Easter is on many minds as the year 2025 approaches, particularly because of the significance placed on the holy days surrounding this pivotal observance. With Palm Sunday on the horizon, falling on April 13, it marks the onset of Holy Week, culminating with Easter Sunday on April 20.
Rev. Dee Dee Carson from First Presbyterian Church of Virginia Beach explains the importance of Palm Sunday, describing it as the day Christians celebrate Jesus's entry to Jerusalem. "Palm Sunday is the day we celebrate Jesus's entry to Jerusalem at the beginning of the week... people are waving palms," she shared. This is not just a day of festivity but also reminds believers of the somber events of the week to follow.
The observance of Palm Sunday also varies by denomination, with practices ranging from children processing down aisles waving palm branches to folding palms from previous years to create crosses. Such rituals serve as poignant reminders of the events leading up to Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection. The Gospels recount how crowds greeted Jesus with joy, yelling, 'Hosanna! Blessed is the one who come in the name of the Lord!' echoing the deep significance of this day.
Transitioning from Palm Sunday, the week continues with Maundy Thursday, which commemorates the Last Supper, and culminates with Good Friday, observing the crucifixion itself. This year's Ash Wednesday, marking the commencement of Lent, takes place on March 5, 2025, providing Christians with the opportunity to reflect on their faith.
Given the importance of traditions, the Easter season typically involves various crafts, such as dyeing Easter eggs. This year, though, many families may face challenges due to rising egg prices resulting from avian flu outbreaks. According to recent reports from the USDA, prices jumped significantly, leading some to search for more cost-effective alternatives.
Crafting alternatives are burgeoning well before Easter, providing families ways to engage creatively. Options include decorating faux eggs made from plastic or foam with decorations like paint and sequins, or converting old egg cartons to make original garlands. With these crafts, families hope to preserve the joyful spirit of Easter without the financial strain associated with traditional celebrations.
One story this season resonates strongly with locals in the Bay Area — the impending closure of the historic Olivera Egg Ranch, which will sell its last eggs prior to Easter 2025, bringing to close nearly eight decades of operation. The ranch has been a fixture for many Californians, drawing generations who recall fond memories of visiting the family store.
Ed Olivera Jr., current owner of the ranch, reflected on the closure's bittersweet reality, jokingly stating, "I could’ve made more money in the last three months than I sold my ranch for, as long as I didn’t get bird flu". The family-run operation emphasized sustainable practices and provided unique offerings like chicken, duck, and even quail eggs.
Despite the history of the ranch, current family members have opted for different career paths leading to the closure as the location transitions to residential housing — 25 single-family homes are planned for the property, marking yet another change against the backdrop of the Easter season.
With Easter closer than ever, the juxtaposition of cherished traditions and necessary adaptations hits home. Together, the observances of Palm Sunday and Easter remind communities of important faith traditions, providing space to engage with significant narratives surrounding hope, rebirth, and reflection.
Through observing such traditions, individuals carve out connections with one another, channeling the spirit of Easter, whether through joyful celebrations with family or discovering new ways to come together amid changing conditions. All these elements will undoubtedly shape the unique stories behind this Easter season, reminding us of both our history and the new paths we tread.