This little fellow leaves us coloured eggs and jelly beans. You know enough not to eat the black ones he leaves, right? 😀
In pagan times they celebrated the spring equinox and the Northern Goddess Oestre whose symbol was the fertile hare. The renewal of the earth along with fertility are sacred aspects of life. Of course the Christian church often incorporated or transformed pagan feasts into Christian celebrations.
In German stories the Easter bunny was an egg laying rabbit, and that old tradition continued in the new world. Decorating eggs at Easter dates back to the 1200’s. In orthodoxy dyeing eggs red was meant to represent Christ’s blood. Likewise, cracking the egg open symbolized the opening of Christ’s tomb. The religious feast of Easter represents a spiritual redemption and salvation, and however we each interpret these concepts, they are both powerful and meaningful.
When I lived for a time in Greece, I vividly remember the Easter celebration in Delphi (in ancient times famous for the Oracle and the temple of Artemis). At the old Byzantine church we stood outside and lit each other’s candles at midnight. As they were lit people said Xristos Anesti (Christ has risen)! Easter is even more significant than Christmas in the Orthodox church. The ceremony on Saturday evening though long, was very beautiful with the chanting, incense burning and the holding up of hundreds of candles into the night sky. The Lenten fast was then broken and everyone ate for days! Though I hated the bleating of the lambs as they were led down the mountainside to their doom, the smell of them cooking on spits in the streets overcame my tender sensibilities and I enjoyed the feasting. Every street had a delicious barbecue plate and glass of local wine which would be pressed into your hands wanted or not. I never did develop a taste for Retsina which to me had a flavour of turpentine.
Unfortunately I was not as much into photography in my former travels and some of my old pics (on film) have been misplaced in my moves. But here is the beautiful Cathedral of San Ildefonso in Merida, Mexico.
When construction of the church began in 1561 the native Mayans were forced by their Spanish conquistadors to help build it using stones from some of their own temples. Today many Mayans are devout Catholics (though they have incorporated their own Mayan traditions) and there is a hushed peace inside the Cathedral under the light of the beautiful vaulted ceilings.
and a beautiful stained glass at St. Andrew’s in downtown Victoria, BC
Happy Easter!!
the runes of the gatekeeper's daughter- dedicated to Nick 
I forgot to tell you that our Greek Orthodox Easter was late in 2016.It was on the 1st of May,it coincided with May Day.We celebrated it with plenty of spring flowers apart from the rest … 🙂
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oh that is interesting and very late yes!! But I remember the celebrations so vividly. Enjoy the weekend my friend!!
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I can tell from your Delphi Easter.Your memories were so fresh … Happy weekend to you too 🙂
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they are and to you too Doda!
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✿ڿڰۣ(̆̃̃ღ❣
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Well,we can greet each other for 40 days after Easter,saying Xristos Anesti!
And,the answer is :Truly He is Risen!What a heartwarming Easter post with the charming Bunny and the gorgeous commenrary underneath.So much fun … All of your church images are devine,I am glad you included your Delphi experience too.I never drink retsina,although it is good for you and it has a history of at least 2000 years.I agree with you,it faintly tastes of furniture polish lol and upsets my stomach 🙂 xxx
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ha ha doesn’t it!! But I loved my time in Greece and Easter is wonderful there. one day I will return!!
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I am certain sure you’ll make it,one day day.Nikos would love it too 🙂
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Nik went back to Athens to visit his mom just before she died. But hasn’t been back now for quite a few years. Hope we can!
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Oh dear,oh dear,all the smiles I got from Brian faded away .. For quite a few years …?Is he happy here now?Didn’t you travel to Scotland & Ireland together,last summer?You don’t have to answer my questions,I simly want you to be happy …:) xxx
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oh yes, several years ago and he is happy here. Yes we do travel together when possible I don’t mind the questions at all!!
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Hope your Easter was a happy one, Cybele. Xxx 😊
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and yours!! 🙂
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The images are lovely as is the history you shared! I hope your Easter week-end was lovely!
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thank you Deb! I’m glad it’s over lol!
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NEVER eat the black ones! Oh yes, but when you love dark chocolate you can be in for some nasty surprises, no matter how careful you are. 😊Happy Easter again Hanna.
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haha!! hope you had a wonderful weekend!
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The last two shots are especially gorgeous Cyb. Happy Easter.
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thanks Mark! Hope you had a wonderful weekend too!
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Beautiful pictures! Happy Easter to you! 😊🌼
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thanks Katie hope you had a good one too!
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Happy Easter Cybele. Wonderful post.
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many thanks Mav and hope yours was wonderful!
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Have a happy and blessed Easter, Hanna. Your photos are beautiful; I especially love the Paris jewel! 🙂
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thanks Linda and hope yours was blessed as well!
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Happy Easter to you, very nice, dramatic light!
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thank you Maria!
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Stunning jewel box! Your church photos always look so holy. 🙂
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it helps to be in a “state of grace” (California seems to be for you- lol!!!)
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LOL!!!! Indeed!
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😀
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Happy Easter! Wow I see you in my stream!!
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Kalo Pasxa Laura! I don’t know why I don’t see stuff either of people I follow. Glad you dropped by!! PS. I just included an extra pic of Paris Ste. Chapelle- take a look if you can.
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Love the back story Cybele
You enjoy
As always Sheldon
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thanks Sheldon, you too!!!
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Very interesting post, Cybele, and I love the images. Yes I know not to eat the black ones, though decades back (in Cyprus) the deal was that if my friend agreed to eat all the black ones I had to eat all the white ones – the black ones being olives and the rest being … pigs’ testicles … 😉 . And if I have any religion now then its certainly Paganism, so your text is enthralling. And I know too just how you felt about the lambs’ bleating … prior to feeling hungry … I LOVE vast amounts of fruit and veg but, in the final analysis, I’m an omnivore – my father was a butcher and as a young child my Saturday mornings were often spent playing in an abattoir! Hope you’re fine. Adrian 🙂
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haha!! Thanks for that wonderful share Adrian. I have to admit I incorporate many beliefs including Christ and Buddha into my spirituality- and I love old churches (being raised Catholic ha ha). Now, about playing in the abattoir! ewww!(or ewe) but sounds like the makings of a good story! Have a wonderful weekend!
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Both perfect pictures for Easter. It is a very important time here in Spain as well with processions everyday of holy week leading up to Easter Sunday.
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yes, I love the traditions! Enjoy sunny Spain Darlene!
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Happy Easter Cybele, it was lovely to read about some of your Easter memories.
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thank you Andrea!! I hope you have a lovely weekend!
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And Happy Easter to you, Hannah! 🌾🐇
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thanks and to you!
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Happy Eater to you too Cybele.
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🙂
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