Easter is probably my most favoured of all celebrations. I think it is the hope that Easter brings in the context of to those that ‘believe’ but also in the fact that Easter usually takes place in the spring when ‘new life’ is bursting forth in the firmament.
The season of spring is so optimistic…people are planning their gardens, planting starter seeds and doing the due-diligence to make sure that they get a good harvest so they can enjoy the fruits of their labour. Interestingly, everything in life seems to go better with a goal and some planning. For most, gardening is therapeutic.
Just checking the perennial bed this past weekend, even the perennials seem to be sprouting new signs of life. The birds are starting to come back to their northern summer getaways to roost and lay their eggs, and some ladies may even be pondering a new Easter bonnet? Not sure about that one as I think that tradition may have gone by the wayside…frankly, maybe for the better. I don’t know where I got this image in my head but all I can see to remind me of Easter bonnets is that of a goat eating the flowers off a woman’s Easter hat that brings a bit of humour to the situation. Even goats get some pleasure in sharing Easter tradition, lol.
Easter to me has always been a holy celebration because it is the celebration of the redemptive work of Christ through his sacrifice for mankind. My memories are filled with special times together with family and relatives, filled with laughter, fun and food but also somewhat somber. Food was also of special significance…
My father is the offspring of Ukrainian immigrants that settled here on the prairies so my young years were filled with much tradition associated. Although making perogies and cabbage rolls were a part of my dad’s skill and expertise in the Ukrainian tradition, it was my Auntie Helen, the matriarch of their large family, who brought cultural tradition to my life and made it so much more memorable. Easter was marked by attending a church service, then the feasting and festivities carried us through the rest of the weekend. How blessed I feel that I have something sacred to still hold on to, those times with cousins and relatives that influenced who I am.
Through the years when our kids were growing up, Easter continued to be a special time. Of course, more chocolate and candy than a kid could eat was lavished upon them in their Easter baskets. And always, food was the special accompaniment following the Easter service.
And that brings me to asking, is there anyone out there that continues to make homemade ‘Paska’ braided bread, a Ukrainian tradition of Easter. If so, please give me a call at the office because I would love to purchase a round loaf as I remember it to bring to my sister’s house at Easter.
As well, this year after many years, I will attempt to make Ukrainian Nahalysnyky as my offering to the family celebration – a light crepe surrounding a prune filling and then layered in a cooking dish, covered with cream and baked to golden goodness. All will enjoy, especially those who are aged enough to realize the benefits of eating prunes…
No wonder my heart swells with pride around the culture I grew up with and all the wonderful traditions associated that have carried me though my life to now and I hope the same for you. If not, it's still not too late to start some special traditions of your own.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
