I hope that everyone enjoyed their Easter holiday this weekend.  Easter means different things to different people.  To many it is a very religious holiday, and Sunday morning is spent at Mass.  For others it’s about decorating Easter eggs, and time spent with family.  For many children, it’s about finding the most eggs or getting the biggest basket.

For my family Sunday was a celebration of two holidays.  For Persians, Sunday was the celebration of the coming of Spring.  The Persian New Year is actually 13 days long, and ends with a celebration in the park called Sizdah Bedar.  Sizdah is the Persian word for 13.  Friends and family gather together at the park with tons of food and music.  One major destination for Sizdah Bedar is in Orange County.  Learn more about the festivities here.

My family and I abstained from visiting one of the overcrowded parks, and instead opted to stay local.  Of course my aunts still made kabob in the park, but we hunted for Easter eggs as well.  I think one of the most amazing things about my family is how they were able to keep their cultural traditions while embracing American culture.  It has given me an extra identity, instead of a lost one.  I am very appreciative to be able to take part in wonderful traditions from both cultures.

No matter how you celebrated, I hope that you celebrated with loved ones! Happy Easter and Happy Spring!