Have you ever considered where the legend of the Easter Bunny came from? I mean really, do bunnies and eggs really say anything about Jesus' resurrection? The answer is no. The history of the Easter Bunny goes all the way back to the 13th century and originates from pre-Christian Germany. The pagan people of that era worshipped multiple gods and goddesses. The goddess of spring and fertility was known as Eostra, which is where the word Easter comes from. As most people know, spring is the time for rebirth. Due to this, Eostra's symbol was the rabbit. The rabbit indicates new birth since rabbits are well known for their high rate of breeding. In time, this depiction of Eostra lead to other folklore and in the 1500s, the earliest account of the Easter Bunny was written. Now since you understand where the bunny originates from you are possibly thinking to know more about the eggs. Eggs have been a representation of fertility for years and were likely incorporated in early pagan celebrations of spring. As Christianity became more popular in Europe and in Germany, ancient pagan ceremonies began to mix with fresh Christian celebrations. Today, we recognize that Easter eggs represent Jesus' resurrection. Over time the Easter Bunny myth developed even further and grew to become what we know it as today. 
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
How Easter Bunny Came to Be
Friday, January 13, 2012
Something worth living for
Love... likely the most effective word in any language. This tiny one syllable word has resulted in battle, treachery, and insanity, but it has also been the cause of harmony, unforeseen experiences, and unprecedented inspiration. How does it come to be that a thing that should be so good can push us to so much evil? The French, recognized for l'amour, have many interesting love stories to share. Take the story of the sculptor Rodin and his lover Camille Claudel. Claudel sculpted for Rodin when they fell for each other. His refusal to leave his wife for her drove Claudel insane and she demolished quite a lot of her sculptures during fits of paranoia a result of her schizophrenia. Claudel spent the last 30 years of her life in a hospital. How could a power that can push someone to such bouts of despair be the one thing that we all search for in this life? Conversely, let's consider another french couple. Voltaire and Emilie du Chatelet had a 15 year long relationship which was frowned upon by the world, but tolerated by Chatelet's husband, the Marquis Florent-Claude du Chatelet. Chatelet and Voltaire shared a strong academic link and spent time philosophizing together, accumulating books for their library, and sharing input on each other's research in mathematics and science. Their shared values and faithfulness to each other fueled their love even after she died. After her death, Voltaire wrote of Chatelet, "It is not a mistress I have lost but half of myself, a soul for which my soul seems to have been made." Despite her arranged marriage to the Marquis, the relationship between Chatelet and Voltaire was endured and not envied. They were the focus of contempt but were permitted to live their lives together in shared respect. 
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Comfort Food Gifts Italian Style
I highly doubt I know a single person who doesn't love Italian food! Who doesn't like the aromas of rich pesto sauce, hot onions, and newly made breadsticks? If anyone knows how to do comfort food, it's the Italians! Unfortunately, I don't have a drop of Italian blood in me, but despite this, that does not mean I do not appreciate the culture, language, and obviously the food and wine. Because I myself do not come from an Italian family, I am inspired by the ceremony and traditions that define an Italian dinner table. I have learned a bit about typical Italian table manners and have decided to share a few of them here. First, before beginning the meal, any newby should know that an Italian meal is not a hassled occasion, but might last as long as three hours. This means, sit back, relax, and relish your food slowly. It is conventional for every single guest to bring a favored dish to contribute. What this means is there may be as many as ten courses in a meal. At this point I'd like to suggest a piece of advice not to serve yourself too much too fast. 
Sunday, November 13, 2011
A Great Choice Organic Baby Gifts
Corporate perks include time off, free meals, health programs and an specialgift for life events like the birth of a new baby. Corporate gifting is always an imperative choice since you want it to be useful and appreciated. Therefore, something well thought out is very important. So what to send to the infant. Many of our best business customers at BasketsbyRita send gift baskets to their employees when a new baby is born. They order everything from our Organic Baby girl gift basket, baby boy bassinet gift basket, New Baby gift basket and our baby girl gift basket or our baby boy gift basket. 
