JOURNAL #13 - EASTER IN THE OUTDOORS & APRIL SHOWERS

One of the best things about Easter is being able to celebrate Spring as it brings a sense of renewal and growth to the outdoors, as the natural world come back to life after the long, cold winter. April can be fickle and unpredictable but there’s energy and hope as the blossoms come out, spring flowers are blooming and it’s finally warm enough to be outside without your winter coat. The weather can be all over the place, that’s why we have April showers. If you want a listen I found this version on YouTube sung by Frank Sinatra Frank Sinatra: April Showers 1947 - YouTube.

So, it’s hardly surprising that are lot of our Easter traditions take place outdoors.

Easter Egg Hunts: This is a popular tradition where children search for colourfully decorated hidden eggs, filled with chocolate. The winner is the one who has found the most eggs.

Rolling Easter Eggs: This is a tradition in many parts of the world where eggs are rolled down a hill or slope. The first egg to reach the bottom without breaking is declared the winner. There is an old Lancashire legend that says the broken eggshells should be crushed carefully afterward, or these would be stolen and used as boats by witches.

Easter Bonfires: In some European countries, such as Germany and Sweden, Easter bonfires are lit on Holy Saturday to symbolise the end of winter and the arrival of spring. Just make sure your bonfire doesn’t have any nesting hedgehogs.

Or start your own Easter traditions. We love hot cross buns on Good Friday so this year I’m going to fill a flask with hot chocolate, butter our buns and head off on a walk. You can always bring some Spring indoors by picking some branches covered with blossom and hang them with decorated Easter Eggs.

My advice is to just get yourself outdoors, enjoy some warm sunshine and the fresh scent of Spring.