Why we love Easter 2024

Why we love EASTER

INSIDE:

Easter family, fun and festive treats

What is the Easter celebration?

Significant days during Holy Week Area children tell us “Why we love Easter”

Easter Area Services

Egg-citing Easter games & more!

A special section of The Daily Star – Saturday, March 30, 2024

4 EastEr cElEbration activitiEs to do with your childrEn

Easter is the perfect time to make memories with family and organize entertaining outings with your children. Are you looking for original ideas to keep your little ones occupied? Here are some playful at-home activities or outing ideas to celebrate Easter in a fun and creative way.

1. Have a sweet treat tasting

Organize a trip to a chocolate shop or a sugar shack in your area. Or, if you prefer to stay home, taste various chocolate treats or have specialty maple products delivered to your doorstep. Let the whole family enjoy it!

2. Create a mini farm

Transform your play area into an Easter mini farm with a few simple crafts. For example, you could have your kids make farm animals, like chickens, rabbits and sheep from recycled materials. Stimulate the imagination of your young artists!

3. Visit a petting zoo

Visit a local farm or petting zoo for a delightful day amongst animals. Many petting zoos offer special Easter activities, like wagon rides and egg hunts. This is a fun and educational way to spend time with your family during Easter weekend.

4. Make greeting cards

Get the whole family involved in making personalized Easter cards using colored paper, stickers and other crafting materials. These cards can then be mailed or delivered to your loved ones to convey your sincerest Easter wishes.

Make this Easter memorable thanks to these delightful and accessible activities ideas for the whole family!

lavEndEr lEmonadE

This Easter brunch, surprise your guests with this elegant and fresh lemonade with a hint of lavender.

Ingredients

Servings: 6

• 1 cup water

• 1 cup sugar

• 3 tablespoons dried lavender or 2/3 cup fresh lavender

• Juice of 3 lemons

• 34 ounces carbonated water

• Lemon slices and lavender stems for garnish

Directions

1. In a small saucepan, bring the cup of water to a boil and add the sugar. Let simmer for a few minutes. Then, remove from the heat. Add the lavender and cover. Let it steep for 15 minutes. Strain through a sieve.

2. Pour the lavender mixture, lemon juice and carbonated water into a jug.

3. Refrigerate for at least an hour. Garnish with lemon slices and lavender stems before serving.

dElicious stuffEd mini pitas

Are you looking for a delicious way to celebrate Easter?

These mouth-watering mini pitas are easy to prepare and burst with flavor.

Ingredients

Servings: 12

• 8 ounces of mock crab or pollock

• 1 cup English cucumber, finely diced

• 1 cup corn kernels

• 1/3 cup Miracle Whip or mayonnaise

• A few sprigs of fresh cilantro, chopped

• 1 French shallot, finely chopped

Does your local grocery store not have any mini pitas? Don’t worry. Simply cut traditional-sized pitas in half to enjoy this delicious treat.

• A few drops of hot sauce of your choice (e.g. Tabasco)

• 2 teaspoons seafood seasoning

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 12 mini pitas

Directions

1. In a bowl, combine the mock crab, cucumber, corn, mayonnaise, cilantro, shallot, hot sauce and seasoning. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Then, let it rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

2. Stuff the mini pitas and serve.

*Ideally, use fresh corn that you’ve cooked or frozen corn prepared according to the package instructions. Avoid using canned corn, as the texture may be unpleasant.

carrot cupcakEs

Who doesn’t love cupcakes?

This Easter, make this irresistible recipe to treat your guests.

Ingredients

Servings: 12

For the cupcakes

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

• 4 ounces neutral vegetable oil (e.g. canola)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• 1/2 cup white sugar

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 2 large room-temperature eggs

• 1 ½ cups peeled and grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)

For the frosting

• 1 cup mascarpone cheese

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F.

2. Insert cupcake liners into a 12-count muffin tin.

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. This includes the flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon and nutmeg.

4. In a large bowl, combine the oil, vanilla, white sugar and brown sugar. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each incorporation.

5. Using a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl, slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Gradually add the grated carrots and mix well.

6. Using a large ladle, divide the mixture evenly between the 12 muffin cups (each should be two-thirds full).

7. Bake for 25 minutes. Check the doneness by sticking a toothpick into the center of one cupcake. It should come out dry. Let the cupcakes cool completely.

8. While the cupcakes are cooling, whisk together the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla in a bowl.

9. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with a whisk or hand mixer until stiff peaks form.

10. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture. Frost the cupcakes and decorate them with chocolates or nuts.

