'Immigrant'
Does that make you proud?
Does that make you enthusiastic about your future?
Does that make to want to reach out and kiss the sky?
Why not I ask, why does it not tickle the bottom of your heart, after all, did you not look forward to a new life, a great country and a blossoming future?
Canada, a country of immigrants, men women children who left their homes to come here to help build a strong nation and a fantastic future not just for them but for generations to come.
You meet someone on the street or in the pub and ask so where are you from? and they say, 'we are Canadians', our grand parents came from India several generations ago. Came they did, with foresight with ambition but as 'Immigrants'.
However do their grand children call themselves 'immigrants' oh! no more, they are proud to be Canadians.
So why the shyness around the word 'Immigrant'. Let me share the vision with you.
Europe, plagued by a great depression and falling economic state in the late 1800's made man sit up and think. We have nothing happening for us here they thought but we have heard about this great land across the seas where nature is at its best, green fertile land, lakes and streams and abundance of timber. It is said a mere 3 months journey by sea and 65% survive the journey so let us take the chance.
Selling all their meager belongings to pay for the journey, these families set asail for their New England, New France or New Scotland as they dream't about.
The journey was difficult, the sea was fierce and the food was unpleasant but 65% did make it. raggedy, tired, hungry, poor and spent they landed, our forefathers - THE IMMIGRANTS.
But time has a changed, life has a moved on and air tickets come online.
No longer are spent men women and children landing upon Canada's shores - tired, raggedy and poor. Instead, Rich in experiences, rich in skills and rich in wealth - these are today's new 'Immigrants'.
They are here to help build the future, to meet Canada's demand for economic growth, here to support what Canada is known as - 'The worlds best place to Live'. What a position to be in and what a honor for Canada however it will be upheld by whom?
The future is ours - Yes it is - it belongs to the new 'immigrants'
So why are we yet termed as immigrants, time has come to make the change, a change that brings enthusiasm, excitement, vision and a great journey ahead.
We are the 'Future Citizens' of Canada and so we are best termed as that today.
Jason Kenney, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, do hear my say for it brings visions for a future that is waiting. Waiting for every Future Citizen.
Would you agree?
-----------------------------
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Thursday, April 3, 2008
The Corporate Trellis
Climbing your way to the Top?
- By Gautam Nath
Think you know the way, look again.
While we were youngsters we all dreamed about rope ladders and tree houses and during the rainy days stayed indoors and played snakes and ladders.
Did we grow out of that?
No, not really, it’s just that our ladders got redefined. From snakes and ladders, we now played on the corporate ladder.
It was our management school professors who told us all about corporate life and that is why we studied hard each year as we worked to score good marks and join the corporate rat race.
Those were the easy days, the corporate ladder would stare you in the face and you would strive hard each year to go up the next rung.
The Corporate ladder was steep, you would run into the occasional snake and falter but it was clear. The way forward was up.
Then life changed, the ladder disappeared and your corporate race changed its rules.
The way forward is no longer up, the way forward is no longer using the ladder, but the way forward is now dictated by, what I coin, ‘The Corporate Trellis’.
Yes, you heard me right, the corporate race today is not on the ladder but has been replaced by ‘The Trellis’. The way forward is sideways.
Corporates hire and value cross department exposure and this is fast becoming the HR department’s new toy to play with. How you move using ‘The Corporate Trellis’ dictates when you will reach the top. This cross-functional movement brings fresh energy and innovativeness hitherto much sought after into the Boardroom.
A.G. Lafley, CEO of Proctor and Gamble, mentions that “I learned to think, to communicate, to lead, to get things done.”
Jim Collins in his book From Good to Great was one of the first to dispel the myth that successful leaders rise to the top because they are naturally out going. More often, leading CEO’s are humble and introverted.
What is important is to be able to put yourself in the others shoes and how better than having had experience working in various different departments of the organisation. This lateral movement also means that you do not have to wait for your boss to move up or move out before you progress. ‘The Trellis’ brings with it, this great opportunity and more and more senior executives are now crawling all over it.
“If you’ve not been there, how can you understand it yet alone lead it”, said one management guru.
Once seen as solely the Marketing domain, today how many companies we know are led by people from the Finance Stream or the Human Resources or Operations Stream.
Edward Neville Isdell, Chairman and CEO of the Coca-Cola Company spent half his career on the Bottling side of the business. Before joining Coca Cola, he ran his own investment company in Barbados.
Before joining Pepsi as senior vice president of strategic planning, Indra Nooyi worked in strategy-oriented executive positions at Asea Brown Boveri, Motorola Inc. and the Boston Consulting Group. Today she sits proud as the Chairperson and CEO at PepsiCo and in her travel up the Corporate Trellis, has held the portfolio of Chief Financial Officer.
David Lowden, CEO of TNS PLC, the leading provider of market information and business insights, took on this role coming from a Finance Background, as the Group Finance Director.
So throw away the notion of the corporate ladder and bring in the concept of ‘The Corporate Trellis. This relieves boredom, ensures sustained retention, gives many executives a way forward and creates managers who are more aware and with far greater perspective.
So remember the way forward is sideways.
The Author is Executive Director, TNS India.
- By Gautam Nath
Think you know the way, look again.
While we were youngsters we all dreamed about rope ladders and tree houses and during the rainy days stayed indoors and played snakes and ladders.
Did we grow out of that?
No, not really, it’s just that our ladders got redefined. From snakes and ladders, we now played on the corporate ladder.
It was our management school professors who told us all about corporate life and that is why we studied hard each year as we worked to score good marks and join the corporate rat race.
