EASTER CELEBRATIONS

Apr 01, 2018 Editorial, Features / Columnists

In Guyana and in many other Western nations, Easter is celebrated by mostly Christians who believe that Jesus’ death and resurrection were to forgive them of their sins. It is probably the second most joyous holiday celebrations after Christmas on the Christian calendar.
Easter is preceded by Lent—a forty-day period of fasting, praying and meditating which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday. Good Friday commemorates his crucifixion, death and burial and Easter Sunday is the celebration of his resurrection. It is the culmination of Passion for Christ, which reinforces the belief that Christians can have an eternal home in heaven. It strengthened the Christian belief that Christ is the Son of God.
The Easter tradition in Guyana is about the Easter Bunny, colourfully decorated eggs, Easter egg hunts, the baking of cross buns on Holy Thursday and church services on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
Easter Monday is also reserved for kite flying, picnics and family gatherings throughout the country. On this day, Guyanese from all walks of life will fly kites on the sea walls, and generally in any open spaces. Generally, the skies will be dotted with kites of all sizes, colors, styles and shapes but this is slowly changing. Fewer and fewer kites are taking to the skies.
Kite flying is integral to Easter celebrations in Guyana and it was once every child’s dream to partake in it. It is a spirited, fun loving and relaxing activity that is peaceful and stress free.
Studies have shown that the flying of kites dates back to more than 2000 years ago. Though the exact date is not known, it is believed that the flying of kites first took place in Shandong, the most eastern province in China. We are told that a Chinese farmer in the Shandong province tied a string to his hat to prevent it from blowing far away far from him due to high winds. The hat was blown into the air where the high wind swayed back and forth.
Emerging from this experience was the flying of the first kite known to mankind. The Chinese made the first kite from bamboo, which was used for the frame and covered it with silk and paper to make it light for flying.
The earliest known Chinese kites were flat and rectangular in shape. Some were decorated with mythological motifs and legendary Chinese figures; others were fitted with strings and whistles to make musical sounds while flying.
Ancient and medieval Chinese sources have claimed that kites were used for measuring distances, testing the direction and the strength of the wind, signaling, and as a communication mechanism for military operations. The military used to spy on enemy positions in China, and for dropping propaganda leaflets over enemy territories to warn them of an impending attack. From China, kites were introduced to Cambodia, Thailand, India, Japan, Korea and the western countries.
The most famous kite in history was created in 1750 in the United States and flown by Benjamin Franklyn during a rainstorm to prove that lightning bolts were indeed electricity. He was right and lucky to be alive to record his finding.
The flying of kites is a happy occasion for most Guyanese, and while many will travel, meet friends and relatives and share in the fun and excitement with them on Easter Monday, there will be heightened police presence in all the communities to ensure their safety and to prevent accidents and traffic fatalities on the highways.

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