Do you have children or grandchildren? Let them decorate the cupcakes however they like. They’ll love this creative activity!

“Why

Area children tell us “Why we love Easter”

Significant days during Holy Week

Each year in early spring, Christians across the globe celebrate their faith on Easter. Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, an event which is described in the New Testament.

Mass on Easter Sunday annually attracts millions of the faithful. However, many days during the week preceding Easter Sunday, often referred to as Holy Week, also bear significance to faithful Christians.

Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday begins Holy Week and commemorates the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. Upon entering the city, Jesus was greeted by crowds waving palm branches. That is why Christians receive palm branches or palm crosses during Palm Sunday Mass.

Holy Wednesday

Holy Wednesday draws attention to the abandonment of Jesus by his disciples. Holy Wednesday services may feature Tenebrae, a religious service characterized by the extinguishing of candles. That portion of the service is meant to symbolize darkness, which is what “Tenebrae” means in Latin.

Maundy Thursday

The Last Supper is commemorated on Maundy Thursday, which also commemorates the Washing of the Feet (Maundy). The Last Supper was Jesus’s final meal with his apostles before his crucifixion. According to Christian scripture, Jesus predicted one of the apostles present at the meal would betray him. This also was when Jesus foretold that Peter will deny knowing him three times before the next morning. According to Trinity College, Maundy Thursday reminds Christians to love others as Jesus loves them.

Explaining the Stations of the Cross

Tradition features prominently in Holy Week celebrations. The week leading up to Easter Sunday, Holy Week is a sacred time for faithful Christians. The Stations of the Cross are one of the traditions that many Christians feel bolsters their faith and brings them closer to God.

What are the Stations of the Cross?

According to Catholic Online, the Stations of the Cross are a 14step devotion that commemorates Jesus Christ’s last day on Earth as a man. Each of the 14 stations focus on a specific event of Jesus’s last day as a man.

Where can the Stations of the Cross be found?

Stations of the Cross are typically found in churches. Many times the Stations adorn the interior wall of a church, and Catholic Online notes they’re often depicted using small icons or images. Some churches with sizable exterior grounds may arrange larger Stations along footpaths in yards or gardens on the premises.

When do people most commonly pray the Stations of the Cross?

Lent is the most common time to pray the Stations of the Cross, and some churches hold weekly prayer sessions on Wednesdays and Fridays during this time of year.

What are the 14 Stations?

Catholic Online notes the 14 Stations of the Cross are:

1. Jesus is condemned to death

2. Jesus carries the cross

3. Jesus falls for the first time

4. Jesus meets with His Mother

5. Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the cross

6. Veronica wipes the face of Jesus

7. Jesus falls a second time

8. Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem

9. Jesus falls a third time

10. Jesus’s clothes are taken away

11. Jesus is nailed to the cross

12. Jesus dies on the cross

13. The body of Jesus is taken down from the cross

14. Jesus is laid in the tomb

The Stations of the Cross are an important Easter tradition that shed light on Jesus’s resurrection. Individuals interested in praying the Stations of the Cross are urged to contact a local church so they can engage in this moving Christian tradition.

Easter is considered a moveable feast because the day it falls on can be anywhere from March 22 to April 25. The difference from year to year can be attributed to variances in the lunar calendar. Easter will always land on the Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox. If the full moon happens to be on a Sunday, then Easter is celebrated the following week.

Good Friday

Good Friday commemorates the trial of Jesus and his resulting death sentence, torture, crucifixion, and burial. It’s hard to characterize any of those things as “good,” which can cause a little confusion among Christians and non-Christians alike. However, Trinity College indicates that, in this context, “good” connotes something holy or pious.

Holy Saturday

Holy Saturday concludes Holy Week. Even though many faithful Christians awake early and don their Sunday best on Easter morning, Holy Saturday celebrations are not muted. On Holy Saturday, Christians may attend a late-night Easter Vigil service that includes a liturgy and the celebration of the Eucharist. The two-part celebration commemorates the Eucharist as symbolic of the emergence from darkness into the light.

Easter Sunday

The most important day in the Christian calendar, Easter Sunday is a time for feasting in celebration of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.

Holy Week is a time for faithful Christians to celebrate their faith in advance of Easter Sunday.

Lenten traditions explored

The Lenten season marks a period of 40 days when faithful Christians prepare for the glory of Easter Sunday. Easter commemorates the miracle of Jesus Christ’s resurrection, which is foundational for the Christian faith.

