April
2007
Easter memories
By Vasthi Acosta
What do you remember about Easter?
During Easter weekend the traditions in my childhood home included dressing in black on Good Friday to mourn our crucified Christ, and fasting to share in His suffering. There were always two church services on that day. One in the afternoon where the first four statements uttered by Jesus on the cross were taught. Then at the night service the last three statements were presented. One year a speaker displayed a huge nail similar to those used to pierce Jesus’ hands. When I contemplated such intense suffering it made me shudder. And didn’t it seem to rain every Good Friday, as if even creation mourned.
Then the glory of Easter morning.
I remember wearing a new dress, shiny shoes, and the all important hat, gloves and purse combo, which Mami taught illustrated our celebration of Christ’s triumph over death. I remember waking up early Easter morning, before the sun rose, to watch the reenactment of Mary’s visit to the tomb. For several years I played the part of the angel. I can still recite the line . . .
“Por que buscais entre los muertos al que vive? No esta aqui, sino que ha resuscitado.”
“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!” Luke 24:5
And of course, Easter supper, an abundance of delicious food and relatives.
Now, I have my own traditions for Easter weekend. On Good Friday we still dress in black and attend church services. On Easter morning there is no sunrise service, but we have an Easter egg hunt. And included in the dozen plastic eggs filled with treats, hidden throughout my home, are the ones that tell the story of Easter. Each of these eggs hold a symbol, such as a leather strip for the flogging Jesus endured, or a piece of gauze for the linen his body was wrapped in; and best of all, the empty egg reminding us of the empty tomb.
What memories are you creating for your children? What family traditions celebrate this high holiday? Why not purpose to mark this holiday in your child’s heart with a moment he’ll treasure and remember always.
Christ is risen!
He has risen indeed!
The Easter memories by Violet Voices, unless otherwise expressly stated, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Written By: Vasthi Acosta
Posted under: On Being a Parent . 
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HI Vasthi,
I loved reading about your Easter traditions. We have some special traditions too. One I’ve enjoyed with the children when they were young was going out into our yard and collecting all kinds of things from nature and then making our own Garden Tomb from rocks, moss, flowers, etc. Some years we even made Golgatha with the three crosses. We then brought this in so everyone could see it and remember what Jesus went through for us. We gave out Easter baskets on Saturday morning before Easter and always included Christian music, books, or jewlery as well as Easter treats. Thanks for sharing. Blessings, Carrie
Oh Vasthi!! Thank you for reminding me of our childhood. I have to confess that all those memories had escaped me this Easter. I was so busy trying to carpool everyone to church! We do have sweet memories don’t we? This Easter was for me a dual celebration of my now 2 year relationship with my savior. More this year than in the past did I feel his love and sacrifice. He is our everlasting God!