When I hear “Easter,” I can’t help but think of… jelly beans! Colorful baskets! And those rather unsettling individuals dressed as giant bunnies in shopping malls! While Easter is primarily a religious holiday, it has also transformed into a celebration of springtime in American culture.
And honestly, I’m all for it. Many of the traditional symbols associated with this sacred day—think eggs, rabbits, and flowers—have roots in ancient cultural celebrations of fertility and renewal that predate Christianity. I certainly won’t be arguing with ancient civilizations over the ownership of the Easter Bunny!
As a person who grew up in the Catholic tradition and spent 12 years in Catholic schools—back when nuns wielded rulers with a bit more fervor—Easter’s religious symbols and rituals have a depth of meaning that makes this holiday special. This significance is so deeply embedded that even when we don’t don our plaid uniforms, it’s easy to spot a fellow Catholic.
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Kneeling is a Rite of Passage
During the 40 days leading up to Easter, many Catholics find themselves attending additional church services. This means a lot of kneeling and standing! Just one Stations of the Cross service can leave even the fittest gym-goer in awe. While Catholics might be looking at knee replacements by their mid-thirties, they certainly boast strong quads and glutes. -
Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup: The Lenten Staples
As Easter approaches, Catholics often partake in fasting and abstaining from meat. Although there are countless delectable vegetarian recipes to choose from, grilled cheese and tomato soup have become the go-to meals during Lent. Some speculate this culinary trend might be linked to The Great Cheese Edict of 314 AD—but that’s just internet lore, so take it with a pinch of salt (or a dollop of Campbell’s). -
Snowstorms? No Problem!
For those of us raised in northern climates, a March or April snowstorm is just part of the experience. Every girl remembers shivering in a frilly dress on the way to Mass while boys recall the repercussions of stepping into slushy puddles. And who could forget the infamous moment when your mom would yell at your dad to crank up the car’s heat because her orchid corsage was wilting? -
Incense and Coffee: A Catholic Reflex
Incense is a staple in many religious practices, but for Catholics, it’s particularly prominent during Holy Thursday Mass. I once attended a service with so much incense that the fire alarms practically joined in the worship. This night recalls the moment Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, a scene that many Catholics replicate every Sunday by nodding off during the homily—only to be jolted awake by the most enthusiastic family member. -
Chocolate: A Holiday Blessing
Easter morning can feel reminiscent of Christmas, filled with anticipation for the goodies that magically appear after a period of being “extra good.” However, the day can also be quite uncomfortable. Children endure long services in stiff new outfits, often accompanied by overly fragrant relatives. But in the end, there’s always chocolate to sweeten the experience—thank you, Jesus, for the gift of Godiva!
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In summary, Easter is a blend of cherished memories and rituals, full of both sacred and light-hearted moments that resonate with anyone raised in the Catholic tradition.