May Day ~ May 1

Aah spring, glorious spring! The long anticipated season of sunshine and renewed life. Gone is the snow, gone is the ice, gone are the gray skies. We say hello to warm, gentle breezes, new budding leaves, bluer skies and greener grass, and, lucky us, we have a holiday to celebrate this wonderful time of year!

May Day represents a plethora of various holidays celebrated all over the world. It was believed to have begun in ancient times as a Gaelic, pagan holiday, called Beltane. May 1st was thought of as the mid year mark, or the first day of summer, November 1st being the first day of the year. During Beltane, strange rituals were practiced, such as pregnant women running through fire to ensure an easy birth.

In ancient Rome, May Day was celebrated as a time of spring fertility. A time when they honored Flora, the goddess of spring.

Pilgrims later brought May Day to America, but Puritans quickly condemned it as being immoral, which is why it is not as widely celebrated in America as it is in other places around the world.

In the late 1900's, May Day was taken up in America as a Labor Day of sorts, celebrating worker's rights. It stemmed from protests against the 12 to 14 hour work day. Europe adopted the sentiments of this holiday and it remains strong there today.

In Hawaii, May Day is celebrated as Lei Day. Many festivities are held including putting lei's around each others necks accompanied by a traditional kiss on the cheek.

The traditions and stories surrounding May Day vary from place to place, in general though, May Day is a celebration of the arrival of spring.

May Pole - A May Pole is a tall wooden pole erected to celebrate May Day. It is decorated with long colorful ribbons, flowers, and greenery. It originated with the Beltane observances. People hold on to the ribbons and do a ring dance around the pole. You can find May Pole dance instructions here.

May Baskets - Common to most May Day celebrations is the predominant use of flowers. One popular tradition, which your grandparents may remember from their childhood, is the May Basket. People hang a basket filled with spring flowers or small gifts and treats on a neighbor's doorknob. The idea is to get away without being caught or the neighbor can give you a kiss. (So, if you think your neighbor is a hotsy totsy, you may want to run away very slowly) :0)


Image: Tulips
Originally uploaded by floridapfe

Baskin Robbins 31 Cent Scoop Night ~ April 27

Wednesday, April 27th, 2011 is Baskin Robbins fifth annual 31 Cent Scoop Night, from 5 pm to 10 pm. As a thank you to their customers, all participating Baskin Robbins stores will reduce the price of their 2.5 oz. ice cream scoop to 31 cents per scoop (limit 3 ~ 2.5 oz. scoops per person).

Why The Special Night?
Baskin Robbins has once again partnered with The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), a non-profit organization founded in 1992, which honors America's fallen fire heroes and their families by developing and expanding programs to recognize fallen heroes and assist their families and co-workers.

This year, as in years past, Baskin Robbins will donate $100,000 in support of the the NFFF as a thank you to America's fallen firefighters. For information on how you can donate an additional $5.00, via text, go to FireHero.org

A Red-Hot Flavor Debut: Firehouse #31
During the month of April, in honor of 31 Cent Scoop Night, Baskin-Robbins is offering a hot new flavor: Firehouse #31. It is a combination of vanilla ice cream with a ribbon of hot cinnamon ice cream packed with crunchy red hot candies, a perfect duo of hot and cold: cinnamon to set your tastebuds on fire, and vanilla to put the fire out!  

Image: Originally uploaded by islegrl

National Animal Crackers Day ~ April 18

National Animal Crackers Day is celebrated on April 18th. It's a day to break out your favorite brand of animal crackers and munch 'em and crunch 'em and enjoy being a kid (even if you are an 82 year old kid). Eating animal crackers is one of the few times when it's okay to play with your food.

History of Animal Crackers

Animal crackers come to us from England. For centuries, the British have made various kinds of small, hard, flour based crackers and cookies which they refer to as biscuits. Somewhere along the way they began making lightly sweetened, animal shaped biscuits. In the late 19th century, these animal shaped biscuits called "Animals" were imported from England to the United States. Animal crackers, as we call them, became an instant success and the demand for them grew, so much so that bakeries began making them in the states. The first U.S. bakery to produce animal crackers was Stauffer's Biscuit Company from York, Pennsylvania, in 1871.

