincided with the equinox on the 21st of March every year. It was important to keep Eostre happy in order to ensure she would return year after year. Therefore the Greeks threw an extravagant feast and celebration.

When the holiday became more Christianized, the celebration was no longer about welcoming spring, but instead was based upon the resurrection of Jesus. To sever the ties from paganism even further, the church changed the date of the festival from being held on the spring equinox, but instead it was to be held the first Sunday following the full moon after the vernal equinox (or on the full moon if it happened to fall on the first Sunday). Because the holiday is to be scheduled based upon that of the full moon, the Easter holiday can be celebrated as early as March 22nd or as late as April 25th.

Symbols that are often associated with Easter and their meanings are:
# Easter Eggs represent the new season and the new life of the crops as the world wakes up from the sleep of winter. Scenes like rising sun and northern lights were printed on original Easter Eggs by pagans for their celebration. Christians believe in a legend that said that Mary offered eggs to Roman soldiers in exchange for not killing her son. Eggs are therefore considered a lucky gift to share on Easter.
# Easter Lilies represent the purity of the new life that comes from being resurrected.
# Easter Bunny was originally an Easter Hare. Hares are a symbol of fertility linked to the Greek goddess of fertility - Eostre. Later, as it was more recognized that rabbits were more active reproducers, the bunny replaced the hare.
# Easter chicks represent the rebirth of the earth.

Today, in modern times, Easter is celebrated not only in the United States but around the world. Each symbol and tradition marking a tradition of life, renewal, rebirth, and resurrection, not just for the Christian belief of Christ, but for the rejuvenation of the world as winter is replaced by the warmth of spring.

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Easter is associated with memories of parades, family gatherings, church services, chocolate bunnies, gift baskets, egg decorating, and the famous Easter Lily. They are very popular for Easter gifts, and their unique trumpet shaped blossoms symbolize life, purity, hope, and the spiritual meaning of Easter along with the promise of Spring.

The Easter Lily was originally bought into the United States by a World War I soldier Louis Houghton. What was previously known as the Bermuda lily was first brought to the southern coast of Oregon in 1919. Houghton distributed an entire suitcase of the hybrid lily bulbs to various friends and family.

This lily proved to really thrive in the climate there. It was similar to the flower’s native Ryukyu Islands of Japan. By the year 1945, there were over a thousand growers on the west coast harvesting these bulbs to sell. There are only about two full weeks during the year when these flowers are commercially available. Easter lilies are estimated to be the fourth largest potted plant crop in the United States, following the poinsettia, mum, and azalea.

History, mythology, and art are filled with stories and images that speak of the beauty and majesty of the elegant white flowers. One of the most famous Biblical references is in the Sermon on the Mount, when Christ said, “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they toil not, neither do they spin and yet Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.”

Lilies are often called the “White-Robed Apostles of Hope”. Lilies were discovered in the Garden of Gethsemane after Christ died on the cross. During the Easter season, churches line their altars and envelop their crosses with a multitude of Easter Lilies, to signify the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the hope of eternal life.

Another concept associated with the pure white lily is that of womanhood. In some early paintings, the Angel Gabriel offers pure white lilies to the Virgin Mary, and this symbolizes that she will be the mother of Jesus. Other paintings show saints bringing vases of white lilies to Mary and the divine child. According to the legend, the flowers were formed when Eve cried repentant tears upon leaving Eden, and the tears became lilies. The point of this legend is that true repentance leads to beauty.

Established through the centuries as a symbol of purity, grace, and the regal lifestyle, the white lily is a suitable reminder of the greater meaning of Easter. These flowers grace millions of homes and churches every year, embodying joy, hope, and life; whether given as a gift or displayed proudly in one’s home, the Easter lily remains a beauteous reminder of how Easter is a time for celebration and rejoicing. So when you purchase Easter baskets for your loved ones, don’t hold back with decorated eggs and chocolates, but be certain to include a few Easter lilies as well!

Easter evokes memories of egg decorating, Easter baskets, chocolate bunnies, local church services, family gatherings, parades, and, the Easter Lily meaning. Its beautiful trumpet-shaped blossoms symbolize purity, hope, and life, the spiritual essence of Easter and all the promises of spring. Lilies are mostly given along with Easter flowers. Lilies are sometimes affectionately called the “white-robed apostles of hope.” They are rumored to be found growing in the Garden of Gethsemane after Christ’s atonement was performed there. Gracing millions of homes and churches, the flowers embody joy, hope and life. The lily serves as a beautiful reminder that Easter is a time for rejoicing and celebrating.

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Easter flowers have always brought beauty and spirituality to the special holiday. There are a variety of elegant and vibrant flowers that enhance the meaning of Easter. These flowers are used to decorate homes, churches, and are even given as gifts. They make for great table center piece for family and friends to enjoy while eating their delicious Easter dinner. When selecting the perfect flowers for your holiday celebration, it is important to know the types of flowers that are typically used to renew this meaningful occasion.

1. Easter Lily - The Easter Lily is the most popular Easter flower. Although the traditional Easter lily is white with a bell-shaped flower, there are a number of different colors of lilies to choose from such as pink, white, yellow, and red orange. Originating in Japan, the Easter Lily symbolizes purity and renewal of Easter. Because of the shape of the Easter Lily’s petals, Christians refer to them as the trumpet of God summoning Jesus to return.

