Celebrating Easter’s Promise
On this glorious Easter Sunday, as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we send our warmest greetings to you and your loved ones. This day holds profound significance for the Amish community, symbolizing the promise of renewal and the triumph of life over death.
As early Spring warmth coaxes the Easter lilies to bloom early this year, we are reminded of the beauty and hope that Easter brings. The Amish schoolhouses are adorned with the scholars' artwork, showcasing scenes of Calvary, crosses, and the lilies that grace the local gardens. While the "Easter Bunny" concept is not part of Amish traditions, their heartfelt expressions of faith capture the essence of Easter.
This week, many families engaged in the tradition of coloring eggs, an activity both young and old enjoy. Though less prevalent than in the past, it remains a joyful occasion, with store-bought tablets and crayons bringing vibrant colors to life. For the children, the excitement of an egg hunt added a playful touch to the week's observances for those families.
The Amish families observe Easter through fasting, prayer, and spending time with loved ones. As last week's newsletter mentioned, Good Friday was marked by a fast until noon, accompanied by Bible readings that reflected on the crucifixion. Easter Sunday is a joyous occasion, with church services in many districts.
While our community does not specifically celebrate Easter Monday tomorrow, some neighboring Amish communities do. The decision to observe Easter Monday is made at the inception of each new Amish community. Here, though the day is not officially observed, it's not uncommon for younger generations to take a break from work to enjoy leisurely pastimes like a baseball game or fishing.
Easter Sunday, a day of feasting and fellowship, can sometimes be met with fasting at the Bishop's call. The decision to fast on Easter day would be made when the need for reflection or concern within the Church district arises. Due to the early arrival of Easter this year, the customary Spring communion during Easter services is not being held in several districts. Given the short time to prepare, the ministers, mindful of the gravity of such observances, have postponed communion until later in April to maintain the reverence and solemnity it deserves.
It's worth noting that while the Amish do not adopt the commercialized aspects of Easter, they do embrace the joy of the season in their own meaningful ways. For instance, some Amish families prepare special meals on Easter Sunday, reflecting on the spiritual importance of the day. These family gatherings are often highlighted by food prepared using traditional recipes passed down through generations, adding a taste of heritage to the celebration. These simple yet heartfelt traditions underscore the Amish way of life, where faith and family intertwine to create a tapestry of enduring values and shared experiences.
Besides creating heirloom baskets for AmishBaskets.com, our dedicated Amish families have been actively involved in various endeavors this week:
The Mast Family
The Mast family attended church in their district on Good Friday. On Thursday, they colored eggs using dye tablets in vinegar and crayons. Rosa noted that the crayons work well if the children use them while the eggs are still hot from boiling. (Rosa says the children draw on the eggs while leaving them on the table since they must be very hot to use canyons.) She also mentioned that she believes the eggs taste better after being colored with vinegar, though she humorously suggested it might be her imagination.
The Yoder Family
The Yoder family's Good Friday included attending church services held at a home in a neighboring district where Rebecca's sister's family lives. The house hosting the service was located between their residence and Rebecca's sister's family farm. After the service, they returned to her sister's farm with her family. The two families spent the afternoon playing Dutch Blitz and enjoying each other's company before the Yoders returned home. They arrived home at dusk. The Yoder family will also attend church today in their district.
The Gingerich Family
On Wednesday this week, the Gingerich family and their neighbors butchered two pigs. The boys from next door helped cut up the pigs, making bacon and ham and grinding the rest into sausage. Luckily, their neighbors have a large meat grinder that they set up for the butchering day. They prepared four flavors of sausage: three of the flavors use premixed seasonings, and one uses a recipe that has been in the family for generations.
"It's better to know Jesus before you meet Him."
— Amish Wisdom