Lent is a season when Christians reflect and prepare to celebrate Easter. Lent is a period of spiritual purification that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Thursday. Fasting, giving alms and prayer are some of the hallmarks of Lent.

Many Lenten traditions are well known, but others are not. Here’s a glimpse at some of those traditions.

The first “Lent”

Lent is based on the 40 days that Jesus spent in the desert in preparation for his public life. Matthew 4:1-11 shares that Christ was led into the desert by the Holy Spirit for a period of fasting and prayer, where He constantly encountered the devil and his temptations. Lent also mirrors the period of time (40 days) that the Israelites spent in their journey from slavery in Egypt to the promised land of Israel.

Black fasts

While certain Lenten restrictions have lightened up a bit in recent years, it once was the norm to consume a single meal per day of bread, water and herbs after sunset on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, which was known as a black fast. During the other days of Lent, no food was allowed until 3 p.m., which

Christians believe was the hour of Our Lord’s death.

Piñatas for Lent?

The Lenten tradition of hitting a papier-mâché creation filled with candy originated in Italy. Eventually the idea was picked up by the Spanish and brought to Mexico, where the familiar piñatas now known to partygoers across the globe appeared. Professor Michael Foley, author of “Dining with the Saints,” says the original piñata had seven cones to represent the seven deadly sins. Hitting the cones and defeating the sins revealed the heavenly reward in the form of candy.

Prayerful pretzels

In the early Middle Ages, when other foods were not allowed during Lent, pretzels became popular. The twisted shape of the pretzels was associated with arms entwined in prayer.

Hot cross buns

Hot cross buns are synonymous with Easter. Although they may predate Christianity and might have been a tradition adopted to make Christianity more relatable to the masses, one legend suggests they originated with a twelfth century Anglican monk. This monk reportedly baked the buns and marked them with crosses in honor of Good Friday. These yeasted sweet rolls have since become a popular treat on Easter weekend.

Lent precedes Easter each year and is full of time-honored traditions.

Overall, Lent is a time for fasting, giving up bad habits, adopting wholesome practices and reflecting on spiritual values. Regardless of whether or not you’re religious, the days leading up to Easter are the perfect time to be more mindful of how you live your life.

Area children tell us “Why we love Easter”

crEatE uniquE EastEr

dEcor with thEsE colorful idEas!

During Easter, family and friends come together to celebrate renewal and the beauty of life. To make this event even more memorable this year, why not add a festive flair to your interior decor? Here are some decoration ideas that will help beautify your home for the occasion.

Spring-themed centerpiece

Craft a thematic centerpiece using nature-inspired elements. Arrange decorative branches, colorful eggs and spring flowers in a vase to add a splash of color to your dining room.

Easter wreath

Make a unique Easter wreath to decorate your front door. Use seasonal flowers, colorful ribbons and animal figurines, such as chicks or rabbits, to create a wreath that’s as original as it is welcoming.

Table accessories

Adorn your table with accessories featuring Easter symbols, such as flowers, animals, chocolates, and eggs. Consider putting out seasonal versions of your tablecloth, napkins, doilies and napkin rings. The possibilities are endless!

String lights

Hang delicate string lights around your fireplace, along the staircase railing or on your windowsill to create a warm and enchanting atmosphere.

Decorative eggs

Decorate eggs to add an Easter touch to your decor. Whether you use real chicken eggs or ones made of wood, cardboard or plastic, these festive symbols are sure to add a pop of color to your home. From artistic painting to thematic arrangements, you can let your creativity — and that of your children — run wild!

Easter tree

Set up a beautiful Easter tree in your entryway, on a table or as the centerpiece of your living room. Have fun decorating it with pastel-colored ornaments, family photos or other beautiful objects you feel represent you.

Visit your local home decor or accessory stores to find everything you need to create the Easter oasis of your dreams.

organizE an EastEr Egg hunt you won’t forgEt!

Easter is fast approaching, and what better way to celebrate this joyful holiday than by planning an unforgettable Easter egg hunt for your children? Follow these tips to create magical memories your little ones won’t forget!

Themed egg hunt

Give your egg hunt a theme to make it even more exciting. Whether it’s pirates, princesses or farm animals, the experience will surely capture your children’s imagination.

Clues and riddles

Increase the intrigue by incorporating clues and riddles. Engage your children in a playful adventure where they must solve mysteries to discover the location of the hidden eggs.

Personalized eggs

Customize Easter eggs based on your children’s interests. Paint them with their favorite colors and add stickers or funny

written messages to make the hunt extra unique.

