Tikumu’s letter

Press, 1 April 1980, Page 14

Tikumu’s letter

Dear Readers, In the Southern Hemisphere we enjoy the Easter holiday in autumn, the “season of mist! and mellow fruitfulness,” while countries in the northern part of the world celebrate the return of spring, as well as the Easter festival observed by Christian believers. Rabbits and eggs that are part of the fun of Easter are also symbols of spring, and they are linked together in an old German legend that tells

about the origin of thq Easter bunny. According to the story the rabbit was once a bird. Ostara, the goddess of spring, changed it into the long-eared furry animal it is today. The rabbit must have liked its new form. In gratitude to Ostara it laid eggs for her spring festival. You all know the rhyme about hot-cross buns, for the spring festival people used to make cakes rather like the. buns we have at Easter, However, the

Romans are said to have introduced the cross to EaSter buns during the occupation of Britain. In early Christian times hot-cross buns would keep for a long time without going mouldy. It was customary for people to save one from each year’s batch until the next Good Friday, the belief was that a hot cross bun hung up in the kitchen for- a year would protect the household from evil and bring good luck to the occupants. The buns were made differently in those daysY I do not think buns made from the recipe on this page today would keep for a.year. But do make them, because they are very nice. Hot cross buns are eaten on Good Friday, They have a serious meaning, best expressed by two lines of an ancient rhyme:

Celia Tarlton (aged 15), a pupil of Rangi-Rum School, has drawn this cheerful picture, and written a poem telling us about the Easter Bunny. Celia is sitting School Certificate this year. She is interested in an art

“Think on this sacred festival, j . Think why Cross Buns were given ...” Easter Bunny brings i eggs to the on ■• Easter Day (Sunday), which is a day of celebration and thanksgiving, 7 J.’ S These simple customs are observed in Christian communities all over, the world in the four-day Easter festival. For most of you it .will be a five-day break and you will have- plentjf of opportunities to enjoy the colourful beauty of the outdoors. A number of churches and other organiastions 1 run Easter camps for young people, and many, parents like to have a holiday break before the winter. j Whether you are af home or away, make the most of the holiday and have a happy time. I Tikumu

career after she leaves secondary school. Her picture suggests that she should have good prospects in this field. Thank you for youi] greetings to young readers, Celia. A Happy Easter to you.