Easter

easter The Malta Independent on Sunday MARCH 2018

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BUNNIES bearing gifts A cute little bunny rabbit bringing children Easter eggs and gifts is a sweet idea that has caught on more and more in recent years.

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his may seem like another, comparatively recent ploy linking traditional festivals with commercial interests but apparently not. It seems to have started in Germany and been adopted in the Americas as early as the 17th century. Children believed that if they had been well behaved they could

leave out their upturned Easter bonnets or caps and the Easter Bunny would fill them with coloured eggs and toys.

In legends he is sometimes seen wearing clothes and carrying a basket full of coloured eggs and toys to deliver to children in their homes.

The first mention of this custom appears as early as 1682 and its appearance in America coincides with the arrival of German immigrants in the 1700s. They took with them the tradition of an egg-laying hare called Osterehas, and children would make nests in which it could lay coloured eggs. As the tale spread the rabbit's Easter deliveries included chocolate, sweets and gifts; baskets replaced nests and children left carrots for the bunny, to keep him going on his rounds.

The Madonna of the Rabbit by Titian, hangs in the Louvre In 1835, Jacob Grimm, the well-known collector of fairy tales, spread a rumour that the Easter Bunny originated from primitive German pagan traditions. It spread rapidly and was used to suggest the Easter Bunny came from the Saxon Goddess Eostre.

But this was just his theory. On the other side hares or rabbits were a popular motif in medieval church art and included in images of the Virgin Mary. And, although this was due to the somewhat muddled impression that female rabbits could procreate without mating, which was held at that time. it did ensure the rabbit re-

mained associated with Easter in a Christian context.

So, today we have animators dressed up as Easter bunnies in shopping complexes and at children’s events, and although some of the faces are more cartoon grotesque than cuddly and cute, their popularity is growing; as is that of the masses of soft toy and chocolate Easter bunnies, appearing as decorations or presents. Any time soon we should expect car stickers announcing: ‘A bunny is for life not just for Easter’, as pleas for a real, live Easter bunny are so frequently heard at this time of year.

The LIGHT that shines The Paschal, or Easter candle comes from the earliest days of Christianity.

The first Christians' practice of lighting a candle before evening prayers probably came from the Jewish custom of lighting a lamp at the conclusion of the Sabbath. There are historical references to the evening prayer rite which began each Sunday vigil. At Easter time this solemn rite took place with even more reverence.

The Emperor Constantine apparently transformed the night of the sacred Easter vigil by lighting pillars of wax throughout the whole city lighting up this mystic vigil like day. St. Jerome mentioned that singing a hymn in praise of the candle and the Easter mystery was an established custom, in a letter written to Presidio, a deacon

from Piacenza, Italy, in 384. And he and St Augustine are known to have composed such hymns.

The precise use of the Paschal candle has varied over the centuries. Initially it was broken up after the Easter Vigil and fragments were given to the faithful,

but from the 10th century onwards it was kept in a place of honour near the Gospel until the Feast of the Ascension, 40 days after Easter. Some time before the 12th century, the custom of inscribing the candle with the current year began. Subse-

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quently the candles became the size of small pillars, some weighing several hundred kilos.

After burning during the Easter period they would be melted down and made into candles and tapers for use at funerals for the poor.

Nowadays, during the Easter vigil, the minister leads a procession into the darkened church, carrying the Paschal candle which is the only source of light and a symbol of the light that Christ brings into the world. And the flame from this candle is used to light small candles carried by those attending the vigil. Gradually these candles lessen the darkness and the church is filled with light.

In many churches, the Paschal candle remains next to the baptismal font throughout the year.

It may be lit at baptisms and funeral services; when it is placed next to the casket during the funeral Mass, symbolising the resurrection in Christ.

THE NAME OF THE CANDLE The name Paschal comes from several sources. There is the Greek paschs, which derives from Pasha, Aramaic and the Hebrew pesah, which means the passing over. It is therefore quite logical that the first Christians would have taken the Jewish celebration of Passover, which occurred about the period when they would be celebrating Easter, and amalgamate the two.

Paschal became the name for the events leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ which are known as Holy Week and Easter.

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It is called POCILLOVY And it can turn an everyday piece of crockery into a valuable acquisition for some people.

