The practice of Oral tradition has been around for centuries. Families gather around and share stories about their experiences and teach the next generation about values, traditions, religious ceremonies, and family norms. It is these stories that build strength of character and identity.
I remember watching my grandmother in the kitchen Thursday night before Good Friday as she cleaned, scaled and fried snapper fish in vats of vegetable oil. She took great pride in how she prepared the food that last an entire weekend. She would fry plantains, fried dumplings and bake breadfruit in the oven. Our home smelled like good home-cooking. Candles were lit around the kitchen to mask all the smells intertwined together like a pepper pot. I watched with great interest how my grandmother prepared the Good Friday feast. I listened as she shared with us the reasons why there was to be no cooking between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. We were only permitted to eat fish, no meat and unleavened bread was allowed to be eaten. We were to keep house-hold chores to a minimum and spend time reading the story of the crucifiction and the resurrection.
As I grew older, my mother extended the oral tradition by telling us about the importance of fasting and praying and attending Good Friday and Easter Sunday service. Those traditions have continued to my family. I enjoy making all the delicious foods on Thursday night, frying fish and cutting up the bun and cheese, laying out platters for my family and friends to enjoy.
Across the Caribbean many families have enacted the same tradition and have sat in pews in their places of worship to remember the sacrifice, and redemption of Easter. They remember the death and resurrection of Jesus.
And for those celebrating Passover, they remember the favour God provided to the children of Abraham during captivity in Egypt.
For those who do not celebrate Easter or Passover, and have started their own traditions or adopted the North American traditions of chocolates and Easter bunnies, this time of the year still has special meaning. Whether you are sharing chocolates, or sharing stories, thanking an Easter Bunny or giving praise to the Lord, Easter is a time of deep reflection.
Have a blessed day.
I remember watching my grandmother in the kitchen Thursday night before Good Friday as she cleaned, scaled and fried snapper fish in vats of vegetable oil. She took great pride in how she prepared the food that last an entire weekend. She would fry plantains, fried dumplings and bake breadfruit in the oven. Our home smelled like good home-cooking. Candles were lit around the kitchen to mask all the smells intertwined together like a pepper pot. I watched with great interest how my grandmother prepared the Good Friday feast. I listened as she shared with us the reasons why there was to be no cooking between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. We were only permitted to eat fish, no meat and unleavened bread was allowed to be eaten. We were to keep house-hold chores to a minimum and spend time reading the story of the crucifiction and the resurrection.
As I grew older, my mother extended the oral tradition by telling us about the importance of fasting and praying and attending Good Friday and Easter Sunday service. Those traditions have continued to my family. I enjoy making all the delicious foods on Thursday night, frying fish and cutting up the bun and cheese, laying out platters for my family and friends to enjoy.
Across the Caribbean many families have enacted the same tradition and have sat in pews in their places of worship to remember the sacrifice, and redemption of Easter. They remember the death and resurrection of Jesus.
And for those celebrating Passover, they remember the favour God provided to the children of Abraham during captivity in Egypt.
For those who do not celebrate Easter or Passover, and have started their own traditions or adopted the North American traditions of chocolates and Easter bunnies, this time of the year still has special meaning. Whether you are sharing chocolates, or sharing stories, thanking an Easter Bunny or giving praise to the Lord, Easter is a time of deep reflection.
Have a blessed day.