The Regency Ledger: Easter Tidings and a Northanger Secret
A glint of gold in the churchyard... Click to listen.
Easter in the Regency Era: 3 Interesting Facts
1. The "Lifting" Tradition (Easter Monday & Tuesday)
In the countryside, there was a quirky (and sometimes rowdy) tradition called "Lifting." On Easter Monday, men would carry chairs through the village and "lift" any woman they met into the air, expecting a small gift or a kiss in return. On Easter Tuesday, the ladies got their revenge and did the lifting! Jane Austen, with her sense of propriety, likely observed this from a safe distance behind a window.
2. The Absence of Chocolate Eggs
The "Easter Egg" as we know it didn't exist. There were no chocolate foil-wrapped treats! Instead, eggs were boiled with onion skins or flowers to dye the shells a deep red or gold (symbolizing the sunlight of spring). These were often given as gifts to the poor or used in "egg-shackling" games by village children.
3. The "Easter Bonnet" was a Social Statement
Easter Sunday was the day everyone—from the Dashwoods to the servants—wore something new. Even a simple new ribbon on an old straw bonnet was a way to mark the "resurrection" of the year. In Pride & Prejudice, a character like Mrs. Bennet would have been very keen to see who appeared in the Meryton church with the most expensive new lace.
A Letter from the Post-Chaise: 🗝️The Northanger Secret
📬 As the carriage rattles toward the abbey, I must share a discovery with you. Within the pages of our interactive Northanger Abbey, I have hidden a collection of delicate linear drawings by the master illustrator Mr. Hugh Thomson.
How to find them:
As you read the story, look closely at the script. If a particular word catches your eye—perhaps one describing a sharp glance from General Tilney or the fine muslin of a gown—click it.Like a secret compartment in a writing desk, a sketch will unfold directly on the page. These are not merely pictures; they are windows into the very moment you are reading.
Who Are You Today? The Easter Service Dilemma
Tomorrow is Easter Sunday, and the parish is abuzz with the scent of fresh lilies and the sound of bells. As you settle into your pew, the Rector begins a sermon that is… let us say, extensive. He has spent the last forty minutes discussing the specific theological implications of the church garden’s new stone wall.
How do you react?
- A) The Patient Observer: You sit with perfect poise, hands folded. You may be mentally planning your Sunday dinner, but your expression remains one of serene devotion.
- You are: Elinor Dashwood (Sense and Sensibility).
- B) The Silent Critic: You find the Rector’s lack of brevity deeply amusing. You catch the eye of a friend and offer a subtle, mischievous smirk, already drafting a witty retelling of this ordeal for your next letter.
- You are: Elizabeth Bennet (Pride & Prejudice).
- C) The Devoted Sycophant: You nod vigorously at every word. After the service, you intend to tell the Rector his discourse was the most "instructive and gratifying" moment of your season.
- You are: Mr. Collins (Pride & Prejudice).
- D) The Bored Romantic: You aren’t listening at all. You are admiring the gothic arches of the ceiling and wondering if a certain handsome stranger will be at the tea following the service.
- You are: Catherine Morland (Northanger Abbey).
P.S. As the carriage rolls on toward the next village, I should dearly love to hear from you. Which of our Regency characters did you find yourself to be this Easter Sunday? Are you a patient Elinor, a witty Elizabeth, or perhaps a slightly bored Catherine?
Simply reply to this email or leave a comment below. I should also be delighted to know if you have a favourite Easter tradition of your own—whether it involves a modern chocolate egg or a fine new ribbon for your bonnet!
Yours faithfully,
Laura Yakulka