For Christians, Easter is a remarkable time of new life, of resurrection and spiritual renewal. But those of a more secular persuasion can also find themselves beguiled by the restorative zeitgeist of this celebratory time of year.

In the northern hemisphere it’s spring, with its green shoots and brighter light. Down here, deep in the southern hemisphere, the transition is of a gentle autumnal splendour – of softer skies and a flourish of bronze in the deciduous treetops.

Even for those of us who aren’t especially religious, Easter and the short holiday around it coincides with a captivating seasonal tranquillity. After a harsh southern summer the days finally shorten, the light is beset with a new milkiness, the air assumes a slight........

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