Easter in Lockdown

Easter tends to fall close to the Spring equinox.

The Spring or Vernal equinox marks the first day of Spring in the astronomical calendar. It’s a time when there are equal periods of light and darkness. This year, it fell on Thursday March 19th, earlier than it has done in over a century. Just four days before the official lockdown started in the UK.

The Covid-19 crisis has brought many days of darkness.

And yet, the sun rises earlier and Nature is in a state of renewal. Cherry petals have blossomed, like powder pink confetti. Birds and butterflies are winging back to the Northern hemisphere. Trees are bursting to life, plants are budding. Daffodils proudly herald in a new period of growth.

In Ancient Italy, traditionally women would plant seeds in the garden of Adonis on the Spring Equinox. Today, the bright yellow Spring Adonis herb flowers in March.

Despite Covid-19, the world is rebuilding as the Earth continues its constant and unending orbit of the sun.

Despite lockdown and social distancing, the world will find new ways to come together to mark Easter.

We can celebrate light today. We can hope for a period of recovery and maybe change for the better after we come through the peak of the crisis. And we can salute all the good in the world and every act of courage, compassion and kindness that we have all seen, given or received.

Kindness is everlasting and healing and will endure long after lockdown.

Happy Easter everyone! 🙂