26 Mar Easter is a time for rituals and family
Whether or not you celebrate Easter in a religious sense, the extra time away from work and school create an ideal time for developing rituals and traditions for families. As Easter fast approaches I am looking forward to putting in place the much loved traditions of my families Easter, both the ones my own parents put in place for me and the ones I am joyfully cultivated with my own children.
Why do we need rituals?
Rituals help to create a sense of unity and identity. They help to form an idea of what a family is about that says “this is us” which endures over time. Most importantly rituals are about creating joy and bringing people together.
For children rituals can help to create a sense of safety and predictability. They are also great for creating a bit of magic and sense of things to look forward to with great anticipation.
Rituals are not just for children. For adults and older adults rituals provide an opportunity to pass on traditions, to connect people together but also reminisce in the memories of past rituals and traditions. Doing so can be just as good for wellbeing.
Easter rituals
There is a load of different rituals that you can do at Easter. Here are just a few ideas:
- Easter egg hunts
- Decorating Eggs
- Easter arts and craft
- Bake Easter goodies
- Special family meals (e.g. Seafood Lunch on Good Friday or a Lamb roast on Sunday)
- Time with extended family
- Camping trips
- Church services
- Watching a favourite movie
- Egg and spoon race with the family
Which rituals do you engage in?
We hope that you take the time to invest in your family rituals this Easter. In doing so know that you are investing in the psychological health and wellbeing of your family and each of its members.
