A kindly word and
a cheery rhyme,
to wish you all a
Happy Easter time!
Many Christians nowadays would point to Christmas as the main festival in the church year. In medieval times, Easter was seen as equally important and was one of the most exhilarating and memorable days of the year.
For medieval Christians, Easter was particularly enjoyable because it came after six weeks of hard fasting and abstinence. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, when churchgoers were marked with ashes, Lent was a time when everyone, rich and poor, was expected to forgo many everyday pleasures.
The emphasis was on sacrifice and even commonplace foods such as eggs and meat had to be saved until the Easter celebrations. Eggs laid during the Lenten period were hardboiled to preserve them, a tradition which continues today in the painting of hardboiled eggs.
The Lenten observances came to a climax during Holy Week, the week before Easter. There were daily church services, but thoughts of Easter applied also to everyday life, with an old tradition forbidding anyone to use nails or iron tools on Good Friday, to commemorate Jesus on the cross.
Good Friday was the day for the ceremony of creeping to the cross, when churchgoers would approach the crucifix on bended knee, or barefoot.
Medieval Easter Day Rituals and Traditions
The dawning of Easter Day was special and memorable for medieval people, with many gathering before dawn to watch the sun rise. Members of each parish would stand near the church and sing hymns as the sun slowly rose and church bells rang out. After greeting the first rays, they would be led to church by the parish priest, singing hymns of joy as they went.
As well as the church’s celebrations, Easter Day was a day for pleasure and fun after six weeks of fasting. Anyone who could afford it, would wear a new set of clothes on Easter Sunday. For many, this could be the only time of year they got a new item of clothing.
Children were involved in the fun, with parents hiding hard boiled eggs as a symbol of the apostles finding the risen Christ in the tomb, and there would be egg rolling and parades.
For many, the main thing to look forward to was that Easter Sunday was one of the few days in the year when no one had to work. It was traditional for servants to present their lord with a small gift, perhaps a dish of food or a new-born animal, and in return, the lord would provide a feast for his servants and their families.
For the wealthier sections of society, the Medieval Easter Court was a time to re-establish friendships, cement business relationships and join their peers at a sumptuous feast, a feast which contained all the foods which had been banned during Lent.
The fun didn’t stop after Easter Sunday. Hock Monday and Hock Tuesday were a chance for the younger people of a town or village to release their high spirits after weeks of fasting. Hock Monday was the day when girls could capture the boys of the area, releasing them only on payment of a donation to church funds. Tuesday was the turn of the boys to capture any girls they saw passing by.
These rituals and celebrations were followed year after year in Christian countries, with each district or country putting its own personal flavour on proceedings, ensuring that the festivities were a real
Easter Symbols
Ancient Spring GoddessAccording to the Venerable Bede, Easter derives its name from Eostre, an Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring. A month corresponding to April had been named "Eostremonat" or Eostre's month, leading to "Easter" becoming applied to the Christian holiday that usually took place within it. Prior to that, the holiday had been called Pasch (Passover), which remains its name in most non-English languages.
It seems probable that around the second century A.D., Christian missionaries seeking to convert the tribes of northern
Easter Eggs
In Medieval Europe, eggs were forbidden during Lent. Eggs laid during that time were often boiled or otherwise preserved. Eggs were thus a mainstay of Easter meals, and a prized Easter gift for children and servants.
In addition, eggs have been viewed as symbols of new life and fertility through the ages. It is believed that for this reason many ancient cultures, including the Ancient Egyptians, Persians, and Romans, used eggs during their spring festivals.
Sources:
www.wikipedia.com
www.infopedia.pt
www.suite101.com
www.infoplease.com
The UpClose Column introduces the most interesting, famous and exquisite Citizens of the Empire of Fayandria. The questionnaire is almost the same and what makes each interview unique is the subject’s answers and reactions.
As a journalist, I have had the privilege to interview quite a number of characters… I have met various types of persons: quiet, moody, happy, smart… and the list could go on. Each of them was distinctive and unforgettable. However, this week I was caught by surprise… I must confess it was no easy task to keep my journalistic composure while editing this interview. I smiled… I laughed… I blushed and above all I had fun!
This week’s UpClose focuses on a remarkable character. It is impossible to ignore him… It is difficult to resist him… It is unviable to find him indifferent - whether you love him or you hate him… There is no middle term. I dare to state he is our very own Don Juan DeFayandria…
Meet Prince Lander Hancroft and take an UpClose look at his character…
*SL Name: Lander Hancroft
*Title: Royal Prince of Fayandria, First Lord Admiral of the Empire, Acting Minister of State
*RL age: 36
*Rez day: 11/8/2008
*SL Occupation & Hobbies: Heart breaker, Rogue, Prince, Ambassador, Right hand of the Empire, overall tease, snake charmer…
Hobbies: Heart breaking… flirting, more flirting, visiting other lands and flirting there… coming back to Fayandria flirting and then charm a little more so I can flirt more.
*Favourite Book: In the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt
*Favourite Movie: Oh I have so many… I can’t name just one… so… if you would like to know them, come to my chambers, slip into something more comfortable and let’s discuss them.
*Best Moment in SL: The moment I met each individual that is on my friends list. All people are so different and so diverse it so much fun to learn about each one.
DQ: What brought you to Fayandria?
LH: Well I was born a poor black child...hehe....*coughs*.....It is a interesting story. I will put it in a nut shell... (Help I'm in a nutshell... how do I get out)
1.) I am The Crown Prince of Aubude
2.) My lands were burnt to the ground by my evil uncle. The one on my father's side... you know the type that sends you a birthday card with nothing in it and laughs about how all he got you… was this birthday card and nothing else.
3.) I have a vague memory of sex and drugs and pirating... It’s a blur… I was Mick Jagger in a previous life.
