Happy Easter Eve!

HAPPY EASTER EVE!

I tried to get an Eastery picture of the support staff, but it looks like the other hundred you have seen. The blankets are bunched in a different way, and their fur is clean and shiny, but otherwise, it's the same old sleepy support staff. I could not find anything at all in my house that even looks Easterish. I finally stuck a pink stuffed pig on Baby's bum and took a picture, but it doesn't look particularly like Easter.

What does Easter look like to an atheist? It looks like eggs and candy and baskets and pretty new dresses on little girls. White gloves come out, and hats and pretty little patent leather shoes. Hams, potatoes, pretty salads and desserts. The American Way is to socialize with family for holidays, and Easter is a holiday.

But why is it a holiday? While my facts may not be correct because they are coming off the top of my head and not out of a bible, I believe it's due to the fact that Jesus, a nice Jewish boy whose father was reported not of this world, rose from the dead. He had been crucified and allowed to die over several painful days, was carried to a cave, and the cave was covered up with a large rock. After three days passed, he walked out of that cave. We celebrate that day as Easter.

If my facts are off, forgive me, since I haven't had any religious training in half a century or so - I mean no disrespect to anyone. This is my journal, so I can only offer my perspective.

I don't even think Christianity has the largest number of believers out of all of the religions in the world. However, our calendar is based, loosely, on the birth of Jesus. Almost all of our national holidays are Christianity-based. They are important days to Americans so most people are off work so they can worship in their desired way. Is is their constitutionally protected right to do so.

I try to remember the history when I see the commercialism that has crept in. My first thoughts as mentioned above? Food, new clothes for children, decorations. Parties, dinners, laughter.

But, isn't that part of what many religions are about? People coming together to share happiness? A sense of community, group cohesion, caring, love?

I think I will go bake some pretty Easter cookies. Want some? I am happy to share.