Other domestic bakeries began making the crackers too. The Dozier-Weyl Cracker Company of St. Louis and the Holmes and Coutts Company of New York City were two of the premier animal cracker making companies. They later combined to form the National Biscuit Company which we now know as Nabisco Brands. 

In 1902, Nabisco began producing a circus themed brand of animal crackers which they called "Barnum's Animals". At Christmas time of that year, Nabisco created the now-familiar circus car box with a string attached to be, not only an easy to carry container but also an ornament to hang on the Christmas tree. In 1948, Nabisco changed the cracker's name to "Barnum's Animal Crackers". In 1958, Nabisco changed production methods to give the animals more detail. Nabisco Brands "Barnum Animal Crackers" became the more popular animal cracker on the market because of the well defined animal shapes and sweeter cookie-like flavor. 

Stauffer's Promo

Although Nabisco Brands animal crackers may be the most recognized, Stauffer's Biscuit Company still produces animal crackers to this day. Their flavors now include: Original, Mini, Chocolate, Iced (yum!), and Cinnamon Graham. For 2011's National Animal Cracker Day, Stauffer's Biscuit Company ran a promotion to build awareness of the Stauffer's brand. They offered cash awards for people to produce 30 - 60 second videos that could be passed on virally. You can go to Poptent.net to view the submissions. I've looked at some of them and would like to share my favorites with you. They're pretty funny. Enjoy!

Sources: Wikipedia  AnimalCrackers.net
Image: Flickr Originally uploaded by beepily

The Symbols of Easter ~ The Cross and The Lamb

The Cross

The Cross is the most common symbol of Christianity and in fact was decreed by Constantine at the council of Nicaea in 325 A.D. to be the official symbol of Christianity.  

From Wikipedia we read, "During the first two centuries of Christianity, the cross may have been rare in Christian iconography, as it depicts a purposefully painful and gruesome method of public persecution" but with time, the Crucifix and the Cross came to be representations of Christ's goodness to mankind. The Crucifix, which is a cross with the image of Jesus Christ on it, is a symbol of Jesus's sacrifice of suffering and ultimate death for the sins of mankind. The empty cross reminds Christians of Jesus Christ's resurrection and victory over death, along with the promise of new life and hope for mankind. 

Easter is a time for Christians to reflect, remember, and rejoice about the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Thus, the cross which is a symbol of His resurrection, is also a symbol of the Easter season.

The Lamb

During the time of Abraham, lambs, which were a highly valued possession, were offered to God as a sacrifice for sin. The most perfect lamb from the flock was chosen as the sacrifice. The practice of sacrificing the most pure and perfect lamb for sin was a representation of the coming Savior, who, without blemish of sin, would one day sacrifice His life for mankind. John the Baptist proclaimed in John 1:29, "Behold, the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world!" With the death of Jesus Christ, the Atonement was made sure and the practice of sacrificing animals ceased. 

The Lamb continues to be a symbol of Jesus Christ and his atoning sacrifice.    

Sources: i love india  Wikipedia

Easter Egg Decorating Ideas

Are you looking for some cool Easter egg decorating ideas? Here are some examples from around the web of fun things you can do with Easter eggs. These ideas may be considered more along the "grown-up" lines, for more "kid-friendly" ideas check out Kids Love Holidays.

I'd like to start out by showing you this clever idea for allowing your colored eggs to dry. Notice the pin grid in which the egg is resting on.

Easter Egg Tree

from Fresh Home Ideas

Bright and Crafty Easter Eggs

from Hostess {with the mostess}

Beribboned Beauties

from Delish.com

Bunny, Birdie, and Chick 

from Goodhouskeeping 

Thread Wrapped Easter Eggs

from Martha Stewart

Polymer Clay Easter Eggs 

from Crafts for All Seasons 

and Martha Stewart

Chocolate Filled Eggshells 

from Martha Stewart

"Jesus" Easter Eggs

from Jeanne Winters

Fabric Easter Eggs

from retro mama

Easter Egg Garland

from Our Life in a Click

And finally, this cute and clever

Paint Chip Egg Garland

from Modern Parents Messy Kids

The Symbols of Easter ~ Eggs and Chicks

Eggs ~ A Symbol of New Life

Along with rabbits, eggs have a connection to ancient pagan festivals of celebrating spring. Eggs have been considered a symbol of new life and fertility for centuries. In ancient times eggs were painted bright colors to represent the sunlight of spring.