2. Hydrangeas - Another popular flower for the Easter holiday, the Hydrangea, is a short growing shrub with stunning blooms. This beautiful flower will bloom in the spring making it a great choice for the Easter holiday. The flower head of the hydrangea is big, round and consists of a number of differ color hues such as white, blue, and pink. It is a popular decorative flower for such places as a church and it is also a popular Easter gift, especially for hosts of Easter dinners.

3. Daffodils - Daffodils, also known as Narcissus, are another popular Easter flower. This vibrant flower contains six petals which are yellow. Daffodils symbolize rebirth and eternal life which is relevant to the Christian meaning of Easter. Daffodils also bloom in the spring. According to Christian beliefs, the flower bloomed during Christ’s resurrection.

4. Tulips - The tulip is a popular flower that adds beautiful decor to Easter celebrations. The elegant tulip symbolizes the rebirth of spring and true love. This striking flower blooms in the spring and the flower itself has a teacup shape. Tulips are available in a broad spectrum of colors.

5. Hyacinths - The Hyacinth is available in a variety of colors that include white, blue, purple, and pink. These gorgeous flowers are often used in Easter bouquets and as a table centerpiece. The flower petals are small and it blooms in the spring.

6. Azaleas - Many people give Azaleas as an Easter gift. They are available in a variety of beautiful colors such as orange, white, red, and pink. They bloom around Easter time which makes them a popular choice for the holiday.

When you ask people what they think of when they reflect upon Easter, many will say colored eggs and colorful Easter baskets. These are widely known Easter symbols; however, beautiful colorful flowers have had a long Easter history. When planning your Easter celebrations, consider including eye-catching flowers such as the traditional Easter Lily. It will make your holiday much more meaningful and memorable.

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For Christians, or those simply wishing to study the Christian origins of Easter, the Bible gives the following information-

During the Easter season, (especially on Good Friday), Christians focus on the passion of Jesus Christ. This is the phrase used to describe his suffering and death on the cross. Here is a breakdown of the significant events recorded in Scripture, including the events just before and immediately following the Crucifixion. It is these events that comprise the Christian view of Easter. It is important to keep in mind that many of the actual times of these events are not recorded in Scripture. This timeline represents an approximate sequence of events, and can be referred to in the referenced scriptural passages.

* The Last Supper-Jesus has a last supper with his disciples. He explains that he is leaving them, but they fail to understand the significance of his words. (Matthew 26:20-30; Mark 14:17-26; Luke 22:14-38; John 13:21-30)
* Jesus is in the Garden of Gethsemane-Jesus prays alone, while a few of his closest disciples stand watch. It is at this point Christians believe that he atoned for the sins of the world, and bled from every pore. (Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-45)
* Jesus is Betrayed and Arrested-It was at this time that Jesus is betrayed by Judas Iscariot and is arrested. (Matthew 26:47-56; Mark 14:43-52; Luke 22:47-53; John 18:1-11)
* The Religious Leaders Condemn Jesus-At this point in the timeline, the ruling religious leaders condemn Jesus. He is first sent to stand trial before Pilate, then Herod, and then back to Pilate, where he is sentenced to death. (Matthew 27:1-2; Mark 15:1; Luke 22:66-71; Matthew 27:11-14; Mark 15:2-5; Luke 23:1-5; John 18:28-37; Luke 23:6-12; Luke 23:11; Matthew 27:26; Mark 15:15; Luke 23:23-24; John 19:16)
* Jesus is Led Away to Calvary-Jesus is taken to Calvary, to a place known as Golgotha, where he is to be crucified. (Matthew 27:32-34; Mark 15:21-24; Luke 23:26-31; John 19:16-17)
* Jesus is Crucified-Scriptures record that he was crucified in the third hour, which in Jewish time, would have been about 9 a.m. While on the cross, Jesus is reported to have asked for forgiveness for those around him. In addition, soldiers cast lots for his clothing while a crowd mocks and taunts him. (Luke 23:34; Mark 15:24; Matthew 27:39-40; Mark 15:31; Luke 23:36-37; Luke 23:39; Luke 23:40-43)
* Jesus Speaks to Mary and John-A significant event is recorded in the Bible, as Jesus is reported to have spoken to his mother, and the disciple he loved, by saying they are now family. After this John takes Mary into his home. (John 19:26-27)
* Jesus cries out to the Father-At hour six, Jesus is reported to have cried out to the Father. He is given vinegar to drink, and then declares, “It is finished”. He commends his spirit into the hands of God. (Matthew 27:46; John 19:28-29; Luke 23:46)
* Jesus is Laid in the Tomb-Jesus is laid in the tomb of a friend. Scriptures record that this was done hastily, as the Jewish Sabbath was approaching, and one could not be dealing with these matters on a Sabbath day. The rock was rolled over the entrance, to guard the body. (Matthew 27:57-61; Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42)
* Jesus Rises from the Dead-The scriptures record that Mary Magdalene comes to the tomb to dress the deceased body of Christ. She finds the tomb empty, and then converses with the resurrected Christ, who urges her to tell others of what she has seen. This resurrection is the key point of the Easter celebration for Christians who believe Jesus Christ arose and lives again. (Matthew 28:1-7; Mark 16:1; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-9)

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