EASTER IN SPAIN

ANTÍA DURÁN MARTA FERNÁNDEZ

WHAT IS THE EASTER?For the cristians, the easter, is the holest and oldest tradition.In Spain, we celebrate the easter with religious procesions. The procesions of Andalucia and specially in Sevillla are very famous and important. The habitants of the city follow around the streets scultures of Crist in the Cross, the Virgin criying and another representations. With the scultures, ussually goes people, wearing long clothes and hoods.

WHY WE GIVE EASTER EGGS AT THIS TIME?

To offer eggs in Easter is a tradition that goes back to several centuries behind. According to some sources the habit of giving eggs in Easter has his origin in the 4th century.

In that age the Church was not advising the consumption of eggs during the Lent. Nevertheless, the hens continued putting eggs. To throw the eggs had been a sin. Of such a form, which it was not staying any more remedy than them to guard. On Sunday of Resurección, the first day in which this rule already does not apply, it was turning in the notable date. And what better that to share or to give the eggs that had not been consumed during the Lent. Of this form, a custom was born.To offer a basket of new-laid eggs was undoubtedly a magnificent detail, but if in addition the eggs were colored or were making up they were turning into an authentic gift.In the 12th century the Church will bless the habit of giving eggs as symbol of resurreción to the exit of the mass of Easter. A custom that has been kept even does not do very much, specially in the rural zones, where grandparents and godfathers deliver rolls to the godsons with two eggs that were leading to being blessed.

DAYS OF CELEBRATION.Palm SundayAccording to the tradition, this day it is necessary to use an article(garment,security)of new clothes. It is one of the most widespread customs(habits), even we have a saying that he(she) says: " In Palm Sunday, who does not put on, it(he,she) does not have hands ". Certainly, this day also is celebrated taking palms and branches(bouquets) of olive tree to mass in order that they are bless you with water during the ceremony.

Holy MondayThis day, in Malaga, the Spanish Legion there visits the Christ of the Good Death in the Church of Santo Domingo and police officer(guard) mounts: a guard who changes every 5 minutes and takes care of Christ's figure. This tradition has more than 50 years.

Holy TuesdayIn Oviedo (Asturias) the Holy Tuesday celebrates the mass of the Holy Thursday. It is a ceremony presided by the bishop and in her(it) there is blessed the Crisma - a mixture(mixing) of oil and balsam that then is in use for baptizing and confirming.

Holy WednesdayFrom the half of the 19th century, in Mule (Murcia) and in other regions of Spain, to them 00:01 the drums start sounding. With black tunic and hood and loaded with his(her,your) instruments of percussion, the citizens fill the night and the following day with the uproar of his(her,your) instruments, until 4 p.m..

Holy ThursdayThe tradition for this day gives the orders to cross 7 temples in peregrination. It is a way of remembering(reminding) seven ways that Jesus did the Holy Thursday, from the garden of the olive trees, where it(he) was caught, up to the Calvary. In every church of the tour, it is said and pardon is asked.

In the 12th century the Church will bless the habit of giving eggs as symbol of resurreción to the exit of the mass of Easter. A custom that has been kept even does not do very much, specially in the rural zones, where grandparents and godfathers deliver rolls to the godsons with two eggs that were leading to being blessed.

Good Friday Is the day of the pain, the tragic day of the Holy Week with the vía crucis and Jesus' death. In some places the tradition of this day is to put on clothes of mourning: the women take a garment below the knee and a mantilla, both blacks, whereas the men go with suit.

Holy Saturday On this day there is a very picturesque tradition in some peoples of Valencia. Antigüamente, the Christians could not bath during the Holy Week until Saturday. Because of it, when this day came, from the houses one was throwing water to the people who was going for the street.

On Sunday of Easter The day of Jesus' resurrection has many traditions all over the country. For example we have the "pintahuevos" of Jaen, in that from 1767 there make up eggs of different colors following the tradition of Europa's center. And also the puppets of straw that burn, in Badajoz. Or " The hallelujahs " in Ezcaray (La Rioja), when after the mass, the authorities (members of the government of the city) and the parson they throw candies and money from the balcony to the public inspectors.