Eggs and Christianity

With the advent of Christianity, not only did the egg represent the re-birth of spring but it came to be a symbol of Jesus Christ's resurrection from the tomb. Just as a baby chick emerges from the shell so Christ emerged from the tomb. In modern times as well as ancient times people have held egg-rolling contests. Some say that the rolling of the egg is a representation of the stone being rolled away from the entrance of Christ's tomb. 

The Lenten Season

In Medieval Europe, it was forbidden to eat eggs during lent, so the eggs that were laid during that time were preserved by boiling in water or by other means. With Easter signaling the end of the Lenten fast, the preserved eggs were then a delightful addition to the Easter feast as well as a prized gift for children and servants.

A Couple of Side Notes

Today, many families and communities throughout the world hold Easter egg hunts in which hard-boiled eggs and candy filled plastic eggs are hidden for children to find. It is interesting to note that since 2008, The International Association of Bomb Investigators and Technicians have sponsored a nationwide charity campaign in the U.S., building beeping Easter eggs every year for vision impaired children. 

Also, did you know that an intentional hidden message, in-joke or feature in a work such as a computer program, web page, video game, movie, book or crossword is referred to as an Easter Egg? Uh-huh, it is.     

Sources: The Holiday Spot  Wikipedia

Image: InfoBarrel

Artisan Easter Cookie Roundup

Segmented Bunny Cookie Gift Box -2011
Originally uploaded by East Coast Cookies

I am crazy about artisan cookies! I can't do this myself, but I love to see all of the beautiful cookies that these creative people make. At Sweet Sugar Belle, you can see a roundup of all the awesome Easter cookies out there. You really oughtta check it out. You'll be amazed!

Little Bunny Foo Foods

I decided to continue my feature on bunnies by adding some cute bunny shaped recipes. There sure are some creative people out there!

While searching for bunny recipes I came across an entire section of bunny shaped treats at TasteofHome.com. I'd like to begin by sharing my favorite ideas from their site.

Easter Bunny Bread

Little Easter Bunny Breads

Easter Bunny Rolls

Aren't these the cutest things!

Easter Bunny Cheese Spread

Bunny in a Cup

Easter Bunny Cookies

From Martha Stewart:

Marshmallow Bunnies

From All You:

Bunny-Face Cupcakes

From Jenni Price Illustration:

Bunny Pancakes

From Pillsbury:

Funny Bunny Cookie

Cute Bunny Crafts for Easter

Loopy Chenille Bunny Candy Holder

from Factory Direct Craft

Raggedy Bunnies 

from Raggedy Old Annies

Bunny Party Favor Bags

from Mr. Printables

Bunny Candy Bar Covers

from Katrina's Kreations via Skip to My Lou

Marshmallow Bunny Plushies

from Dandelions and Lace

Peeps Bunny Bunting

from Dana Made It

Fluffy Stuffy Bunny
from allsorts

Bounding Bunny Pins

from allsorts

The Symbols of Easter ~ Bunnies

Bunnies ~ A Symbol of New Life
Most of the major holidays have symbols or icons associated with them. Easter, perhaps, is the most iconic holiday of them all.

Easter is a time of remembrance of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. For many non-Christians (as well as many Christians, for that matter) it is a celebration of the advent of spring. Many Easter symbols represent new life as in the new, resurrected life of the Savior and the promise of salvation for mankind, as well as representing the re-birth of the world from cold winter days to warming springtime.

Some Easter symbols originated, not out of the event of Jesus Christ's resurrection but rather from ancient pagan symbolism. In fact, the very name Easter takes it's origins from an ancient pagan festival. Eostre or Eastre was an Anglo Saxon goddess of fertility. Each year in the month of April, festivals were held in honor of the goddess Eastre and the arrival of spring. With the rise of Christianity, missionaries thought it best to keep some of the pagan festivals and symbolisms rather than to ask the new converts to make a 360 degree change. The symbols were then adapted to coincide with Christian practices. Over the years, the springtime festival name was changed from Eastre to Easter and became connected with the celebration of Christ's resurrection.

Rabbits
Rabbits and hares were a symbol of fertility and abundant new life in ancient times. It is said that Eastre, goddess of fertility, had a rabbit as her constant companion, and I think we all know why a goddess of fertility would choose a rabbit for a pet. Rabbits and hares are both prolific breeders. In fact the females of some species of hares can conceive a second litter of offspring while still pregnant with the first (superfetation). Now that's what I call a fertile Myrtle!

