March is a busy month this year. In fact, it is a busy month every year. It starts off early this year with pancake day. Although it is the day before the beginning of lent, and traditionally the day to use up any flour or eggs, it is a wonderful excuse to eat plenty of pancakes. The idea of partying on Shrove Tuesday happens in New Orleans and other places with Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) and sounds like fun. It is a both a Christian and Pagan celebration. The Pagan celebration was for spring and fertility. I have been to New Orleans but not at Mardi Gras time, and I saw how much the people there loved the idea of parties for any reason. The following day is Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. Lent isn’t solely about giving up chocolate and wine and the things we enjoy but about reflecting. Christians are encouraged to think about their relationship with God and their spiritual life in general, but it gives all of us a time to reflect on our lives and build on what is good and try and resolve the problem areas. Mothering Sunday is in the middle of Lent. Being a Mother I like the thought that my children are thinking of me and often visit or give presents. I love getting presents but the best present is when they visit of course. Visiting with a present is a real bonus! In March we also have a couple of saints days. St David’s day is on March 1st and St Patrick’s day on March 17th. Both days are celebrated but particularly St Patrick’s day. In my family we have an additional celebration. My husband has a birthday in March and although like a lot of men he dismisses it as not important, we insist it is celebrated. So even though most of March is in Lent we still have lots of celebrations to enjoy. This can be a bit difficult for Christians as Jesus was in the desert for Lent fighting with the Devil and so is serious. In other periods in the bible Jesus is shown to be enjoying himself at celebrations. His fist miracle was at a party, the wedding at Caanan when he changed water into wine. My ideal way for this March would be to celebrate Mardi Gras in New Orleans and then to pop back to reflect and improve during Lent. I can dream!
My book choice for this is Chocolat by Joanne Harris
God Bless
Maureen Kendall