Breaking the fast with a huge feast

EASTER SPREAD

Easter marks the end of Lent, a forty-day period of fasting, praying, and penance.

Duck roast, pork, mutton and chicken, home-made wine and cake baked in nuts, fruits and plenty of homemade traditional sweets form an integral part of the festival.

Easter celebrates the resurrection of Christ. History has it that Christ rose on the third day and this marks a new beginning.

It’s an excuse for families and friends to come together and celebrate. Easter eggs, signifying new life, although a Western concept, has caught the fancy of people in India as well.

So in addition to the traditional feast, Easter eggs are distributed among friends.

Metrolife spoke to a few families in the City and asked them how they celebrate Easter. Most said food was the highlight of the festival.

Mathew Sen said that his family observes both Good Friday and Easter in the traditional way. Fasting and feasting are followed in traditional mode.

 “There is every conceivable non-vegetarian dish on the table. The day begins with a prayer by the eldest member of the family and the fast is also broken by the senior-most member of the family. It’s a time for all of us to come together,” said Mathew.

Thomas, a young professional pointed out that in addition to all kinds of non-vegetarian dishes, Simnel cake is an indispensable part of Easter festivities.

“It is a light fruit cake covered with marzipan. There are eleven marzipan balls placed on the cake, to represent the eleven disciples of Jesus Christ,” explained Thomas. He added that among the various breads that are made during Easter, Gubana is the most popular.
“These breads are eaten with the appropriate curry, either mutton or chicken,” he said. People who have extended family in the City, literally, spread an elaborate feast for all their loved ones.

Jamson Jos belongs to a staunch family who not only observe Lent but also make sure they break the fast with a huge feast.

“The women in the family chalk out a huge feast. The whole family comes together. We spend the whole day eating and visiting friends,” he summed up.