Lenten Traditions

Host Bee on Friday, March 2nd, 2007

Special Lenten Traditions to Share with your Family

Lent is the most solemn season in the Christian faith and sometimes this can be a daunting thought, especially if you are trying to communicate this to your children! Recently, I’ve come across some very charming and common place symbols that effectively explain Lenten themes. Please consider sharing these ideas with your family!

The Pretzel!

Who knew? Lent has long been a time of fasting and in the fourth century, Christians even prohibited milk, cream, cheese, eggs and meat! With not much else to work with, they made small breads of wheat and salt and formed them in the shape of crossed arms, as if in prayer. The three sections of the bread represented the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. These breads, originally called “bracellae,” are today’s modern pretzel!

A Dogwood Branch!

The legend surrounding the Dogwood tree states that during Jesus’ time, the Dogwood was a tall, sturdy tree and underneath its branches, many would rest and pray. It was the wood of the Dogwood tree that was chosen for the cross. Jesus sensed the pity of the tree and promised that the tree would never suffer this fate again. It is said that from that day on, the Dogwood tree grew slender and crooked. Its blossoms are cross shaped and their center is similar to a crown of thorns.

Hot Cross Buns!

During this time of year, these pastries are very common. I saw these treats recently at my local Quick Check, baked by Entemans no less! The significance of these baked goods dates back to about forever when Druid spring festivals used the icing cross to symbolize the four seasons. Later, it was believed that if these buns were eaten on Good Friday, your home would be protected from fire!

Eggs!

Just how did it happen that eggs play such an important role in our Easter celebrations? Well, just look back to 604 A.D. when Pope Gregory eliminated eggs from the Lenten diet. This was all well and good, but even the Pope could not stop hens from laying eggs! And so, when Easter finally arrived, mountains of eggs had been stockpiled for weeks, giving way to decorated eggs, eggs to be eaten, hardboiled eggs, eggs rolled by children, whipped into cakes, and more!

Sometimes in our hurried preparations for special celebrations, we lose the focus of what the holiday is all about. I hope that you’ve enjoyed this trip through time and have found some special thoughts to share with your family!

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Tags: Lent with children, Lenten ideas, suggestions, traditions, Lent