How did Easter Become About the Easter Bunny?
By Dr. Juris Bunkis
While the true meaning of Easter remains rooted in the Christian celebration of the Resurrection of Christ, it’s true that for many people, Easter has evolved into a more secular holiday focused on gathering with family, participating in egg hunts, and enjoying other traditions like the Easter Bunny.
As for the percentage of the US population which goes to church at Easter, it can vary depending on various factors including cultural and regional differences, as well as individual beliefs and practices. Surveys have shown that a significant portion of Americans do attend church on Easter Sunday, but it’s challenging to provide an exact percentage without recent data.
The significance of the Easter Bunny has evolved over time, blending elements of both Christian and pagan traditions. The exact origins are unclear, but the Easter Bunny is thought to have roots in German folklore where it was a symbol of fertility and new life, fitting well with the themes of rebirth and renewal associated with Easter. The tradition of the Easter Bunny bringing eggs may have originated from German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania in the 18th century, where they brought the tradition of an egg-laying hare called “Osterhase” or “Oschter Haws.” Over time, this tradition became popularized and integrated into Easter celebrations in various parts of the world, becoming a beloved symbol of the holiday, particularly for children.
Family time – my daughter, Jessica, flew to Canada to be with my 97 year and 11 month old mom.
Spotlight on Plastic Surgery – What Motivates People to Have Aesthetic Surgery?
By Drs. Deborah Ekstrom & Juris Bunkis
Aesthetic plastic surgery, particularly for those seeking to appear younger, is motivated by a complex interplay of personal, societal, and psychological factors.
Firstly, societal standards of beauty heavily influence individuals’ perceptions of themselves. In cultures where youthfulness is glorified and equated with vitality and attractiveness, the desire to regain or maintain a youthful appearance becomes prevalent. Media portrayal of flawless, youthful faces and bodies (i.e. Jane Fonda at 86, Dolly Parton at 78, etc.) exacerbates these ideals, creating pressure for individuals to conform to these standards.
Secondly, personal motivations often stem from a desire to enhance self-esteem and confidence. Many individuals seek aesthetic procedures to address insecurities about their appearance, which may intensify with aging. By undergoing procedures like facelifts, filler or Botox injections, they hope to achieve a more youthful look and consequently feel more confident in their personal and professional lives.
Moreover, psychological factors such as body dysmorphia or dissatisfaction with one’s appearance can drive individuals to pursue plastic surgery. For some, the desire to look younger may be rooted in a fear of aging or a perceived loss of attractiveness, leading to dissatisfaction with their current appearance.
Lastly, life events such as divorce, career changes, or entering the dating scene again may prompt individuals to seek aesthetic procedures as a means of rejuvenating their appearance and boosting their self-image.
In conclusion, the motivation for aesthetic plastic surgery, particularly to look younger, is multifaceted. It encompasses societal pressures, personal desires for confidence and self-esteem, psychological factors, and life circumstances. Such procedures do make people more confident and feeling better about themselves, and that’s usually something positive! Understanding these motivations is crucial for plastic surgeons to ensure that patients undergo procedures for the right reasons and have realistic expectations about the outcomes.
Photo of our retired office manager, Colette McPhee, shown here in a fuzzy photo in her 30’s and looking not that different after her second facelift at age 60 (actual patient of Dr. Bunkis
If you want to see if you can have any part of your body improved, contact us for a consultation:
For CA, please call 949-888-9700 or visit www.orangecountyplasticsurgery.com
Or for MA location, call 508-755-4825 or visit www.salisburyps.com