Tinsel paper a precious treasure and memory from Easter eggs

Isn’t it amazing to think next week we will be celebrating Easter, an event which happened over 2000 years ago!

Perhaps, if we are Christians, celebrating is not the right word to use. How can we celebrate something as gruesome as dying from being crucified on a cross?

While the crucifixion is central to the Easter story, as Christians, the celebration part of the story is in the resurrection - almost more incredible than the death of Jesus.

In 2010 I was fortunate to be able to see the Passion Play in Oberammergau. This was an experience I will never forget. It was so realistic I could have been there 2000 years ago.

Easter can be simply a time to celebrate a few days of holiday from the usual workaday life, but the Easter message and commemoration of something that happened so long ago will never be lost in passing pleasure. The importance of Easter is why it has endured over the centuries.

Ok, the commercial world of today has cashed in on folklore and fanciful fun by promoting and selling an amazing range of products that entice and allure.

Easter bunnies and Easter eggs must be the source of untold millions. I admit my sweet tooth loves nothing better than a big chocolate egg. An Easter bunny is far nicer than an ordinary cake of chocolate!

I have another weakness too. I love the brightly coloured tinsel paper they wrap up Easter chocolate goodies in.

When I was a child Easter eggs were out of the budget of an ordinary family but even then, they were wrapped in pretty tinsel paper. If we were fortunate enough to get an Easter egg, the tinsel wrapping was as precious as the eggs had been. We carefully straightened it out and kept it in our treasure boxes.

I have another memory of tinsel paper. At harvest time we would save a few stalks of oats and then use a little tinsel paper to cover the tiny oak seeds at the top. These delicate little posies were put in a vase, like flowers, to brighten the winter months.

Children of today would probably not understand what I mean by tinsel oat flowers but the thought still brings a smile to my face.

This year, I am going to make sure I get an Easter egg and keep the tinsel paper.

Next harvest, I can make fresh tinsel memory flowers to keep me smiling on grey winter days.