The story is told that Eastre arrived late one spring, feeling bad about that, she decided to make amends by saving the life of a poor bird whose wings had frozen in the snow. Eastre made the bird her pet, and feeling compassion for the bird because he no longer had the ability to fly, she turned him into a snow hare and named him "Lepus". In remembrance of his life as a bird, Eastre gave Lepus a special gift. For one day a year, he was given the ability to lay eggs, and not just any old eggs, but eggs of all different colors.

The Easter Bunny
The Easter Bunny was introduced to America by German settlers who arrived in Pennsylvania Dutch country during the 1700's. The German children would each make a nest, which they believed if they were good, the "Oschter Haws" would fill with colored eggs. Over the years, the nests would eventually become Easter baskets which the Easter Bunny would fill, not only with colored eggs, but candy and trinkets as well.

Sources: Wikipedia  Professor's House   History.com

One Day Without Shoes ~ April 5

Tuesday, April 5, 2011 is "One Day Without Shoes" day. On this day we are encouraged to go barefoot for the entire day to raise awareness of the many children in the world who don't own a pair of shoes. For more information, go to onedaywithoutshoes.com.

Easter Jelly Bean Necklace and Bracelet

I saw these adorable jelly bean bracelets from Sarah J. My {Heart} Documented and I decided I had to make some for my granddaughters. I then thought, "Well, why not make a cute necklace too." So I did. They're super easy and I love the way they turned out!

If you'd like to make some, here's what you'll need:

• Jelly Beans - I used Wonka Sweetarts jelly beans. (I tried Wonka Spree jelly beans but they were harder and broke more easily. Sarah used Jelly Belly jelly beans because they went on easier)
• One Peep marshmallow bunny
• Stretch Magic bead and jewelry cord
• A thimble
• A tapestry needle - I used size 18. It's important to use a blunt tapestry needle because I started with a regular "sharp" needle and the tip of the needle is too small so it slides off of the hard jelly bean and right into your finger - ouch!
• A wet washcloth

These are probably not safe for children under 3 years of age.
Necklace:
Step 1. - Cut a piece of Stretch Magic to about 40 in. long (It may seem long, but you need a little extra to hold on to). Thread it onto the tapestry needle.
Step 2. - Thread the Peep bunny onto the elastic cord. Stick the needle right through the middle of his wittow head and slide him down to the middle of the cord.
Step 3. - You'll need your thimble on your finger now. Lay a jelly bean on the table and hold it steady. With the thimbled finger, push the needle into the jelly bean and slide it down to the bunny.
Step 4. - Wipe off the needle with your wet cloth and continue stringing the jelly beans on the one side.
Step 5. - Take the needle off and thread it onto the other side of the cord and string the jelly beans onto that side. I used 26 jelly beans per side.
Step 6. - Tie a good knot and it's ready to wear!

Bracelet:
Cut a piece of cording about 15 in. long. Do the same as with the necklace excluding the bunny, of course.  I used 16 jelly beans for the bracelet.

Find a Rainbow Day

Find a Rainbow Day is celebrated every year on April 3. To find out more about it, and to see some fun rainbow craft ideas, please visit Kids Love Holidays. 

It's been snowing here in Utah, so I don't think we have much hope of seeing a rainbow today.

International Children's Book Day

International Children's Book Day is celebrated every year on or around April 2, the birthday of Hans Christian Andersen. It is a day to inspire a love of reading and to call attention to children's books.

Hans Christian Andersen

Hans Christian Andersen was a Danish author and poet best known for his children's stories. Included among his 168 stories are: The Princess and the Pea, The Little Mermaid, Thumbelina, The Little Match Girl, The Emperor's New Clothes, and The Ugly Duckling. His work was celebrated by people from all walks of life, commoner and royalty alike. His stories and poems have continued to delight and inspire children and adults for nearly two centuries.

International Children's Book Day was founded in 1967 and is sponsored by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), an international non-profit organization. Each year a different theme is chosen, a prominent author from a host country writes a message to the children of the world, and a well-known illustrator from that country designs a poster.

The Ugly Duckling - Danny Kaye from "Hans Christian Andersen"