Great Easter Cards With A Twist
Don’t you just love spring? It comes around every year just in time to save us from sinking into a mindless depression caused by lack of sun and weariness from carrying the extra weight of all those clothes around. It is the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. The days start to lengthen and the sun burns that bit brighter, colours start to appear on the trees and in the gardens and signs of renewed life are all around. What better way to celebrate the end of the cold weather and to welcome back the sun than to get in touch with all the friends and family who have been neglected.
In one of those mysterious coincidences that happen in the universe or possibly a reminder of the wisdom of our ancient predecessors, we have the perfect opportunity to do this at Easter. Even more fortuitously this happens at just about the same time all the chocolate and sweets from Christmas have finally been finished. The universe works in mysterious ways! If, however, you know that someone’s chocolate supply has survived the winter months or that they are planning to fit into a bikini for their summer holiday, a fantastic way to mark this event is with personalised Easter cards.
As with most of our festivals, the original reasons behind the celebration have been forgotten and the ‘traditions’ that we now follow are relatively new. The introduction of Christianity dictated when Easter Day should fall and so it became a moveable holiday. It was decided that it would be celebrated on the Sunday after the first full moon following 21st March the first day of spring. This is the reason why sometimes it is in March and sometimes it is in April. However, the end of the winter months and the visible displays of renewed life on earth have been celebrated for thousands of years across the globe.
Apparently falling into a depression in winter is not a new phenomenon here in Britain, the pagans felt the same way. At least in this country we get away quite lightly with our modern tradition of giving chocolate eggs and bunnies or sending Easter cards. Some of the things that go on in other countries can be bizarre and the reason for them obscure.
At lunchtime in the main square of Haux, France they make an omelette which has to feed about a thousand people in order to do this they use approximately 4500 eggs. What do you think they do if it rains?
Swiss villagers turn their fountain into an Easter Well. The fountain is decorated with flowers, streamers and decorated eggs. This recognises the importance of water to those dry places in the Alps.
With a wonderful example of recycling, our German friends burn their Christmas trees demonstrating, with fire, the conquering of winter by a sunny spring.
The Latvians play conkers with hard boiled eggs attached to string. What this has to do with Easter or spring is unclear but it sounds as if it is fun, if somewhat messy.
In Finland they prepare to fight off any witch that may be flying around by having bonfires and children dress up and beg in the street sounds a lot like Halloween here.
The places you really need to think carefully about visiting over Easter are the Czech Republic, Slovakia or Hungary. On Easter Monday the men throw water over the women and spank them with whips. You either have to love the idea or hate it! Of course this is only a symbolic whipping and is supposed to help the women to keep their health and beauty for the following year. Well that is the story the men tell anyway! Makes an Easter card seem quite tame by comparison.
So, be grateful that our tradition only calls for simple things. To make the whole process even easier you can now choose from a range of over 20 different cards, including some which are quite humorous and then personalise them. Just make sure you get the right spelling for the name! Inside the card you can also add a personal message. It is your choice then whether to get it delivered to you so that you can add a personal touch before putting it in the post box or it can be sent directly to the home address of the person you are buying for – all from the comfort of your own home. A true cause for celebration if ever there was one!
To explore our range of Easter cards further, please visit our website at http://www.gettingpersonal.co.uk.