4.) Emporer Jed is my cousin. He let me come live with him until I got out of pirate rehab… It was quite difficult… shaking and crying… Arggggggg into the night.
5.) I have dedicated my life to serving the Crown of Fayandria and loving the Empress...*SIGH* mmmmm.. The Empress *winks* LOL..TREASON!! Puts a knife to his own neck...
6.) So now I am here… getting into trouble… getting my nose put into the corner by the principal… running amok here and there… starting a band Lander and the Stones… continuing the advance of my bra collection (Please send me yours Anouk)
DQ: Tell us a bit about your background...
LH: Yada, Yada, Yada..Crown Prince
Etc, Etc, Etc....Pirate
Yada, Yada, Yada.. Lord Admiral
Coughs and mumbles about acting State Minister
BIG Drum Roll PLEASE.........Royal Prince of Fayandria
Bows to the crowds...."Thank you
DQ: What do you want to achieve as Lord Admiral of the Royal Navy as well as Royal Prince of the Empire of Fayandria?
LH: Well the overall domination of the world of course! DUHHHHH! *coughs* Oh Sorry...I went off in another direction.
Actually... I would just like to help the Empire grow, be friends to all, make alliances...and get you all into my bed MUahahahahahahaha *coughs* and* Coughs* again... Muahahhaha
DQ: What was your proudest moment in regards to the Empire of Fayandria so far?
LH: Well this interview of course… *smiles*…*looks into Anouk’s eyes*… and the conquest of removing your dress, my dear…*grins wickedly*
DQ: If you had one wish for the Empire of Fayandria… What would it be?
LH: I would love for all other lands and people of Second Life to know what Jed and Faya have built here. So they can all come and fall in love with all the lands, the people and the diversity like I have. Oh… and if my parents read this *makes a phone gesture with his hands* CALL ME I NEED... LINDENS!
After a fierce battle against dark Queen Lucy, our brave warriors as well as our allies were finally able to kill the demon and set our Empress Faya and Queen Lucy free.
The crystals were arranged by Lady Joyce and worked their magic bringing Empress Faya and good Queen Lucy back to us all.
All Fayandrians appreciate the gallantry revealed by all warriors for many died and many more were wounded. They all fought with their hearts so bless them all for their bravery…
…But the mystery remains… Who returned the Crystal Fay?
Yesterday was to have been a memorable day of celebration as Fayandrians gathered at Vox Angeli grounds to commemorate their Highnesses, Emperor Jedediah and Empress Fayandria, Rez-day. The Empress was joyful surrounded by her friends and family. There was dancing, vibrant conversation and light refreshments.
The merriment was violently wrecked by a ruthless, vicious and prolonged attack perpetrated by dark Queen Lucy. Our brave warriors fought relentlessly defending and protecting the Empire as well as Empress Faya’s welfare who was taken to a safe and secret place.
It was a long-lasting stakeout with fierce and brutal attacks by dark Queen Lucy. What followed has turned into great sorrow for the Empire… Empress Faya went missing. She was not at the safe location; her broken seal and wandering falcon were found there…
A notification was sent to Emperor Jedediah. It is believed that «Queen Lucy» was responsible and all that was known was stated in a missive containing the following words:
«Stepping into the glow of the seven crystals Lucy shields her eyes as she picks up and examines each crystal, the brilliance of each lessening and strengthening in direct correlation to the distance of one to another crystal. Mesmerized by the pulsing intensity of the light from each crystal, Queen Lucy becomes enthralled with arranging each crystal so the glow from one is identical to the adjacent one. Contemplating carefully the placement for the remaining crystal, she deliberately sets the crystal down and steps back to admire her accomplishment».
After hours of looking far and near, Prince Lander, Lord Raven and Lady Copper found themselves in Artstonia, where Lady Copper laid down for a rest. The men pushed ever onward and not long after, they stumbled upon a Drow and a Witch...
Lord Raven flew high with his wings of black and swiftly encountered a
Up in the sky far above from everyone, Lord Raven, Lady Copper and Prince Lander and Copper are guarding the
Magic will be essential if we are to save our beloved Empress…
The Second Life's 4th Annual Clothing Fair benefiting Relay for Life is set to launch on Saturday, March 13th at 3pm SLT and run 24/7 through Sunday, March 21th 2010 when the doors must close at 9pm SLT.
The Clothing Fair began as a dream three years ago with 34 stores participating in this event for Relay for Life. Since that date, it has grown to over 150 designers, over 9 sims and has raised over 11 million Linden Dollars for RFL.
According to the Clothing Fair committee, «this year will not be different. Prepare to be immersed in 8 of the greatest "Fashion Cities of the World" surrounding a centre sim patterned after the United Nations Sculpture Gardens containing sculptures from some of SL's most talented artists. We have some of the cream of the crop coming together in the fashion world of Second Life bringing designs from all over the world to this virtual shopping experience. Each of these designers dedicate months of time getting ready for this event. They are all committed to raising as much money for Relay for Life as possible».
The Clothing Fair 2010 promises to be even better than ever, featuring:
*Over 150 Clothing Designers
*Live Music and DJ's to keep you entertained while you shop
*St. Patrick's Day Party with RL Keltic Music performed by LabGraal
*Photo Contest
*Fashion Shows
*Treasure Hunts
*And much, much more…
The entry into the fair is free. Additional details will be announced on the official website: http://slrflclothingfair.blogspot.com/
Dear Reader,
After travelling for six long months, I began picking up where I left off… The Duhallow Quill will soon again be published in-World but while I dust off the pages of our newspaper, you can logon to the online version and keep updated on the local news, on the medieval tales as well as the stories, adventures and characters of our Empire!
Thank you all for your continuing support and readership…
With all the good wishes.
Relay for Life of Second Life
