A Peaceful Start to the Easter Season

We hope this note finds you well as March settles into its familiar mix of surprises here in the Heartland. The week began with a sharp blast of cold that pushed temperatures down into the single digits. By the end of the week the sun returned, and the warmer air made it feel more like Spring than anything we have had so far. The sudden cold after the early warmup may have nipped a few fruit trees and berry bushes, but it will take time to know for sure. Everyone is watching the buds closely and hoping the blossoms will still come in strong. Once the trees bloom, families will have a better idea of what to expect for the harvest later this Summer.

As the days lengthen and Easter draws near, there is a gentle shift in daily life across the Amish community. Palm Sunday is still a little ways off, but families are already feeling the quiet sense of preparation that comes with this time of year. While Amish homes are not decorated for the holiday, they do notice the change in the Season. One woman said the first sign that Easter Week is getting close is simply that Spring is in the air. The light feels different, the mornings come earlier for the families participating in "fast time," and more work seems to get done in a day.

Many Amish adults remember Spring cleaning from their childhood, and most recall it as a chore they did not look forward to. Cleaning was not a favorite job for many Amish girls, but it was part of getting the home ready for visitors. Even today, homes are thoroughly cleaned before Easter Week begins. The work may not be exciting, but the thought of family stopping by brings a sense of purpose to it. The children especially look forward to the possibility of other children visiting. Their excitement is often the brightest part of the preparations.

Food traditions during Easter Week are simple. Boiled eggs are common, and many families still dye eggs with their children. One woman remembered how much she enjoyed watching the colors change as a child. Some families hide eggs or small pieces of candy around the yard or even back in the timber. One person recalled a year when their family hid eggs near the farm pond and spent the afternoon searching for them. These small traditions are often the ones that stay with children the longest.

Evenings during Easter Week tend to be slow and peaceful. Families often gather for popcorn and games, giving everyone a chance to unwind after the extra work of the day. There are not many special recipes tied to Easter in most Amish homes, but the feeling of being together is what makes the week meaningful.

Palm Sunday, when it arrives, will be observed in a simple way. Amish churches do not use palm branches in their services, but the day still marks the beginning of Holy Week. In some communities out East, families weave palms into small crosses to take home as a blessing, but this is not a common practice among the Amish in our area. Instead, the focus is on the Scripture readings for the day and the quiet understanding that Easter is close. Children feel the anticipation most strongly, especially those who are eager to dye eggs or help hide them.

Stories from Our Amish Basket Weavers

Here are a few of the most notable moments from the families who weave the beautiful baskets featured on AmishBaskets.com, shared with us this week.

The Swarey Family

The Swarey children had an unusual school day this past Wednesday, along with all the other schoolhouses in the community. Several of the older girls from homes across the community stepped in as substitute teachers, and the oldest Swarey daughter was among them. Each school had two or three girls helping for the day while the regular teachers traveled together in a hired van to visit another community's schools. This annual trip gives the teachers a chance to see different classrooms and return home with fresh ideas. The younger children enjoyed the novelty of having older girls lead their lessons, and the day carried a lighthearted feeling from start to finish.

The Yoder Family

On Friday the Yoder family gathered with their extended relatives at a sibling's home to finalize their parents' will alongside their eighty year old mother. What could have been a somber task turned into a warm family evening. Everyone brought something for a potluck supper, and the table filled quickly with a fish fry, casseroles, sweet corn, homemade bread, and freezer strawberry jam. Dessert was just as generous with homemade ice cream, cherry danish, tapioca, fruit, and plenty of coffee. After the dishes were done, the young folks played volleyball in the large shop while the younger children marked off a four square court on the basement floor with duct tape and played until it was time to head home.