True Meaning Of Easter

Fabergé: would you shell out for eggs like these?

The name Fabergé conjures a decadent romanticism of lost empires, snowy wastes - and blingy Easter eggs. The first such coruscating ornament was commissioned from Imperial Goldsmith and Jeweller Carl Fabergé in 1885 by Tsar Alexander II for his Tsarina (Easter being the foremost Orthodox festival.) It was a tradition maintained by his son and grandson, so that the eggs became a Romanov in-joke, invariably containing a surprise in the manner of a priceless incarnation of today's Kinder Eggs.

The ultimate symbol of their age, a final two bejewelled eggs were in preparation when Tsar Nicholas II and his family were executed in 1918. His daughters, the Grand Duchesses Olga, Tatiana, Maria and Anastasia, survived the first hail of bullets having effectively Fabergéd themselves with more than 1.3 kilograms of diamonds and precious gems sewn into their garments. During the Soviet era, Fabergé fell profoundly out of favour in its homeland along with aristocracy, religion and all other imperial indulgences.

Almost a century on, it's back. And not only that, Fabergé is - as fashion folk are wont to declare - "having a moment". The Fabergé egg has staged a return and it is - pardon the pun - cracking.

In addition to The Dress (the Duchess of Cambridge's wedding frock), Buckingham Palace's Summer Opening boasts an evocative exhibition of the Fabergé objets owned by the Royal Collection. Queen Victoria (Nicholas II's grandmother-in-law) and her heirs have been steadfast enthusiasts: a habit that, in the wake of the Revolution, was a gesture of familial and political solidarity. The Russian monarchy may have been eradicated, but its British kinsmen kept a glinting faith, the principal trophies of which are currently on display.

Not only this, but Fabergé as a brand is back in business. The South African mining entrepreneur Brian Gilbertson purchased it in 2007, with the ambition to build his company into a global jewellery empire. Fabergé was relaunched with great pomp in 2009. Now it is ready to present its first hatching of eggs since the Tsars. Les Fameux de Fabergé is an assembly of 12 high-jewellery ovoids the size of toddlers' fists, to be worn as pendants or displayed as objets d'art. Each is inspired by a Russian proverb.

The enterprise benefits from the presence of Carl's great-granddaughters, Tatiana and Sarah Fabergé, as sources of historical guidance, while its advertising campaign was shot with a dream team comprising fashion-snapper-cum-royal-portraitist Mario Testino and former French Vogue editrix Carine Roitfeld.

The True Meaning of Easter: Make This Time of Year Memorable for ...

Easter is coming up quickly. Many of us are out buying baskets, grass, candy, and all kinds of "goodies" to surprise our kids with on Easter morning! It is so much fun to get caught up in the bright colors and cheery decorations that Easter has to offer. But, please do not let this holiday slip away without recognizing its true meaning and passing this on to your children. It is a time of celebration of the resurrection of Jesus. The time when he overcame death and rose to live in heaven forever. And, because He has risen, we Christians have the hope of eternal life. To understand the whole meaning of Easter, it is suggested that you read Matthew 27:11-66/28:1-20. Here you will read about Jesus being brought before Pilate and condemned for a sin he did not commit, his death, burial, and resurrection.

There are some ways that you can make Easter a lot of fun for the whole family, while etching the true meaning in your family's hearts for all years to come:

While making up Easter baskets for your children, you can find a wide variety of Christian items at your local Christian book and gift store. You can find things like Scripture candy, cross chocolates (instead of bunnies), and other Easter novelty toys with inspirational messages. Of course, the traditional basket stuffers are a favorite. Just mix it up a little to help children remember Jesus. Read an Easter storybook together as a family. Use this popular poem as a Devotion on Easter morning, explaining what each verse means (and, of course, have the correct colored jelly beans and a few extras to eat!):

The Jelly Bean Prayer - Written by Charlene Dickensen, 1997

PURPLE is for the hours of sorrow. PINK is for a new tomorrow.

A bag of jellybeans, so colourful and sweet, is a promise, a prayer, and a loved one's treat.

Make a family Easter dictionary to remember why we celebrate it. Use words like resurrection, tomb, crucifixion, etc. This way younger children can understand the meanings of these more difficult words. Have a prayer time where everyone in your family takes a turn to pray for anything that has life to remember that Jesus is alive.

So, put on those pretty dresses, cute little knickers, and celebrate with family and friends this joyous Easter. There is good reason to celebrate this holiday!