Hunting zones

Establish different hunting zones in your yard or inside the house. Each space can have its own theme, riddles or clues, offering a varied and engaging experience.

Decorated baskets

Build anticipation by providing each child with a lovely basket. Decorate them according to the theme of the egg hunt for an even more immersive experience.

Treasure map

Draw a treasure map of the inside or outside of your house. Your children can follow the path and discover the fun obstacles you’ve prepared for them.

This year, get ready to experience an Easter egg hunt like no other as you watch your little adventurers marvel at the surprises in store!

EastEr traditions from around thE world

In the United States, decorating eggs and searching for chocolates on Easter are time-honored traditions. Here’s a look at how this holiday is celebrated in other countries around the world.

Australia

Rather than a bunny, Australians have embraced the bilby as their Easter mascot in an effort to raise awareness about this endangered species. Chocolates of the long-eared marsupial are sold around the holiday, with proceeds given to conservation projects.

Italy

On Easter Sunday, an ornate cart filled with fireworks is paraded through the streets of Florence to the Duomo Cathedral, where the archbishop lights the fuse during mass. This tradition, known as Scoppio del Carro, dates

back more than 350 years.

Finland Dressed up as witches in colorful clothes and heads-

Easter story olivia and thomas’s pyjama day

By Johannie Dufour and Sarah Beauregard

Translated by Jasmine Heesaker

carves, children go door to door on Easter weekend wishing their neighbors a healthy year. In exchange for a willow twig decorated with feathers, the little witches are given a chocolate or other treat.

France

On Easter Monday, spectators gather to watch dozens of cooks make a giant 15,000-egg omelet in the main square of Bessières, a small village in southwest France. This tradition can be traced back to the time of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Greece

On the island of Corfu, Holy Saturday is marked by an old custom that involves throwing large clay pots off balconies in the center of town. Visitors come from all over Greece to watch the event — it’s a smash!

This morning, Olivia is overjoyed. Her cousin Thomas is coming to spend Easter with her! And he’ll be sleeping over! They plan on going on an Easter egg hunt, having a picnic in the backyard, blowing giant bubbles and drawing with sidewalk chalk in the playground. It’s going to be great!

Impatiently, Oliva waits by the window for her cousin to arrive. When she finally sees the car, she hears a HUGE clap of thunder, and it starts to rain very hard. Thomas grabs his backpack, hugs his dad and runs to the front door.

“Hi,” says Olivia with a sigh.

“The day’s ruined.”

“Hello! Yeah, it’s a bummer. We can’t do anything anymore,” replies Thomas.

“Yes, it’s too bad there’s a storm,” says Olivia’s mother as she joins them. “Here, this will certainly cheer you up,” she adds, handing each of them a gift bag.

Curious, the children sit on the floor and look inside their gift bags.

Olivia hurries to open it for him, but he still gets soaking wet. His rain jacket drips onto the carpet as he removes it, trying not to get his clothes wet.

“Ha ha, this is fun!” exclaims Olivia as she discovers a pair of bunny pyjamas. “Oh, and very soft,” she adds, rubbing them against her cheek. “Hey, we could have a pyjama day!” exclaims Thomas, waving a pair of chick pyjamas.

“Oh yes!” replies Olivia. “Thanks, Mom, for the lovely surprise!”

With smiles on their faces, they go and change. Suddenly, they’ve got lots of ideas for things to do!

First, they play an Easter board game and make up a few riddles that have them rolling with laughter.

After dinner, they do some arts and

crafts and decorate Easter eggs. Then, together with Olivia’s mom, they make chick-shaped chocolates. Yummy!

In the evening, they watch a funny Easter movie while eating chocolate-covered popcorn.

“It was the best Easter in the world,” says Olivia as they go to bed.

“Yes, it was really fun!” answers Thomas.

Happy and exhausted, the children wish each other a good night. They both dream of their beautiful day together. In the end, the storm didn’t manage to spoil it!

DRAW THE MIRROR IMAGE OF THE PICTURE YOU SEE

Which two are exactly alike?

COMPLETE EACH GRID WITH NUMBERS

FROM 1 TO 6, KEEPING IN MIND THAT:

a number can only appear once per row

a number can only appear once per column

a number can only appear once in each box of 6 squares

ANSWER: 3 AND 8

COMPLETE EACH GRID WITH THESE

Q:

Why did the man run around his bed?

A: Because he was trying to catch up on his sleep!

Q:

Material for your weekly game page

What do you call a pig that knows karate?

A: A pork chop!

Q:

What do you call an old snowman?

A: Water.

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