Today is Maundy Thursday in the western Christian tradition. Tonight churches, following a sacramental tradition, will begin the Paschal Triduum, the three day period of liturgical observances that leave Lent behind and usher in the Easter season. What begins with darkness and fear ends with light and ...
I love this word. Be it whispered or shouted or sung, it is a word that for me is overflowing with gratitude, hope, humility, triumph, and joy. I cannot say it without a smile crossing my lips, a warmth rising in my heart, a tickling of joy sparkling through my soul.
This has little to do with any religious experience or celebration, and everything to do with my childhood memories and the family traditions that were and still are the Easter celebrations.
When I was a child, Maundy Thursday was an ordinary school day, but once I got home, the ToDo list for the coming days was announced. Most of the chores had to do with cleaning - my room, the floors, the dining room table and, maybe the windows. Oh, and one other task - polishing the silver.
Good Friday was the day my mother, sisters and I gathered around the kitchen table to polish eight full place settings and serving pieces. If we were hosting the whole "fam-damily" then the coffee urn and tea service were added to the polishing list. There was something joyous about removing stains of darkness and renewing shine and sparkle.
Alleluia!
Saturday was the day we decorated the eggs for the Easter Bunny to hide. I don't recall there ever being a concern about how a bunny who hides eggs and Jesus rising from the dead were connected (or not!). They were separate events that shared the same timing. No conflict at all, at least not in my family.
Alleluia!
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| My late mother, struggling with Alzheimer's decorated this wood craft in 2002. It is an Easter treasure. |
Easter morning we all rose to go to church (after the Easter egg hunt of course!). There we sang the great hymns, inhaled (and nearly fainted from) the fragrance of gazillion dozen Easter Lilies, and wished everybody a Happy Easter. Then it was home for the grand feast celebrated with family gathered around the dining room table.
Alleluia!
Nowadays, we are a family of blended faith and traditions. Our Easter is shared with those celebrating Passover (Hebrew greeting: Chag Sameach!) and those who will celebrate the Pascal Feast a week from now in accordance with the Julian calendar (Serbian greeting: Hristos vaskrse, and the response: Vaistinu vaskrse).
I am blessed by the richness that these traditions bring to my table.
I am blessed by the love we share.
Alleluia!
©2019 April Hoeller
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