FROM THE DESK OF Roland Rocchiccioli – April 18, 2019

In times past, Easter used to be about the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth and his resurrection from the dead. Not anymore – that is so yesterday!

THE Easter of my youth in Gwalia, in the Western Australian goldfields, was very different. Perhaps it had something to do the town being 60 per cent Italian, 20 per cent other Europeans, and the rest, British. With a population of about 500, it was, to all intents and purposes, an Italian village. Neither parent was particularly religious; however, they did encourage me, and my sister, to attend Mass, and we were given a religious education, typical of the 1950s and 60s. We were both sent away to secondary boarding school.

While it was not religious, there was a prevailing element of sombreness about Easter. We did not eat meat on Good Friday.

The confectionery Easter Eggs were wrapped in cellophane and lasted for months. One egg was normal; two a surprise. On Good Friday, many of the Catholic woman – mostly Italian – went to the Stations Of The Cross – a spiritual pilgrimage of Christ’s passion through contemplation – beginning at 3 o’clock, the hour when Jesus is believed to have died. Following Easter Sunday Mass, celebrating his resurrection, lunch was a feast – as it used to be in their villages back in the old country (Italy). It was the time of year when the family pet goat and lamb went missing. Apart from the traditional delights of lasagne, trifle, and tiramisu, there were pastries called corona di nove (nine crowns) which are baked in the form of a crown; capretto (kid/goat) baked with potatoes and rosemary; and agnello (lamb) which, usually, was turned on a spit. Always, my father made chicken risotto – preferring a rooster to a pullet. The Alesios were from Sicily and she made Easter lamb pies – a town favourite! From Bergamo came la Colomba, the traditional dove-shaped cake. The town came together. Now, none is left.
Easter is totally commercialised. It is about the Easter Bunny, Hot Cross Buns, and the accompanying four-day holiday.

Easter eggs are on sale for months before, and Hot Cross Buns from Boxing Day. In disbelief, I once called for the manager of a Cole’s supermarket. It was a thought-provoking encounter and possibly said more about me than it did about him. I asked, pointing: “What are these?” He stared for a moment, then said, as if I didn’t know: “Hot Cross Buns!” I gave him a look: “I can’t believe you’re selling them on Boxing Day,” I said. Again, he stared: “What do you mean?” It was obvious, from his look of puzzlement, the intent of my comment had gone over his head like a hairnet: “He was only born yesterday and you’re crucifying him today.” The callow youth stared – eyes turning like windmills. Clearly, he had no idea, or knowledge, of the Easter story, nor of its 2000-year influence on the Western world.

The AFL has long hankered for football on Good Friday. Justifiably, religious leaders are opposed. Easter is the most solemn of the Christian festivals and a sporting event on that day would suggest a decided lack of regard. It is not about believing, or even having a faith, but about the established traditions of Western civilisation; acknowledging what is important to other people, and paying due respect. Sadly, we have, in this computerised age, become oblivious to other people’s sensibilities, and their beliefs and cultures. Tolerance and respect are thought old-fashioned; and kindness and good manners a sign of weakness. To tear-down is easy; to build-up is more difficult. Let’s keep Good Friday as a day of quiet contemplation. God knows, we all need it.

Roland can be heard every Monday morning – 10.30 – on radio 3BA and contacted via [email protected].