Time to reminisce about distinctly Caribbean Easter traditions – The Philadelphia Tribune

Back in the Caribbean Easter is a very festive but sacred time of year. There are many Christian celebrations to commemorate the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is also the time that people dedicate themselves to fasting and prayer for faith renewal.

As we celebrate Easter 2017 it is important that as followers of Jesus Christ we recognize the impartation of spiritual power that is available to us through His death, burial and resurrection. If we are open to receive this spiritual power, it can give us the courage and the fortitude to hold our heads high here is this country (our new homeland) to lead our families to reach great heights and not lose touch with the importance of God in our lives. It can encourage us to continue to participate in a broken political system that is now blaming immigrants for many of the problems in America.

Will you walk out of your place of worship this Easter Sunday with a renewed mind that models a Christ-like spirit? Do you believe you already have the power to overcome the pain that results from unfair treatment because of your Caribbean heritage? Do you believe you now have the power to encourage your child who is being bullied at school because of his or her accent? Will you use your power in a nonviolent way and rise above lifes challenges? Will you heed your call to help another person in need starting right here in the United States or will you continue on the path of me, myself and I?

Easter is also a time when Caribbean people spend time with their family and friends by engaging in traditional activities. Regardless of the fact that island activities vary, many of them take place at the beach. In St. Vincent & the Grenadines, for example, some people may participate or be a spectator to the Bequia Easter Regatta. The Bequia Easter Regatta is a sailboat race wherein participants attempt to create perfect harmony with boat, wind and sail. There is also beach activities for the spectators.

In Grenada, holy week celebrations include Semana Santa. This unique celebration is associated with the floats of thrones involving historical religious icons. For example, there is the procession of El Silencio and El Cristo de los Gitanos. In Trinidad and Tobago there are observances on Good Friday, Glorious Saturday, Easter Sunday, followed by Easter Monday. Easter Monday is usually the Buccoo goat and blue crab races. It is said that this is a time when participants can play with their food before eating it. Blue crabs are placed on a straight line drawn in the beach sand. Participants get very excited as they cheer their blue crabs on to the finish line. After the poor creatures have completed this final task they end up on their coachs plates as a yummy meal.

While we reminisce about traditions in our island homelands, many of you may not have the luxury of a weekday off during the Easter season. However, most people do have the weekend off! Take the time to teach your children about the reason why we celebrate Easter. It is not all about the new clothes, Easter baskets and the Easter Bunny. Go to church. Instill the Caribbean culture in them. Teach them traditions. Make a quick run to the Caribbean market and treat them to some bun and cheese or hot cross buns. Escovitch some red snappers so that they can enjoy the traditional foods. It will perk you up and temporarily fill the void that homesickness brings.

This Easter let us go beyond the norm and connect with those individuals who are engaged in service to others following the examples of Jesus Christ. As we tell our Sunday School Students, Be Jesus Followers.

Upcoming events

Team Jamaica Bickle: Penn Relays are April 26-29. The Team Jamaica Bickle organization provides support for athletes from different parts of the Caribbean. The Philadelphia Organizing Committee invites you to the 23rd Annual Fundraising Reception and awards ceremony on Thursday at the PECO Energy Building located at 2301 Market St. from 6-9 p.m.

Our Athletes, Our Ambassadors: There is also a Community Forum that will take place on Thursday, April 27 at Calvary Baptist Church located at 6122 Haverford Ave. The Rev. Garth Gittens is the pastor.

Continue reading here:

Time to reminisce about distinctly Caribbean Easter traditions - The Philadelphia Tribune