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pocillovist is a collector, of egg cups. And before you wonder what on earth can be the point of such an interest, consider the fact that these items have been used by everyone from royalty to ruffians, the world over, for centuries. They are made of precious materials or something cheap, cheerful and catchy. They were created as basic utility items or to celebrate unique and important occasions. And they can be cheap as chips or practically priceless. Add their comparatively undemanding space needs and easy availability for a novice collector and their attraction becomes clearer.

It is believed that the ancient Greeks used egg cups, but their general use began in the 1700s. The alleged ability

of France's King Louis XV to decapitate a boiled egg with a single stroke did much to increase their popularity.

At first egg cups came only in sets, with a frame holding between four and eight cups with matching spoons, and made in silver or silver plate Individual egg cups appeared in the early 19th century, by which time they were also made in pottery or porcelain often as part of matching breakfast or tea sets.

They were usually finely made, in a goblet shape with a very fine stem. Bucket-shaped egg cups and those made of glass came in about the same time and from the 1920s different plastics were used.

Egg cups vary so much that collectors often choose a certain theme, such as examples from a particular china factory, country or era. Those with decorations, like floral or abstract schemes, figural egg cups representing cartoon and celebrity characters, animals or birds, all attract attention. Coats of arms, symbols and designs by famous artists are much sort after, as are special pieces made for promotions, and commemorative issues.

Double-ended cups, with one cup bigger than the other, so a duck or goose egg goes in the larger cup and a hen's egg in the smaller one, are valued. And single egg cups attached to small plates for a spoon or some toast 'soldiers' and a pinch of salt, are often so beautiful they are well worth the extra space needed to display them.

Unless you collect for visual effect only, condition and quality are top priorities. Look for hallmarks on metals and makers' marks on all pieces. Enamel and gilding work should be shiny and not scratched or chipped.

Horn, wood and semi precious stone egg cups should not be cracked or chipped and the patina should be perfect.

Collections are mostly displayed in rows on kitchen shelves, in dining rooms and display cabinets. But it is much more fun to group them, according to their shapes, colouring and design, in alcoves and on small tables, ledges and window sills. They can certainly look good in any room from bathrooms to bedrooms.

Because egg cups can be found everywhere, from Faberge shops to flea markets, costing between several figures and a few cents, pocillovists can always be sure of finding an addition to their hoard, wherever they go.

You can also buy and sell on line. And, if there is a tale or a memory attached to each piece you add to your collection, it will automatically be priceless.

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PAINTING the way Via Crucis – tarmacked, an exceptional exhibition by artist GEORGE APAP, illustrates how a journey from the beginning of Christianity is still being made on so many paths and levels today.

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here is no more fitting time of the year for the theme of a striking art exhibition which opened last night, Via Cucis – tarmacked depicts images inspired by both the original Way of the Cross together with those of the persecution, sufferings and injustices mankind still faces today. There is no better time to remember all those nations and cultures, different from or very similar to and our own, who still struggle against some form of tyranny.

Power, resolve and resolution emanates from these images with a stark simplicity that is moving and inspirational.

We may face disasters but there can be hope.

Via Cucis – tarmacked can be seen at Palazzo Ferreria, 310 Republic Street, Valletta, until April 7.

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VIA CRUCIS: THE INSPIRATIONS

BY GEORGE APAP In my mother’s house, in Xagћra, Gozo, we had a very small room next to our bedroom. In this room, many years before I was born, my father built a model church, complete with all the features which make a real church.

Once a year, just before Easter, my dad used to decorate this little church and his pride and joy was a set of small Good Friday statues that my brother Ninu had made out of clay. We used to go on a procession around the house with these little statues.

The Via Crucis has been an important part of my childhood. We grew up with the Good Friday statues, we helped in the church during the procession, we took part in all the celebrations.

When, last summer, I visited the Holy Land it was like going back to a land I already knew. It

was a pilgrimage that took us to all the major places that were part of Jesus Christ’s life. To visit these sacred places, to walk along the way that Jesus did, to cross the Sea of Galilee, to visit the Garden of Olives, Bethlehem, Nazareth and Jerusalem, the whole experience left its mark on my mind. So, this exhibition is a little effort to pay homage to the original Via Crucis.

I entitled the exhibition ‘Via Crucis… tarmacked’ because I feel that today we have lost many of our values. We are growing indifferent; violence and hatred are still very evident. Jesus Christ showed us love, forgiveness with His Via Crucis; paying the ultimate price for our salvation. And now we have tarmacked over His love with aggression, hatred, racism and indifference.

