For some people, Easter is nothing but a day for eating chocolate or for being excited that spring has finally started. However, when growing up in a religious household, Easter may have been a little bit different (and probably a much bigger deal).
Here are some quirky little things that those who grew up in a religious household may remember about Easter's past.
Enjoy this stroll (hop?) down memory lane!
1. Easter dresses
Though the boys out there were probably spared these itchy get-ups, as a female I can definitely say that I remember the days of being forced into these itchy death traps. From crazy pastel colors to jackets with shoulder pads, I'm sure most of these dresses were huge fashion don'ts. Regardless of the potential fashion faux pas, they were still the last thing we wanted wear through Easter mass. Fortunately for the kids of today, it seems things have gotten a bit more stylish.
2. Stations of the Cross performances
For most kids growing up in Christian households, going to religious education classes or participating in youth ministry were part of weekly life. At Easter time, being part of these often meant being a part of a Stations of the Cross performance. From reading the prayers to acting them out, every church did these differently, but many kids can easily remember watching or performing in one of these shows.
3. The length of the Holy Thursday/Easter Vigil masses
Though my family didn't go to them every year, I can still remember wondering what happened to those "little over an hour" masses I knew and loved. As an adult, I won't deny that these masses are both absolutely lovely experiences; but I know I definitely did not feel that way when I was younger. While we were lucky enough to escape them most years, I feel for the kids who had to go. I think my mom knew it was time for a break when, at Holy Thursday one year, my brother leaned to her and asked, "Mom, why is the priest dressed like Dumbledore?"
4. Lightning speed Easter mornings
As a kid, I was always jealous of my non-religious friends who got to wake up late and spend Easter morning eating candy in their PJ's. Though we also got to eat candy in our PJ's, the whole process of hunting for eggs, finding our baskets and enjoying the candy were all sped up by the fact we needed to be at church for 9:30 a.m. mass.
5. Easter dinner
After a long day of hunting for eggs and sitting through church, it was always exciting to gather around with family for a delicious Easter dinner. From ham to side dishes to desserts, there was always more than enough food to go around.
