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Happy Easter!
With Easter and Spring upon us...I thought it fitting to do a little research.
There were a few questions I was pondering, so a little digging gave me some very interesting answers.
Why is Easter so early this year?
According to History.com, the dating of Easter goes back to the year 325. At that time, the Roman Emperor, Constantine I, called together the Council of Nicea. The Council decided Easter should be celebrated on the first Sunday following the full moon after the spring equinox. Out of respect for the Jewish faith, Easter is moved back one more week, to the following Sunday, if it coincides with Passover. This means that the earliest Easter can be celebrated is March 22nd and the latest is April 25th.
By looking at the Christian calendar, you will find that it will be more than 150 years until Easter will be celebrated this early again: 2160. The next time Easter actually falls on March 22nd is in the year 2285.
Why are the Easter Bunny and colored Easter eggs associated with this holiday?
I found History.com to be especially helpful answering this question as well. 
Apparently, the Christian Church adopted some Pagan practices in the celebration of Easter. Though the true origin of the the name "Easter" is unknown, it is widely believed that the Saxon goddess, Eastre, had something to do with it. A festival honoring Eastre was celebrated at the spring equinox and her sacred animal was the bunny. The Easter rabbit was a symbol of fertility and colored eggs were painted brightly to represent the sunlight of spring.
It is also said that German settlers in America brought over the tradition of a bunny named "Oschter Haws" who visited houses on Easter eve, leaving colored eggs for children. Christians later used eggs to symbolize the rebirth of Christ.
And finally, just how bad is it when I steal a little of the kids' Easter candy?
Checking on this was more than a little sad. Not that I was under any delusions, or believed that this chocolate-loaded candy was good for me, however, the truth was a bit depressing. Fitsugar.com broke down some typical favorites for me:
Peeps - 4 of them net you 130 calories, but no fat grams
Jelly Belly Jelly beans - 35 of them are 140 calories, but, again no fat
Cadbury Creme Egg - Just 1 is 150 calories and 5 grams of fat
Cadbury Chocolate Eggs - 12 of them pack on 190 calories and 8 fat grams
Reese's Penut Butter Egg - 1 is 180 calories and 10 fat grams
Dove Solid Chocolate Bunny - 1 is 230 calories and 13 fat grams
If you are interested, you can note the carbs and sugar counts at fitsugar.com. They also have a few more candies listed.
It is funny how knowing the stats makes the candy a bit less appealing. I suppose that is why the phrase, "ignorance is bliss" might apply. I'm thinking I'll have to limit my intake, what about you?
I hope you have an Extraordinary Easter holiday!
Danielle Smith
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