Happy Easter.
We all know the religious reasons we celebrate Easter. But in this modern world, there is a commercial side to most holidays.
Actually, it goes back well into the 4th century – especially in fashion.
History tells us that as far back as the 4th century, Roman Emperor Constantine I mandated Romans wear their finest clothes in observance of Easter.
That tradition continued over the centuries through today. And even in its earliest years, those in seasonably warm, dusty Mesa wore their very best for the holiday.
By the early 20th century, ads had become abundant in the local papers for “Easter novelties,” cards, and cut flowers for the holiday. One 1906 ad promoted, “For an Easter present to your friends back east, there is nothing nicer than a box of…cactus candy.”
Following the tradition of Constantine, fashion advertising proliferated. Fancy dresses and accessories, hats and even “children’s headwear for Easter” were heavily promoted. After all, under Arizona’s intensive sun, hats were not just decorative wear, but an absolute must.
Easter services were an integral part of the holiday as well.
A local reporter noted, “Practically every church service (in Mesa) is having a special Easter service (today). Yesterday the various decorating committees were busily engaged in shaping their various designs of pepper boughs and rose.”
While Mesa was settled by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, other denominations moved into the area. The Methodists were among the first, erecting a church on 1st Avenue and Center in 1893. Baptists held services just a block away on 1st Avenue and Macdonald.
In 1908, Catholics observed Easter in the Sacred Heart Mission at 2nd Street near Crismon Road (Country Club Drive today).
A centuries-old tradition is the Easter Sunrise Service.
Though there were many services, family gatherings, and other activities in the Valley, the first Mesa Sunrise Service didn’t occur until 1928.
But not in Mesa.
According to Meridian Magazine, a church publication, “The forerunner of the Mesa Arizona Easter Pageant was a choral sunrise service that began in 1928. It was presented atop a flatbed cotton wagon at Tempe Butte,” where it continued for another decade.
In 1938, nine years after the dedication of the Mesa Arizona Temple, it moved to the temple grounds.
Nearly three decades would elapse before “still tableaus” were integrated into the service. The last temple sunrise service was held in 1976. A year later it had transitioned to an evening event that grew more elaborate year-by-year.
With beginning of the renovation of the 90-year-old Temple in 2018, pageant producers took the opportunity to create a new, extravagant production with a powerful symphonic soundtrack recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra and the Spire Chorus, written and produced by Gilbert resident Rob Gardner.
Beyond the traditional religious observances and other activities, Easter provided an opportunity for family and community gatherings. Some were designed for ladies to show off their finest Easter dresses and hats.
A longstanding Easter custom is the beloved children’s Easter egg hunt. Kids all over town were engaged in decorating eggs, and later, seeking their locations.
But how did this odd ritual begin? And what do rabbits have to do with eggs?
Easter eggs have a long history, dating back to before Christianity. Anglo-Saxons associated the egg with fertility and rebirth. Their goddess, Eostre – which some believe is the origin of “Easter” – was celebrated at the start of spring.
Dyeing eggs may have started in Mesopotamia, when eggs were colored red to symbolize the blood of Christ.
The Easter bunny (a hare at the time) first appeared in 16th century German lore. Interpretations vary, but a popular belief is that a poor German mother decorated eggs to cheer her children, hiding them in her garden.
Legend has it that after her kids found all the eggs, a large hare was seen hopping away. Leading to the belief that it was the furry bunny that had left them. Over time it became known as the Osterhase, the “Easter Hare.”
One writer recently observed, “The arrival of the (Easter Bunny) was considered ‘childhood’s greatest pleasure’ next to a visit from (Santa) on Christmas Eve.”
