Prospector Ranch’s 3 Fun Facts About Easter and Easter Events to Check Out!
~ Natalia Radcliffe ~The beginning of April is Easter! Just a hop, skip and a jump away. Coming up fast, huh? To kick off the holiday, we at Prospector Ranch want to share some fun facts about the holiday and some festive events happening in Southern California near us. And, best of all, if you are in the area for the holiday, we offer three different unique Airbnbs you can stay in, versus looking for a hotel. Curious? We have a vintage 1972 Airstream, a Conestoga covered wagon, and a rustic safari tent. You get to stay on the ranch surrounded by the peaceful sounds of nature, but only a short drive away from civilization.
Anyway, on with the rest of the article.
Happy Easter, everyone!
Fun Facts:
Where does the name “Easter” come from?
There are a variety of perspectives as to where the name Easter comes from. One account from St. Bene the Veritable, an 8th century author who wrote “Ecclesiastical History of the English People”, states that the word “Easter” as we know in English comes from the name of the Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring and fertility, called Estore, or Estorae. Other historians state that the Latin phrase “in albis” (roughly translates to dawn), that became the word eostarum in Old High German, was the origin of the word. Regardless, it’s been around for a long time!
Why are eggs associated with Easter?
Eggs and Easter are like peanut butter and jelly; they go together. But why is that? Let’s take a look at the symbolism of eggs. In many ancient cultures, eggs symbolize life, renewal and rebirth. In pre-Christian pagan traditions, they were also associated with fertility and birth. Thinking about it from this angle, it makes sense they were incorporated into Easter traditions, as they can have some symbolism to the religious meaning of Easter, when Christians celebrate Jesus’s resurrection (or rebirth).
The Easter bunny
Growing up, were you ever visited by the Easter bunny as a kid? In many households, children wake up on Easter morning to sweet goodies (often candy or chocolate) that were delivered by the Easter Bunny. But where did the concept of the Easter bunny come from? Some historians think that it arrived here with German immigrants in the 1700s. And, thinking about the meaning of rabbits in various cultures (also symbols of birth and renewal due their nature to procreate often and then therefore the many briths of baby bunnies in the spring), it is not surprising they were incorporated into the Easter holiday.
Easter Events!
Flashlight Egg Hunt
Occurring in a variety of parks in the Conejo Valley Area, this event takes place at nighttime, where you are tasked with finding Easter eggs in the dark, with only a flashlight to guide you in your endeavor. Think you are up for the task? This event will be taking place simultaneously amongst these 5 parks you can choose from:
Borchard Community Park — 190 N Reino Road, Newbury Park
Thousand Oaks Community Park — 2525 N Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks
Dos Vientos Community Park — 4801 Borchard Road, Newbury Park
Conejo Community Park — 1175 Hendrix Avenue, Thousand Oaks
Old Meadows Park — 1600 Marview Drive, Thousand Oaks
In addition to an egg hunt, there will also be crafts and activities, bounce houses, and other fun things to do. And, best of all, it’s free! The event will be happening on Friday, March 27, from 6pm-9pm. For more information, visit Conejo Recreation and Park District’s website.
Egg Scramble in Simi Valley
The other event we want to talk about is the Egg Scramble in Simi Valley! This is an egg hunting extravaganza in which lucky participants may be able to snag sweet prizes…if they find the right eggs. This event is free, no registration required, ands starts at 9am sharp! In addition to the thrill of egg hunting, there will also be opportunities to take pictures with the Easter Bunny from 8:15-9am and 9:15-9:45am. In addition to smiles, participants are also asked to bring one canned or non-perishable food item to benefit the Samaritan Center, a local charity that supports those in need, particularly those struggling with housing or food insecurities. For more information about the event, you can visit Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District’s website.
Information about easter facts obtained from https://www.history.com/articles/history-of-easter
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