Photo-of-the-Week #155, Happy Easter, Ocean Pond, Osceola National Forest, Florida, March 2014

Happy Easter to Christians and Happy Passover to those of the Jewish faith. I thought this sunrise through the foliage and over part of Ocean Pone in Osceola National Forest in northern Florida would be appropriate for this morning.

I find a brilliant sunrise is always a motivating way to begin any day. On Easter Sunday, for those with deeply committed Christian and Jewish faith, these are most meaningful and important commemorations each year. Interestingly, they are related because both symbolize freedom and rebirth, both guided and ordained by God. Jesus, as a Jew would have celebrated Passover and indeed, many consider The Last Supper, if not most theologians and Biblical scholars, as being a Passover Seder celebrated by Jesus and his disciples.

To those who are not so religiously committed, Easter is typically a time of celebrating the end of the long winter and the rebirth of nature during the spring. Besides the religious services commemorating this time of year, Easter is celebrated with new, stylish clothes that have spawned Easter parades (possibly the most famous being in New York City on 5th Avenue). There is also the Easter Bunny aka Peter Cottontail and dyed Easter eggs. The art of egg decorating has historically been traced back at least 60,000 years. However, the Easter egg actually has significance to the Easter commemoration of Christ's death and rebirth and has been a part of Christian tradition since early Christianity. Easter eggs are often hidden for children to find on Easter morning. Even if you're not a Christian, I hope you've had the opportunity to participate in the fun of an Easter egg hunt. The tradition of dying and painting Easter eggs is taken quite seriously in many cultures and become exquisite art objects.

And, of course, let's not forget the large chocolate Easter bunnies, the smaller cream filled, chocolate covered Easter bunnies, the ever a favorite, yellow, marshmallow Peeps, (little chick shaped candy treats) and the always present small chocolate eggs and multi-color, multi-flavor jelly beans, resembling tiny eggs. All of this brings back very fond memories for this "adult child."

So, regardless of your beliefs, values and traditions, I hope this sunrise photo uplifts you, wherever you are and promotes the feelings of freedom and rebirth that everyday should begin with. Happy Easter to one and all.