Holy Week

Like Charleygirl, religion was killed for me too - not by the nuns (though they did their part) but by the priest who married us. He lied so blatantly, looking me in the eyes while doing so. It was a grave turning point for me.

Easter = Spring for me. It's that simple: Oestre was the pagan goddess of spring.

As a child, well, teenager, I found the Easter vigil at church (RC) moving as well. I wouldn't now but I'm happy for other people to celebrate Easter as they wish and as they understand it.

Just so long as they give me the same freedom of understanding and don't insist that it's only a Christian festival.

The same goes for all so-called Christian festivals that were appropriated from more ancient traditions and myths.

Hot cross buns, Easter eggs - yes - but I know what you mean about the shops being full of 'tat'.
Although an acquaintance used to decorate her home at Easter with very tasteful decorations that she had bought when she lived in the Netherlands.

For believers it is a hugely important time. When I was younger, I used to attend the Easter Vigil when the church was in almost darkness at the beginning and then aflame with candles after midnight. It was a massively moving experience with a great sense of community, comradeship and pure joy. I wouldn't want to deny the experience of painful distress about the Crucifixion and glorious exultancy about the Resurrection from anyone – I just don't fully share either of those emotions any more.

As for being kind or lovely – I think it should be a guiding principle in everything whatever time of year.

Just for the record, I love both hot cross buns and roast lamb, so still enjoy some Easter traditions.

Anniebach From what you have said, am I right in thinking you are no longer "chapel" but now attend the established church.

I'm not religious but I do dislike the way every religious festival now has to be so commercialised. There are shelves and shelves of Easter "tat" in the supermarkets.

I think everybody should do their best to be pleasant, reasonable and respectful, irrespective of whether they follow a particular religion. (It is difficult sometimes though).

Can you not keep vigil for a short while anniebach?
Then go and rejoice on Easter Sunday?
I always think Easter Sunday hymns are joyous

It is no good getting yourself all upset.

Don't be distressed Annie, no one would want that. You just need to do what is right for you x

Lynnie, every year I mutter never again, but I know I must , being distressed for three hours cannot be compared to the pain that first good Friday , it doesn't help that one of our stained glass windows depicts Our Lady at the foot of the cross ,

I was brought up in the baptist church, every good Friday meant a recital of The Messiah , I loved it and have always missed it

Ah, it's difficult sometimes isn't it ? Don't be hard on yourself, if it upsets you so much don't go my love

Palm Sunday. I used to love getting that cross from Sunday School and wish I had kept them, hope that the DGD have received one each today.

Unfortunately I failed this year in my Lent abstinence from chocolate and ate a bar of chocolate the other week when I felt down.

I try whitewave but regrettably I often fail.

Yes I am ok Lynnie thank you X I do find Holy Week a deeply emotional week , I confess church on Good Friday is agony for me

Hope you are OK Annie x

So much passive aggression.... To answer the OP, I am Catholic and Easter is a very important time - you know, new starts and all that malarkey

That should be KBO - I'm getting tired

Oh annie do what I do. If it seems to be getting personal totally ignore it. It doesn't matter really. Us loony lefties must stick together and CBO!

penstemmon has it in a nutshell.
I assume the exhortation to be "lovely" was tongue in cheek
Tolerant, fair and reasonable would be a good starting point, and not just for Holy Week.

I do attend church but find it very difficult to hold back on some topics , in fact I sometimes fail and at times leave the forum in tears

Sorry it is another week in my life. I only discovered a few days ago that Easter is next weekend. The nuns killed religion for me.

You've got it!!!!

Well I don't go to church but I think we should always be lovely to each other,even if we disagree about issues. Argue the point not the person!

Yes annie I think all posters should be lovely to one another on Gransnet just for the one week.