DID YOU KNOW

The origins of Easter are rooted in both Christian and pagan traditions, with the modern celebration incorporating elements from each.

Easter is primarily celebrated as the resurrection of Jesus Christ. According to the Christian tradition:

• The Crucifixion and Resurrection: Jesus' death on the cross (Good Friday) and His resurrection (Easter Sunday) form the foundation of Easter's significance. The event is seen as a victory over death and sin, symbolizing the promise of eternal life.
• The Date of Easter: The date of Easter is determined based on the lunar calendar. It falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox. This connects Easter with the Jewish festival of Passover, which also revolves around the lunar calendar and commemorates the Exodus from Egypt.

Many of the customs associated with Easter predate Christianity, and were incorporated into the holiday as Christianity spread across Europe. These include:

• Spring Festivals: Many ancient cultures celebrated the arrival of spring with festivals marking rebirth and renewal. For example, the Anglo-Saxons celebrated Eostre, a goddess associated with spring and fertility, whose name is thought to have influenced the word "Easter." The hare, known for its fertility, and eggs, symbols of new life, were often linked to these celebrations.
• Eggs and Rabbits: Eggs, especially in pre-Christian cultures, were symbols of fertility, renewal, and the cycle of life. The Easter Bunny, a symbol of fertility and springtime, likely originated from these older traditions. In medieval Europe, the Easter egg became a Christian symbol of the resurrection, with the cracking of the egg symbolizing Jesus’ emergence from the tomb.

As Christianity spread across Europe, the celebration of Christ's resurrection blended with local springtime traditions, giving us the modern Easter celebration. The Christian observance of Easter evolved alongside these older customs, with elements like Easter eggs, bunnies, and bonfires incorporated into the festivities.

Today, Easter is celebrated with religious services, feasts, and a variety of secular traditions, including egg hunts, parades, and the exchange of chocolate eggs and candies, all of which have their roots in both Christian and pre-Christian customs.

The timing of fertilizing your plants depends on the type of plants you have and the growing season in your area. Here are some general guidelines:

• Early Spring: Start fertilizing in early spring as plants begin to come out of dormancy and start their active growth. This gives them the nutrients they need to grow strong during the growing season.
• Late Spring to Early Summer: If you’ve planted annuals, vegetables, or flowering plants, fertilize them once or twice more during the growing season, especially if the soil is poor or nutrient levels are low.

• Avoid Fertilizing in Fall: As plants prepare for dormancy, they don’t need additional nutrients. Fertilizing in late fall can encourage new growth that will be damaged by the cold.
• Winter Dormancy: For plants that go dormant during winter, you typically don't need to fertilize at all.

• Spring: Early spring is the best time to fertilize lawns as they start growing.
• Summer: In hot weather, it’s best to fertilize less frequently. If necessary, use a slow-release fertilizer to avoid stressing the lawn.
• Fall: Fertilizing in early fall can help prepare your lawn for winter and ensure stronger growth in the spring.

• Indoor Plants: Typically, indoor plants should be fertilized during their active growing period, which is usually spring through early fall.
• Trees & Shrubs: Fertilize in early spring, just before new growth begins, and again in late summer if needed.

Always follow the recommendations on your fertilizer package and consider getting a soil test to understand your soil’s nutrient needs.

The U.S. government is divided into three main branches:

• The Congress makes the laws. It consists of two houses:
• The Senate (100 senators, two from each state).
• The House of Representatives (435 members, based on population size of each state).
• Responsibilities include passing laws, controlling federal spending, and regulating commerce.

• This branch enforces the laws.
• Led by the President, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the military and the head of state.
• Includes the Vice President, Cabinet members, and various federal agencies (like the FBI, EPA).

• Interprets laws and ensures they are applied fairly.
• Led by the Supreme Court, which is the highest court in the U.S., along with other lower courts.
• Responsible for interpreting the Constitution and reviewing laws passed by the legislative branch.

These three branches work together to maintain a system of checks and balances, ensuring that no single branch becomes too powerful.