“PRSRT.STD.” US POSTAGE PAID NO. 486 PRINCETON, IL 61356 SHAW MEDIA
Thursday, April 13, 2017
Vol. 11 No. 38
‘Hippity-hoppity Easter’s on its way’ James Ladgenski (center) and Nikki Ladgenski visit with the Easter Bunny, who made a stop at the Spring Valley Mini Park on Saturday to deliver treats to area children and set them on their travels to find other treats through the town. There will be no shortage of Easter egg hunts this weekend in Bureau County. Check out the list on Page 2 of information we have received from municipalities and organizations announcing the fun. Besides the sweet fun of searching for Easter eggs, area churches and their parishioners are celebrating Holy Week. Many are having services Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. See the list of Holy Week observances area churches have sent us on Page 3. Easter is a religious holiday, but some of its traditions and customs — like Easter eggs and an Easter bunny, have become symbols of Christianity’s important holiday. The exact origins of this mythical creature are unclear, but rabbits are known to reproduce abundantly and are an ancient symbol of fertility and new life. According to history.com, the egg — an ancient symbol of new life, has been associated with pagan festivals celebrating spring. From a Christina perspective, Easter eggs are said to represent Jesus’ emergence from the tomb and resurrection. One explanation for the custom of coloring eggs revolves around the idea that eggs were formerly a forbidden food during Lent, so people would paint and decorate them to mark the end of the period of penance and fasting, and then eat them on Easter to celebrate. IVS photo/Becky Kramer