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Soaking custom in Slovakia

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Eggs and rabbits for Chinese celebrations

The CELEBRATION of Easter Countries from Mexico to the Philippines celebrate Easter in very different ways.

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n Mexico, processions and Passion plays are held throughout the country, and celebrations differ accordingly. In many towns and villages Palm Sunday, commemorating the

arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem, is celebrated with processions reenacting Jesus’ triumphal entry, riding a donkey. And outside the churches woven palms are sold.

As in Malta, Mexican traditions for Maundy Thursday include visits to seven churches and solemn processions similar to those in Malta take place on Good Friday. South of Mexico City, in Iztapalapa, people take part in the Via Crucis and one of the most elaborate and fervent Passion Plays ever is staged.

On Holy Saturday, there is a

custom of burning effigies of Judas, because he betrayed Jesus. It is a festive event cardboard or papier mâché ‘Judas‘ figures, sometimes made to look like Satan, or a political figure are festooned with firecrackers and burnt.

On Easter Sunday families go to Mass and celebrate quietly together. And in many places there are celebrations with music, dancing, processions and fireworks.

In the small town of Cholula, the ground on the town square is decorated with elaborately designed tapestries made of

sand and flower petals which, sadly, are destroyed by a large procession of people carrying religious figures making its way around the square and walking over the tapestry as they do so.

Easter celebrations in the Czech Republic are much more secular and, in fact quite bizarre. Puzzled visitors must wonder what some of the, frankly, unpleasant traditions are all about, as young men go from house to house whipping women and girls with switches made from willow branches decorated with ribbons; for

which they receive gifts of eggs and a shot of homemade spirit. In Slovakia, women fare no better being drenched with freezing cold water. Similar activites take place in Rumania and Hungary. Apparently this ensures them fertility, health and beauty for the year. And if you believe that…

Far further east, in China, Easter is quietly celebrated in some way, in the few Christian churches. But millions of Chinese people have embraced the Western customs that children love so much, like Easter eggs hunts.

Easter at CAFFE CORDINA W

hen you think that the Cordina enterprise started in 1837, with just a donkey driven cart selling nougat, it is humbling to see what it has grown into today.

Many things have changed since then, but one thing has remained consistently special at Caffe Cordina, and that is Easter. From massive intricately decorated Easter eggs that have become synonymous with the business at Easter time for years to the figolli, experiencing Caffe Cordina around this time of year is really something to

behold.

Impress your friends with a different kind of chocolate egg to the norm: not only deliciously tasty, Caffe Cordina’s chocolate eggs are individually handdecorated in two sizes and can be customised to include your own gift inside, ensuring the Easter egg you choose will be completely unique.

Alternatively, if planning an Easter egg hunt for the little ones, make yours extra special by selecting from the cute, milk chocolate bunnies that have been crafted especially by Caffe

Cordina using fine Belgian chocolate.

It wouldn’t be Easter in Malta without figolli and Caffe Cordina’s pastry chefs use only the finest ingredients such as pure almonds for the filling of their yearly offering, making them in four traditional animal shapes as well as our very own Maltese eight-pointed cross.

These are also available as figollini in bite sized portions to enjoy with your tea and coffee.

The tortapastina – a sweet pastry dough cake filled with pure almonds and intricately

decorated is always a popular item and is available in three versions this year. The classic covered in intertwining almond paste, a chocolate cream edition and peanut butter cream edition each decorated with chocolate mini eggs to fit the holiday.

We’ve also gone and made Easter edition kannoli giving a modern twist to a much-loved classic sweet. Similarly, at this time of the year,Caffe Cordina makes a special qassatat tal-ħelu, filled withsweet ricotta instead of savoury, and topped with a glacé cherry.

Beautiful cheesecakes are a plenty this year combining Black Forest, lemon and strawberry flavours all into one cheesecake and stunningly decorated with edible flowers.

Assorted flavours of duck macarons are available as singles or in packs of six along with yummy, hand decorated unicorn cookies for the kiddies.

We’ve got three different Swiss rolls on offer presented as a bunny, chick or sheep depending on your taste. Lastly this feast would not be complete without a proper cake, and what a cake we have for you. A vanilla cake in the form of an Easter egg filled and covered with vanilla buttercream and decorated with walnuts, it really is a sight to behold.

Easter at Caffe Cordina – you can’t miss out.

Shapes and decorations may vary.

We can also deliver, with free delivery on orders of€25 or more.

