Hoppity Hop...

Good Sunday,

A few weeks ago I pointed out that the Prince of Bahrain was invited to the upcoming Royal Wedding, and that lots of people found this diplomatically controversial, due to the recent protests there. Considering that protesters in Bahrain are asking their leaders for pretty much the same thing (democracy) as the rebels in Libya, it seems barmy that we should be waging war against Gaddafi but cuddling up to the rulers of Bahrain. Well, potential problem solved, because the Prince has politely declined his invitation for fear of causing a ‘distraction.’ Probably wise.

Meanwhile, Britain is urging anyone who is in Syria at the moment to get out, which isn’t surprising given the rapid escalation of drama there.

The President of Yemen has agreed to step down in response to mass protests against him – but only if he is granted immunity against prosecution, and only if he gets to hand power to someone he approves of. In a proper fashion. With ballot boxes and everything. He also seems to be doing a bit of a ‘Gaddafi’ in claiming that the dreaded al-Qaeda has infiltrated protest camps, so they aren’t to be trusted anyway.

The Archbishop of Canterbury has called for world peace in his big Easter Sunday speech, as has the Pope - who finished his service in Rome today by blessing his congregation in over 60 languages.

Hollywood actor Michael Sheen has completed a marathon reenactment of the Passion. Passion plays take place all around the world at Easter, dramatising the story of Jesus’ last few days. This one took place in Cornwall and lasted an astonishing 72 hours. The finale crucifixion was watched by 6000 people and took place in the middle of a roundabout.  

You are all probably rolling around, full of chocolate and ready to hit the hay. So I will leave you early this time, and with the truth behind the bizarre, anthropomorphic, egg hiding rabbit that we have come to call the Easter Bunny.

It most likely originated yonks ago from pagan festivals held at springtime, where eggs and bunnies would have featured for obvious reasons. Rabbits are known for their particularly ‘dedicated’ approach to reproduction, and eggs symbolize new life. When Christianity spread through the world, these customary traditions were absorbed into the Jesus celebrations – simply because both festivities happened to take place at the same time of year. The chocolate prominence came in later, because everyone loves chocolate and because it always does at some point.

So there you have it. Have another chocolate ovum, thank the Easter Bunny and don’t forget to say your prayers before bed.