Easter

(Originally published April 7, 1982)

Easter always brings fond memories of years gone by. With five tots growing up in our house (3 girls, 2 boys), EASTER was always joyous, but hectic. The festivities usually started bright and early on Saturday morning with a loud "thump, thump, squish" coming from the kitchen signalling the fact that  one of the LEAGUE had managed to "drop" the eggs earmarked for DYEING. This was always followed by a flood of tears that spread like the DOMINO FACTOR and in seconds the whole LEAGUE had formed a "Glee Club" of Woeful Wailing. With tears dried and more fresh eggs (I felt so lucky to have gotten the last dozen in the store), the DYEING of the Egg Ritual would begin.

Now, EGG DYEING is an art dating back to the middle ages. The results can be as diversified as the "DYE-EE" wants. My LEAGUE was diversified - some liking the soft pastels, some the bold bright colors and some who like each end of the egg a different color, BUT... there is always one who can't stand it until he dips his eggs into all the colors and every year, we all knew to whom the "Black eggs" belonged.

The other members of the LEAGUE were always helpful in instructing the younger ones in the RITUAL, but it is amazing how a slight slap on the hand, by an elder LEAGUE member (cause "you're not doin' it right") can force an egg off the dipper, splashing into the red dye, upsetting the dye dish and ultimately turning all white dishtowels into flags for the Cherry Blossom Festival.  Hours later, after the last bit of dye has been scrubbed off innocent faces and blond heads reappear, dispelling fears of green hair sticking out under pink bonnets, the LEAGUE is tucked into bed. Now is the time for "Mama Rabbit" to get to work. Retrieving the gaily colored baskets from their hiding place and putting in the grass . . . THE GRASS . . . where is it?? Out comes the car and the hunt is on, with a small prayer that at least one bag of grass can be found at this time of night... (did you know that green crepe paper works just as well, only you have to work hard at shredding it or you will miss the Sunrise Services.)  Mission finally accomplished - eggs hid (I thought we dyed 12 eggs, but could only find 11 to hide), baskets in place, and off to bed when a wee voice insists she will choke without a glass of water. Hurrying down the hall with five drinks in hand, the 12th egg is found -- all four ounces of it -- squeezing up between my toes.

I could ramble on for hours, but you know it is all worth it, especially seeing the little faces beaming on Easter morning. I know, sometimes we get a little carried away by the commercialism of the holiday, but remembering the words of the MASTER - "Suffer the little children to come unto me," I just know he doesn't mind a little egg dye and gooey chocolate, as long as they do come. Til next week!

-GRANNY