“Spring in the world! And all things are done
new!” Richard Hovey
Finally. Spring is here!
Ahhh! Spring is in the air!
While he certainly hasn’t left much evidence here in New
England, with no crocuses popping up, no morning birds to wake me up, no T’s and capri’s popping up, are sure signs that spring has, indeed, arrived. The snow has melted. New life is on the way!
Spring celebrates, like no other season, all of nature “rising
again.” It is the ultimate symbol of the resurrection of the dead.
Many of the traditional symbols that we accept as a mother
association with spring have their roots in the natural cycle of
earth, and as such it is useful to appreciate its significance when we celebrate Easter.
Bunnies, chicks and birds symbolize newborns.
creatures and reminds us of the new birth in Christ. the cake
the colors lavender, pink, yellow and blue are traditional
colors of spring, but they also shout that “life
eternal springs”. Eggs are the symbol par excellence of the new
life: new life hides under a shell until it literally bursts
on earth. In Jewish tradition, eggs also symbolize a
freewill offering, or giving more than what is asked for. AND
even the tradition of a new “Easter outfit” symbolizes the
removing winter and giving birth to freshness and
vitality. Just as Christ sprang from the grave, so we too become
novelty “dress”.
If you’re done spring cleaning your home, you should be ready to bring the freshness and vibrancy of spring into your home as you decorate for the season.
bring nature inside
Celebrate the glory of spring with fresh flowers.
Gather all your beautiful containers and load them with tulips, hyacinths, crocuses, and daffodils. Place them all over your house. Put some in the living room, some in the kitchen, more in the front hallway, the children’s bedrooms. And don’t forget the most used powder room or bathroom. They add a lush splash of color and a heady scent to your everyday world.
Give yourself a new wreath or a basket of flowers or your
front door.
By the time I turn mine off my whole house takes on a
different looks Visit your local florist or see new
arrivals from Williams-Sonoma (www.williams-sonoma.com) or Smith
& Hawken (www.smithandhawken.com. Beautiful wreaths and corsages can be found for less than $50. The freeze-dried flowers used in wreaths not only look fabulous, they will last for years even
under the harshest elements. And how about a bunny with ivy?
artistic pruning? Or pink hydrangeas in a watering can by the side door?
Arrange them yourself or buy them online for wonderful touches of
Spring and whimsical color.
Plant window boxes in the front windows.
Have fun experimenting with different flower and color combinations that not only give you visual flair, but also varieties that can withstand the heat and sunlight hitting your front yard.
Decorate an Easter tree.
This year, I used willows, whose buds make perfect nooks for hanging miniature “ornaments.” A dozen stems look fabulous in a tall, elegant glass vase. Usually the kids and I go on nature walks to find the perfect branch. We put it in a pretty blue and white porcelain container, cover it with soil and sprinkle some rye seed so real grass will grow. Either way, it looks fresh and delicious decorated sparsely with little knickknacks and with tiny yellow fluffy chicks and baskets hanging on the dainty branches. Surrounded by our family of Easter bunnies, each named after a family member, the arrangement makes me smile every time I walk past it.
Dye eggs with your children.
Children of all ages love to dye eggs. Whether you buy the stain kits at your drugstore or use your own imaginative painting techniques, be sure to add this
to their “obligations” during the Easter season. plant grass seeds
in your loveliest container and let the kids water each pair
of days. You must have grass tall enough to support your dyed hair.
Easter eggs. If that makes you panic, go to your local
health food store and buy wheatgrass. It will look fabulous on
your container. Or place some wheatgrass inside some beautiful china.
cups of tea and, together with a few bouquets of fresh and delicate flowers,
you will have magnificent cutlery for your Easter brunch.
Add a little white chocolate bunny as a favor for your guests to
take home.
Start planning an Easter egg hunt in your neighborhood now.
Make up colorful invitations and let your kids hand-deliver them to all their neighbors and friends. Plan a simple brunch menu with plenty of coffee, tea, and orange juice. Let your kids start stuffing plastic eggs now, so when it’s time for the hunt, you’ll be ready.