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Gifts For Thanksgiving Food Abundant
Since the 1800's, American citizens have recognized Thanksgiving by imitating the vision of the pilgrims and the Indians meeting together for a friendly meal. As nice as this vision of friendship may be, it is not the reality. The story of pilgrims and Indians was one of unreciprocated camaraderie. while the Indians presented the pilgrims with supplies and skills to make do their first winter the pilgrims thanked them by declaring war and laying siege to them. Even though this is not what we prefer to think about as we join together to feast with our loved ones, maybe it offers a new aspect to the season. The pilgrims were ravenous and immoral. They took from the Indians and repaid them in the most severe ways possible. Maybe instead of imitating the romanticized story of the pilgrims and Indians as pals each Thanksgiving, we should look back on the betrayal the Indians endured at the hands of their "friends" the pilgrims. Now I don't mean that Thanksgiving should be a solemn day of reflection and remembrance, but perhaps we should take the day to consider our own friendships. Of all the things we offer thanks for on Thanksgiving, the men and women we cherish should be at the very top. 
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Send Joy In a Well Chosen Gift
A few days ago I received fantastic news... I am going to be an auntie (again)! One of my lifelong friends just discovered that she's having a baby and in about six months we will all be greeting a little baby into this world. The second she told me the news I started thinking about a baby shower, welcome gifts, and all the toys, diapers and apparel that this infant is going to need. I began looking on the internet for items to welcome a new little one and I stumbled across the Bearington Baby collection from Bearington Bear. Bearington Bear has been in business for 14 years and in that short time they have won more design awards and nominations than any other teddy bear manufacturer. Not only are their products nice and soft, but they are made to last. This seemed like the style of product I wanted. I don't think there's anything more special to a youngster than their favorite teddy or blankie. Often, by the time the child turns six, the teddy or blankie which they've hung on to since birth is so used that it becomes an eyesore that mama would rather not hang on to. This is sad when you consider all the great memories these cuddly items stir up. Not to mention the security they provide the little one. 
Monday, May 9, 2011
Celebarte Congratulations Graduates!
Graduation is a significant life event for anyone. Whether graduating from a bachelor's program or earning a doctorate, graduation is an achievement worth celebrating. In the United States, achieving 57% of the population between the ages of 3 and 34 are enrolled in some type of training. Whether attending cosmotology school, medical school, or elementary school, these individuals are taking steps toward a brighter future. Of this 57%, only several will truly complete high school and then of course postsecondary institutions as well. In 2009, 8.1% of High School Students dropped out of class before graduating. Of those who had started as Freshman in the class of 2006, around 75% graduated. When investigating Postsecondary Schools, the number of individuals who graduate are even smaller. In 2001, 38% of worthy students of 2 year establishments graduated in conjunction with 65% from 4 year establishments. This confirms that it takes hard work and devotion to complete an education and this is why we should commend those who see it through. A friend of mine recently moved from Rhode Island to Colorado to finish his education half way across the country. He is lucky enough to attend a university with a few campuses across the county which allows him to transfer his credits without restraint from one campus to the next. He did not leave because he was unsatisfied with the city in Rhode Island or in order to experience another school. His only reason for heading to Colorado was so that his family in California could go to his graduation ceremony. My friend is from a large Mexican family and he is the first among them to graduate from university. For his family this means there will be a huge party that may last several days. He will not only be surrounded by loved ones and lots of great food, but he can look forward to the charity of gifts. Gift giving is an important part of any graduation celebration, because it grants family and friends an opportunity to convey to the graduate that they are proud of them. Giving gifts is a form of showing that you support what the graduate is doing for their self as they prepare for their future. As the graduation season approaches, consider the relevance of the words “Congratulations!” Whether said with money, presents useful for a future career, or a custom made Pamper Her Gift , recognition for a job well done means just as much as the self satisfaction a graduate gets from their recent accomplishment. 