By Wendella Davidson

GOOD Friday is revered as the most solemn day of the Christian year, it is the day on which Jesus was crucified and it takes on a note of solemnity.

This sacred day is observed the Friday before Easter and it signals the culmination of Lent, a period of 40 days and 40 nights, when Jesus was tempted in the wilderness.
For the devout Christians, the Lenten season is a period when they observe the tradition of abstaining from eating red meat and eating only fish and vegetables becomes the rule, while those who partially practise Christianity make a sacrifice by giving up one of their hobbies, mostly drinking alcoholic beverages or swearing.

Here in Guyana, the observance of Good Friday is obtained the world over, as it is one day when there is a noticeable lull around the country, as traditionally the only people who are seen on the streets are those providing essential services, such as healthcare providers and members of law enforcement and some media agencies.

On Good Friday the churches are usually packed to capacity. It is traditionally a holiday and the churchgoers are usually dressed in black and white, to be as sombre as possible. In addition, the services are usually longer than normal, lasting beyond three hours.

Recently, however, it has been observed that some churches have been attempting to break the tradition, by donning other colours.

Additionally, on Good Friday, in every Christian household can be found cross buns and cheese. The cross buns are a specially made sweet bun-like dough, consisting of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg raisins and cherries. Atop the dough is a decoration shaped in the form of a cross that is symbolic of the cross on which Jesus was crucified at Calvary.

The origin of the cross buns are as varied as the ingredients with which they are made and because of the tradition and its name, it is a profitable commercial business.
Because of how popular cross bun eating has become, people are known to place orders at least two days before to ensure that they obtain the quantity of the commodity they need. And, it has become so commercialised in Guyana that some businesses have placed advertisements on air and in the print media so as to get their stuff sold. It is known though that not everything that looks like a cross bun carry the traditional taste.

MYTHICAL BELIEFS
As with everything, there are mythical or superstitious beliefs around Easter. One is that if a physic nut tree — which would normally ooze a milky substance when cut– instead gives off a red substance when an incision is made on its trunk on Good Friday, this symbolises the suffering and blood of Jesus Christ.

Another myth is the breaking of a fresh egg in a container of holy water that is placed in the sun, at precisely midday on Good Friday. It is the belief that whatever pattern is formed by the white portion of the egg is a prediction of the future of the persons who undertook the act. Should the formation resemble a ship or anything resembling a boat, it means then that the person will be travelling.

Some people have been overheard stating that they would have nothing to do with the egg activity, fearing that the formation may be in the form of something they dread.

KITE-FLYING
Kite-flying is a popular pastime which peaks on Easter Monday. On that day, the events take on more of a jubilant mood, as for Christian believers, it is symbolic of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the grave and ascension into heaven.

Kite-making is serious business, as it is widely commercialised with kites, their frames or the completed product in all sizes and shapes with creative designs being sold at almost every street corner.

A few years back, the Chinese plastic kites in various designs, for example, bird and box designs emerged on the scene, and immediately became popular, particularly with large families, as it is thought to be economical

Typically, the Easter weekend, along with the wind that is known to be favourable, is ideal for a holiday atmosphere and to enjoy the weekend with family and friends.
In addition, several locals have been known to use their creative efforts to build beautiful and artistic kites, which are used to enter competitions.
These kite-flying competitions are most held on the seawall, the popular Number 63 Beach and the National Park.

As these kites are kept in the air for the greater part of the day, families take the time to picnic and bond with each other playing games.

This Easter, make the best of it– go to church on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, fly a kite on Easter Monday and be happy.