Good Friday, Easter Springtime

In “The Prologue” to The Canterbury Tales Chaucer celebrate nature’s awakening life and, in humans, the need to once again gather together on pilgrimages.  “April” comes from the Latin aperire (to open) and apricus (sunny) as the month of the sun and growth. (Source: Jefferson Reads)

From “The Prologue” to The Canterbury Tales:

When in April the sweet showers fall

And pierce the drought of March to the root, and all

The veins are bathed in liquor of such power

As brings about the engendering of the flower,

When also Zephyrus* with his sweet breath

Exhales an air in every grove and heath

Upon the tender shoots, and the young sun

His half-course in the sign of the Ram* has run,

And the small fowl are making melody

That sleep away the night with open eye

(So nature pricks them and their heart engages)

The people long to go on pilgrimages …

Emily Dickinson’s poem of spring and the sacred:

A Light Exists in Spring

A Light exists in Spring

Not present on the Year

At any other period –

When March is scarcely here

A Color stands abroad

On Solitary Fields

That Science cannot overtake

But Human Nature feels.

It waits upon the Lawn,

It shows the furthest Tree

Upon the furthest Slope you know

It almost speaks to you.

Then as Horizons step

Or Noons report away

Without Formula of sound

It passes and we stay –

A quality of loss

Affecting our Content

As Trade had suddenly encroached

Upon a Sacrament.

Easter In Ukraine

A note from Music Mission Kiev

As Easter approaches, the joyous celebration of new life, hope, and renewal is juxtaposed against the backdrop of ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Yet despite the solemn realities of war, many still find comfort and fortitude in the timeless traditions and spiritual significance of Easter. It serves as a reminder of the enduring power of faith and the resilience of the Ukrainian people in the face of adversity. Hopefully, it will also magnify your own Easter celebration. The Orthodox Easter is celebrated on May 5th in Ukraine this year; more than a month apart from our March 31st Gregorian calendar celebration. For Christians everywhere, Easter marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ and signifies the triumph of hope over despair, light over darkness, and life over death. It’s a time when families gather, communities of faith come together, and hearts are lifted in praise. Hand-painted Easter eggs hold particular meaning in Christian symbolism. They represent the resurrection of Christ and are often adorned with traditional designs, each carrying their own significance. Triangles, for example, characterize the Holy Trinity.

 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98Qt6FJ-kz4&t=390s)