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Mexican ‘Judas’ figures Hong Kong Christians, commemorate Christ’s resurrection, with a mini Chinese New Year complete with red paper slogans on the churches and in the homes.

Making and decorating Easter eggs, which are sometimes given as presents or sold is a custom young and old enjoy.

The Philippines have a colourful Easter festival telling the tale of the Longinus, the Roman centurion who speared Jesus on the cross. Penitents in masks march around for seven days in search of Longinus.

Many people wear Roman costumes and there are lots of antics terminating on Good Friday with a reenactment of

the spearing moment. During the procession some men also carry crosses.

And it is in this country that the gravest acts of penance take place. Men reenacting events from the first Calvary by whipping themselves, wearing crowns of thorns and even being nailed to a cross by nails sterilised in alcohol, until they feel they have atoned for their sins.

Goa, in India, is a Catholic state and Easter is a serious festival. The churches are full for the various Masses, often held at mid-night. Bells peal and colourful customs and ceremonies take place over the Easter weekend.

Oberammergau – Palm Sunday An unusual way of marking Good Friday takes place in Bermuda, with children eating codfish cakes and hot cross buns and flying colourful homemade kites’ This is all because of a long-loved legend about a Sunday school teacher who cut the string of a kite as it was flying as a way of explaining the Ascension of Christ to the children in her class.

Finally, the German town of Oberammergau has staged a Passion Play since 1634, Tourists regards it as an attraction, but it is really an important part of Easter for the towns’ people, who are the actual performers. The play is

the result of a vow made almost 400 years ago, when plague was sweeping through much of Europe.The people promised to depict the suffering, death and resurrection of Christ every 10th year, so long as there were no more deaths caused by the plague. Their prayers were answered and the first play was staged in 1634.

Performances are several hours long and cover the last five days in the life of Jesus Christ.

In 2010, over 2,400 Oberammergau residents, that is half the village, were involved.

All parts, which are doubled,

are allocated one year ahead, when the male actors start growing their hair and beards.

Everyone has to arrange their work and rehearsal schedules so they can participate.

Children are included and are even let off school obligations and allowed to leave their classes when necessary, during rehearsal months. The play is performed in the open air, on a stage that can hold over 1,000 people and complete herds of animals.

UNESCO has now recognised the Passion Play in Oberammergau as an immaterial world culture heritage item, and the next performance will be in 2020.

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The rise of the CHOCOLATE EGG Gifts of eggs in various forms have been part of Easter for centuries but when did they appear as chocolate treats?

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s a symbol of fertility since ancient times, eggs are synonymous with traditions and rites all cultures held to mark the year's change from winter to spring. The custom of decorating eggs goes way back to pre-Christian times. Later, as Easter takes place in spring time, the egg became part of the celebration, and was taken to represent new life, the emergence of Christ from His tomb and his resurrection.

In the 16 and 1700s, children were given egg-shaped toys at Easter and these were sometimes filled with sweets. The first chocolate eggs probably came from France or

The famous Golden Speckled egg

Germany, the 19th century.

When a Dutch inventor, Casparus Van Houten, invented the press for separating cocoa butter from the cocoa bean in, 1828, he paved the way for solid, eating chocolate. In 1847, Joseph Fry, discovered that mixing cocoa powder, sugar and melted cocoa butter, made a chocolate paste that could be molded. His company in Bristol, UK, is credited with producing the first English Chocolate egg, and its popularity exceeded all expectations. Chocolate eggs were sent to America and eventually exported to many other countries. These first eggs were made in solid dark chocolate that had a grainy, rough texture and tasted rather bitter.

The golden spackled egg Later in the same century, John Cadbury , of Birmingham, began producing chocolate eggs and when one his sons, Richard, was an extremely talented artist whose own paintings decorated the boxes for these early eggs, and this is probably how the subsequent development of ornate, and heavily decorated eggs began. The two companies merged in 1919 and between them created the prototype for the crème egg that is so popular today.

One of the most lavish and costly chocolate eggs ever made was created by master chocolatier William Curley. It was called the Golden Speckled Egg and weighed 110lbs.

Seven chefs took three days to make it, from Venezuelan Amedei chocolate and edible gold leaf. It was filled with the chocolatier's own chocolates with flavours including rosemary and olive oil, Japanese black vinegar, muscovado caramel and toasted sesame, and sold for over â‚Ź7,000, at a FabergĂŠ Big Egg Hunt auction which raised fund for charities Action for Children and Elephant Family in 1912. But, did the buyer eat it?