PREPARING FOR EASTER A TRADITION THROUGH AGES

A second look at books and magazines of the early 20th century shows what great changes have taken place, not only in Southeast Missouri but in the world. Almost everything has changed, although not always for the better. Brushing aside that which is distasteful, the preparation for Easter and the welcoming of spring are calendar and household events of prime importance.

Southeast Missouri awakens to the arrival of spring early. The jonquils and daffodils appear in March, and for that reason throughout the South they are called March flowers. They grow wild in Southeast Missouri and thrive on hillsides that have southern exposure. The Mississippi River and all streams, both large and small, seem to flow faster in spring, appearing to have new energy. The sky appears bluer, and each day flocks of different birds are seen taking advantage of food available in new, tree and grass growth as they stop along their spring migration northward. They remain only a short time, but since some of their flight patterns cross Cape Girardeau, many individuals have become interested in bird watching and have joined local ornithology groups.

While nature assumes the regal air of spring, the American household, under the constant reminding of mother, prepares for a general transition called spring house cleaning. This comes about every spring, and has for centuries in many countries as well as the United States. It also prevails in a less drastic form prior to Christmas.

When the 20th century began, spring house cleaning was a back- breaking chore that became less work when electricity was installed in homes. The entire family usually participated to help the process move faster, and later to share in the pride of a clean house for Easter, in keeping with, "A clean house is a way to godliness."

Before electric appliances were invented, cleaning rugs and rug pads the solutions required to wash woodwork and polish furniture, and to stretch heavy Brussels lace and Point d'Angleterre curtains on pin curtain stretchers were tasks that took not only time and energy but patience. Window washing inside and out was never easy, and could be dangerous.

The freshly washed crystals on chandeliers of gas or electric were always so attractive after being washed that they made the ordeal of cleaning worthwhile. When spring house cleaning ended a family rejoiced. Today, preparing a house for Easter and the coming days of spring and summer, is not as stressful. Now new cleaning appliances and cleaning soaps, oils and polish as well as materials and styles of furniture, enable houses and apartments to be kept in order and clean without a general overhauling.

As soon as the house cleaning ended, spring sewing began. The family members almost always had new clothes to wear to church on Easter. That included a new hat and often gloves and a purse for all the girls, and hats, a new tie, and a new suit for the males. Years ago men were not as designer conscious as they are today.

After the house, yard and the clothes were in order, invitations were extended to family members who lived nearby to join in a large reunion dinner following Easter church service. Special recipes of long-standing from a family cookbook were used. The Easter ham and chicken were cooked in special sauce with a glaze, and eggs-a-la-goldenrod and certain garden spring vegetables were served. The white rabbit cake and the East lamb cake with coconut icing were baked. Eggs were dyed for Easter baskets, and later for Easter egg hunts in the yard. Often baby chickens, whose feathers were tinted, and baby rabbits were among the children's surprises. There were not as many Easter toys years ago as there are today in stores, but the peppermint Kewpie doll was a big hit with children, especially girls. Busy Bee Candy Co. made them and shipped them from their store in St. Louis. The candy Kewpie was just like the bisque doll created by Rose O'Neill.

During the pre-Easter preparations in homes, as much was taking place in churches as youths joined during first communion services. This phase will be addressed in a following bicentennial story.