Easter Entertaining Ideas

Celebrate the Vernal (Spring) Equinox

March 20, 2008 - Vernal Equinox at 5:48 UT
March 21, 2008 - First full moon following Vernal Equinox
March 23, 2008 - Christian celebration of the Resurrection of Christ

Whether you're pagan or christian, late March is an important time in the Northern Hemisphere. In one way or another, we will all be celebrating rebirth. The dark winter death has passed and life is beginning again. I used to hate Fall because it was the time of year when everything died. Now I can appreciate the shedding of the old in fall followed by the dormancy and regeneration of winter, resulting in the rebirth and reanimation of spring.

The vernal (spring) equinox falls on March 20th this year. At 5:48 Universal Time the sun will cross over the equator. South of the equator, this date and time are the autumnal equinox as they pass into their fall season. You can see how the differences between the northern and southern hemispheres is what allows us to eat fresh vegetables imported from the countries south of the equator during our dormant season.

This date has been a marker for change since ancient times. Some of our contemporary icons related to Easter (which is celebrated the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox) such as the rabbit and the egg have significance dating back centuries. The rabbit or hare has long been a sign of fertility and symbolic of a lush harvest for the coming season. The egg represents birth and new life.

Regardless of whether your celebration is with family or friends or just your own private meditations, food can be a wonderful reflection on this time of year. It is a time when many of our favorite vegetables begin their season here in California and elsewhere in the Northern Hemisphere.

Decorating Ideas
Lilacs, Tulips, Daffodils, Hyacinth, Narcissus
What conveys 'springtime' more than flowers. The bulbs have pushed up through the cold earth and the flowers have begun to be showy. They remind us of what is to come. I think a lovely decorating idea is to pick up several simple baskets; perhaps a very large one for the dining table. Line the bottom with something to prevent any moisture from seeping out onto the table. Pick up one large and several small pots of flowering spring bulbs. Also pick up some pots of low growing greenery such as ferns, saxifrages, bacopa, etc. and create a little garden scene in the basket for your dining table. In the smaller baskets, place one small pot of flowering bulbs with one pot of greenery. You can conceal the pots themsleves with mosses or clippings of shrubs or vines from your own garden. You could also nestle a few hard-cooked eggs into the arrangements.

Menus

A Vegetarian Celebration
What a perfect match for rebirth and renewal. Celebrating the beautiful vegetation produced by the earth is certainly an outstanding way to proclaim spring.

Arugula with Dried Cherries
Roasted Fennel and Baby Red Potatoes
Roman Style Artichokes garnished with Fava Beans
Cheese with dried fruit and Chocolates

Traditional Spring Menu
Probably the most common Easter dinner menus include Lamb. Try to find grass fed Lamb - click here for information and sources.

Herb Salad with Lemon Dressing
Barbeque Leg of Lamb
Roasted Asparagus
Marinated Strawberries with Mint

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