Summary
A spring fresh-up in preparation for Easter can become a simple family reminder that Christ is about to enter our home anew.Did you know that the ritual of spring cleaning has ancient origins? The earliest references are linked to the Jewish observance of Passover, in which the women would remove all traces of chametz (leavened bread) from their homes to symbolize the haste with which the Israelites fled from Egypt.
In our Catholic tradition, all the altars in churches around the world are cleaned on Maundy Thursday to prepare for the Sacred Triduum. This eventually led to a deep cleaning during the first three days of Holy Week, often called “Easter cleaning,” symbolizing the removal of sin and anticipating a spiritual renewal.
In other words, sweeping out the dust bunnies under your couch is akin to sweeping the sin out of your soul. Were it only that easy.
“Preparing the home for Easter reminds us to prepare our hearts for the Risen Lord.”
A Tradition of Renewal
Traditionally, this deep cleaning involved scrubbing floors, washing windows, beating carpets, washing walls, scrubbing the kitchen, cleaning the hearth of soot and ash, and opening windows to refresh the whole house. By Holy Thursday, the house was thoroughly clean, and the family would turn their focus to the sacred events unfolding at their parish.
If this sounds exhausting, that’s because it is. If young children and babies surround you, it may also be impossible to accomplish.
However, a spring fresh-up in preparation for Easter is a good habit to develop and makes for a more pleasant celebration.
“Cleaning the house can become a simple family reminder that Christ is about to enter our home anew.”
A Simple Method
A good way to begin is to start at one place in the room and move around methodically. Start at the highest point, using a clean broom or a long-handled duster, and sweep out the cobwebs and dust from the corners and walls. Scrub any marks from the walls, then dust the high shelves and light fixtures.
Next, dust and polish low tables and bookshelves, ending with a thorough vacuuming of couches, chairs, curtains, and carpets.
Fluff up the pillows and straighten the lampshades, and suddenly the room looks fresh and clean. This takes less time than you might think, since cleaning is quick.
It’s the picking up and putting away that takes time, and the children should handle this. Emphasize to them that we are preparing our home to welcome the Risen Lord, and we prepare for Him in the same way we prepare for any honored guest.
Extending the Blessing
Another benefit of this ritual is that once the house is purged of the winter funk, you can ask your parish priest to bless your home or, in anticipation of the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart (June 12), ask him to enthrone your home to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
A Child-Friendly Easter Cleaning Spray
Want to involve the children in Easter cleaning? Try this simple, non-toxic all-purpose cleaner.
Ingredients:
- Citrus peel (lemon, orange, grapefruit), one or a combination
- 10 Whole Cloves
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- 1 Cup of white vinegar
- 1 Cup of water
- Essential oil of your choice (optional)
Directions:
16-ounce spray bottle, fill it with vinegar and water (a funnel will help), then push the peels, oil, and spices into the bottle.
Shake it up, then let it sit for 24-48 hours.
This cleaner will smell fresh, not like chemicals, and can be used on walls, floors, sinks, and toilets. Just don’t use it on porous surfaces such as marble and granite. For stubborn stains, rub a little baking soda on the stain and spray with your cleaner. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe with a damp cloth.
