Egg-citing Easter!

Easter may be the focal point of the Christian calendar but its origins are pagan. The Ango-Saxons brought their Gods with them to Britain, including the Goddess Ostara. Her name was corrupted into Easter and her celebration was adopted by the early Christian church to mark the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Easter tends to be celebrated over one weekend. Good Friday marks the day of Christ's execution and Easter Sunday the morning of his return to life - symbolised by rebirth or renewal in nature by hen's or bird's eggs - and the end of lent. After the invention of chocolate, Easter eggs as we know it were born.

Easter bunnies are linked to this time of year by their cousins the hare, whose courtship rituals around Easter time helped them to become a symbol for this time of year.

With 2 Bank Holidays, Easter is a great chance for families to spend some time together. There are usually lots of local activities for a great day out. Here are a few:

• Easter Eggstravaganza at Bristol Zoo - take part is an Easter egg hunt and make friends with the Easter Bunny & Spring Bear as they wander around the zoo
• Slimbridge Wetland Centre - meet the team of tame ducks at Puddleduck Corner or follow the Easter egg trail
• Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury - Forest Fables, Thurs 8/4/10. Suitable from age 5+. The ancient stories of Aesop are brought to life through puppetry and music
• Gloucestershire National Trust events - there are lots of events over the Easter holidays at various National Trust properties
• Clearwell Caves Easter Egg Hunt

If you know of any local events taking place in Gloucestershire, why not let us know about them.