Ohhh, look at them! my friend cried out. She put her hand on her chest, and her face cracked into a look of admiration and love.
We were on our way back from an outing. The sun was still shining. What a pleasure after a long dark fall and winter! Spring is here, and I think more people than usual have been waiting for the first sunshine this year. We need something to brighten up our day in these challenging times.
Ohh, so cute! I answered. We hung around to watch the sheep and all their children. The kids were so small. They played, drank milk from their mothers and were just goofing around like small children like to do. Enjoying life.
After a while my friend said; it’s horrible, in a few weeks, they will all be dead!
I was so taken by the joyful moment that I didn’t understand what she was talking about at first.
She looked at me again, her eyes big and sad, and said: Easter! Everyone wants lamb steak. All these babies will end up in the oven!
Yeah… spring and Easter are not joyful for many individuals, as for these lambs. They are born to die young.
All year long, this is happening to the animals in factory farms. And around Easter, the lamb and egg industry has a spike. Go to my blog here if you want to read more about the egg industry (and some great alternatives to traditional eggs for Easter!).
Joy Without Suffering
Traditions are important to us. They give stability and a sense of belonging, especially for children.
But maybe we should ask ourselves: Does culture, religion, and tradition justify cruelty and suffering?
We can also ask ourselves, if we want to be a part of the problem or the solution?
The thing is, there are many things we can’t directly impact or change.
But in this case, we actually can!
It’s a question about supply and demand. The less market there is for a product, the less there will be produced. We vote with our wallets.
Don’t give up your traditions; let’s just bend them a bit, so they are kind to everyone.
Wishing you a Happy Easter!
