CLEVELAND, March 7 /PRNewswire/ -- America's interest in religion and spirituality are evidenced in everything from popular fiction, like the current Anne Rice bestseller about Christ's childhood, to the recent blockbuster movie, "The Chronicles of Narnia." This increased focus can be seen in the diverse religious styles and messages of Easter cards from American Greetings. Among the pastel eggs and bunnies on American Greetings' card racks for the April 16 holiday is a growing selection of Easter cards celebrating the religious significance of the holiday in a wide range of styles. "Over the past few years, we've seen a growing interest in faith-based messages for Easter," explains Nicole Fraser, a veteran American Greetings card writer. "Our challenge as greeting card writers and illustrators is that faith is so deeply personal, and styles of expressing it vary widely. People want Easter cards to reflect their own style of worship and at the same time be relevant to the person receiving the card." Some express their faith via Biblical scripture and traditional religious symbols, like the American Greetings Easter card with a stylized cross on the front, quoting Ephesians 2:10, "We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus ... " Others seek a lighter, more contemporary approach, like this card that personalizes the Easter story, "Imagine yourself there on that very first Easter, that beautiful morning, that dawn of rejoicing - feel the amazement filling your soul...and let the celebration lift your heart today and every morning of your life. Happy Easter." Sharing spirituality with less overtly religious terms and images is more comfortable for many. The cute childlike drawing on one card depicts a joyful person surrounded by tulips and Easter eggs with a smiley-faced sun. It reads, "Happy Easter and remember ... Count your blessings, not your eggs!" Fraser notes cards like these are ideal for interdenominational sending or when the sender is uncertain of the recipient's style of worship. Another popular approach to Easter greetings seeks to inspire a sense of peace, and well-being with uplifting messages of renewal and appreciation for life and beauty. One such card celebrates the coming of spring through contemporary rhyming verse illustrated with a bright collage of illustrations. The closing message says, "Hoping your Easter is as special as you are - one that warms your heart and leaves you smiling." Even humor can be found on American Greetings religious Easter cards, like the cartoon illustration of a pastor surveying his flock and noting bunny ears among the rows of Easter bonnets in the pews of his church. Because members of the clergy give so selflessly of their time, counsel, and prayers to all in need, Easter cards expressing appreciation to priests, pastors and others in religious service are also in demand. DATASOURCE: American Greetings CONTACT: Megan Ferington of American Greetings, 216-252-7300 ex. 4931, or Web site: http://www.americangreetings.com/

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