PEN-FRIENDS’ CORNER

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20786, 22 April 1939, Page 21 (Supplement)

PEN-FRIENDS’ CORNER

NEWS OF OTHER LANDS

EASTER IN HOLLAND Up-to-date as Holland is one need not go far inland, or delve deep into the people’s life, to come across survivals of the past, nourishing throughout all the changes which modern cont litions impose. The Easter festivities in some parts of the country stand out as examples of pre-Christian lore, merged into the great feast of Christi- . anity. In an old corner of eastern Holland known as Twenthe, in the province of Overysel, at Easter-time you will see the blaze of bonfires stringing hamlets and villages together into a great garland of festivity. Children will, as of old, sing the traditional Easter songs—not all the words of which will, however, relate strictly to the teachings of the Church. Much of what they sing will, in fact, merely express joy at the coming of Spring. Thus the •* Easter palm,” celebrated in song and symbol, will be seen to be no other than the May-tree of ancient lore, even through the bonfires accompanyingl it are no longer intended to consume sacrificial offers. At Denekamp, one of the prettiest villages in Twenthe, the “ Easter palm ” is >ymbolised by a big, round slab of bread on which* a row of tiny pastry cockerels herald a new day. Twigs of the box-tree and nowadays oranges enter into its decoration with coloured eggshells, ribbons and paper streamers. With joyful songs thousands of little children carry it in procession. At limes the temptation to put the symbol lo more everyday use proves irresistible. Meanwhile the lads of the village have started out to fetch the May-tree. Deep in the heart of the wood a sturdy !ir sapling is felled. As it is dragged to the village every inhabitant tries to touch one of its branches. The tree is left by the church, where it remains until after the Easter service. With the whole village looking on, it is then erected amid a pile of fnceots which the village youth have gathered during I/Cnt. A huse barrel of tar is hoisted to the top of the tree. Now the hard work is accomplished and a ! solid meal of thickly-buttered currantbread and hard-boiled egirs awaits the exhausted toilers. When it will have been eaten —towards nine o'clock in the evening—the faggots will be lit. Suddenly all over the rountrjside hundreds of bonfires will blaze forth, casting their reddish glow upon thousands i f people unceasingly shouting “ Hallelujah ! ” or singing for joy at the llesurrection. Twenthe, however, is imt only a country of eigantic bonfires j nd spluttering barrels of tar; it is also i •me of the few remaining places in Holland where peasant weddings still take place in all the glamour of the 1

Peter knows that all of his little members are interested In the customs and people of other lands and he hopes that all of you will help to make this “Penfriends’ Corner’’ a splendid success by sending in your contributions from your penfriend letters and so help to sha.'c your pleasures with other folk.

traditional costume ami amid the gaiety of tile dances of old. Snug among its seven hills lies the picturesque village of Marked,j where, it any rate on festive occasions, the attractive costumes of the past' are still regularly worn. 11 was here that a few years ago, at Easter-time, a great festival took place on Hie market square in from of the town hall. Traditional peasant u ml barn measures were danced, sword dances ski fully performed, to the music produced by two famous concertina players. .Much still survives in Holland that is quaint and colourful and which yet forms part of the real life of its people. You will be able to see how Spring spreads the glamor of youth and the joy 0 ; new life over i.s countrys.de, an.l you will And no difficulty in Joining in the cheerful pleasures of its people, thus leaving behind as happy memories of your visit as you you:self will h ar away. PENFRIENDS WANTED

Here are some oversea* penfriends who ip -ire to i: ,rr. -;,0,„| with people in New Zealso 1 about their own ages, sent In by fivmds of the Circle. Peter hopes that his m< min i'- will write it their penfriends as early »as possible. MOHAMED Aim AL HAZECK. (IT years A 1 Masry, 9 llarrct Abou El Shawarrb, M ; All Street Cairo. EGYPT. KAZUE WATAXABE. (lb years j, 2707 South King street HONOLULU. IDA DUIZ, (15 years), Koloa. Kauai. HAWAII.