Easter is a significant holiday for us, and this year we were able to celebrate twice. We quietly celebrated last week, knowing there would be lots of fun and special activities in the homes of our grandchildren. This weekend we celebrated Romanian style according to the Orthodox calendar. Interestingly, this year the two calendars differ by only one week, but next year the two holidays are five weeks apart.
Romanians, being very faith-filled people, really enjoy Paste (pronounced PASH te). For weeks, beautiful hand painted eggs have been available. You can buy either real eggs which have been hollowed out, or wooden ones. They are small works of art. Each design is different and all are amazing. We learned the hard way that most stores and markets close for several days around this weekend. They refer to this as the “three days of Easter.”
Romanians, being very faith-filled people, really enjoy Paste (pronounced PASH te). For weeks, beautiful hand painted eggs have been available. You can buy either real eggs which have been hollowed out, or wooden ones. They are small works of art. Each design is different and all are amazing. We learned the hard way that most stores and markets close for several days around this weekend. They refer to this as the “three days of Easter.”
On Sunday, we joined our congregation for a traditional Paste masa (meal). The first course was a “meat loaf” made with lamb and boiled eggs, a red boiled egg and sliced cucumbers. The second course was a chicken leg with both red and white cabbage. Dessert was cozonac, a very light sweet bread. The meal was colorful and nothing was wasted! Their tradition is to pair up and crack your red eggs. The first person says, “Hristos a inviat (Christ is risen).” The other person says “Adevarat, a inviat (true, He is risen).” Then they crack eggs – the one whose egg doesn’t break has good luck. At this time of year, this greeting and exchange replaces the typical “Buna ziua (hello)” on the streets. It is a beautiful thing.
We ended our day by having 15 younger missionaries over for dinner. We served food that is more familiar to us and wanted to create a good memory that we knew their parents would appreciate. Again, nothing was wasted! They were very appreciative of Sora Stratton’s amazing hospitality and generosity.
We ended our day by having 15 younger missionaries over for dinner. We served food that is more familiar to us and wanted to create a good memory that we knew their parents would appreciate. Again, nothing was wasted! They were very appreciative of Sora Stratton’s amazing hospitality and generosity.