Wishing you a blessed Easter as we move into spring .

For the first time in years, the only Easter tradition I kept was the Easter Triduum at St. Pat’s Church in Parnell. The strict three day ritual wraps up the Holy Week for Catholics with Easter Sunday.

I skipped the coloring of eggs and baking. I couldn’t resist buying Cadbury chocolate eggs, and peeled the colorful wrap off thinking about the past Lenten season and the near future.

It will be day by day, as it should be anyway as my parents age. I was happy we could get together for Easter. It’s becoming increasingly difficult for them to travel. We enjoyed a delicious meal together: a crown of pork, sauerkraut and dumplings. Al-Bos Cafe provided desserts since no one had the energy to bake anything.

One Czech tradition we kept was making canopy sandwiches aka “chlebicky.” These creations originate in Czech buffets or delis, and they can get pretty elaborate; just ask any Czech. I dusted off the Easter willow whips with ribbons, a tradition that continues to fascinate the Americans.

According to the old customs in villages, teams of boys and young men head out on Easter Monday morning with whips made from willow branches. When the lady of the house opens the door, she gets whipped in

exchange for eggs and shots of brandy.

To be continued on Easter Monday.

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