Those were the easy days, the corporate ladder would stare you in the face and you would strive hard each year to go up the next rung.
The Corporate ladder was steep, you would run into the occasional snake and falter but it was clear. The way forward was up.
Then life changed, the ladder disappeared and your corporate race changed its rules.
The way forward is no longer up, the way forward is no longer using the ladder, but the way forward is now dictated by, what I coin, ‘The Corporate Trellis’.
Yes, you heard me right, the corporate race today is not on the ladder but has been replaced by ‘The Trellis’. The way forward is sideways.
Corporates hire and value cross department exposure and this is fast becoming the HR department’s new toy to play with. How you move using ‘The Corporate Trellis’ dictates when you will reach the top. This cross-functional movement brings fresh energy and innovativeness hitherto much sought after into the Boardroom.
A.G. Lafley, CEO of Proctor and Gamble, mentions that “I learned to think, to communicate, to lead, to get things done.”
Jim Collins in his book From Good to Great was one of the first to dispel the myth that successful leaders rise to the top because they are naturally out going. More often, leading CEO’s are humble and introverted.
What is important is to be able to put yourself in the others shoes and how better than having had experience working in various different departments of the organisation. This lateral movement also means that you do not have to wait for your boss to move up or move out before you progress. ‘The Trellis’ brings with it, this great opportunity and more and more senior executives are now crawling all over it.
“If you’ve not been there, how can you understand it yet alone lead it”, said one management guru.
Once seen as solely the Marketing domain, today how many companies we know are led by people from the Finance Stream or the Human Resources or Operations Stream.
Edward Neville Isdell, Chairman and CEO of the Coca-Cola Company spent half his career on the Bottling side of the business. Before joining Coca Cola, he ran his own investment company in Barbados.
Before joining Pepsi as senior vice president of strategic planning, Indra Nooyi worked in strategy-oriented executive positions at Asea Brown Boveri, Motorola Inc. and the Boston Consulting Group. Today she sits proud as the Chairperson and CEO at PepsiCo and in her travel up the Corporate Trellis, has held the portfolio of Chief Financial Officer.
David Lowden, CEO of TNS PLC, the leading provider of market information and business insights, took on this role coming from a Finance Background, as the Group Finance Director.
So throw away the notion of the corporate ladder and bring in the concept of ‘The Corporate Trellis. This relieves boredom, ensures sustained retention, gives many executives a way forward and creates managers who are more aware and with far greater perspective.
So remember the way forward is sideways.
The Author is Executive Director, TNS India.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Easter
Easter Celebrations across the Globe- By Gautam Nath
HAPPY EASTER TO ALL,
Have you ever wondered how this day is celebratedover the globe while we attend our church service onthis day and spend it together with near and dearones.Come on a journey with us to find out.Our travel first takes us North bound into theRussian Republic and their beautiful city of Moscow.The USSR as it was called earlier did not recognisethe Christian faith and many wonderful churcheswere let to ruin but since independence, Russia has reached back its glory to the Christian faith andcelebrates Easter with great pomp and glory.The Russian Paschal salutation "Khristos Voskrese!"or "Christ is Risen!," a statement that could landbelievers in prison in Soviet times, has beenreverberating through Moscow's churches wheremost of the spiritual music is being performed aswell as in concert halls like the Great Hall of theMoscow Conservatory and the Tchaikovsky ConcertHall on Mayakovsky Square, where a galaperformance of all the choral ensembles was held onTuesday. In all churches special Easter Services take place all night through. At midnight people kiss each other,exchange painted Easter eggs and exclaim: "Christ hasbeen resurrected!“And as the weeks draw down to Easter Sunday, Parisianchocolatiers work triple-overtime filling their shops witha glorious array of delectable chocolates made only forthis special season.And off we go, across Europe, to theromantic city of lovers, no not Venice but Paree. Yes the city where romance flowsin the air.Notre Dame de Paris is a day ofremembrance (in particular Good Friday,when traditionally from 12:30 to 3 pm is the time reserved to remember Christ. Tempting chocolates are everywhere …in the patisseries, the specialitychocolatiers and in those sweet littlecandy shops called confiseres, whichstock candies from all over Franceincluding copious selections ofchocolates.Indeed, a gift of chocolate at Easter is an absolute mustfor friends and family of all ages. Not surprisingly, thevast selection available in the French capital goes waybeyond adorable bunnies and chicks. The offeringsinclude the very traditional dark-chocolate fish of varioussizes, including the darling ‘friture,’ tiny dark chocolatefish often packed into straw baskets or chocolate boxesso that they resemble a school of delicious little fish.Then there are chocolates shaped like bells symbolizingthe ringing out of the good news on Easter, along withgoblets, crosses and scallop shells, the symbol of St.James. Add to this bounty all manner of flavored andpure chocolate eggs in various sizes and a fantasy arrayof chocolate animals such as donkeys, elephants,camels, rabbits, bunnies, chicks, ducks and geese.With our sweet tooth satiated, we went to Prague, TheCzech Republic, as it is known today.Prague is one of the mot picturesque cities in the worldand where one can spend days just walking about thestreets enjoying the beautiful architecture. Although theGermans destroyed many of the buildings in the WorldWar, they have been painstakingly rebuilt into its gloryof the past.One Easter tradition is pagan CzechEaster celebration is the "pomlazka".Farmers used to believe that a strongwhipping after the winter periodguaranteed health, prosperity, andmost importantly a good harvest.This tradition remains to this day, although slightlymodified. It is only the women who are given a goodspanking with whips made of willow twigs, decoratedwith colourful ribbons (as if a little bit of decorationwould help to ease the pain!). It is mainly younger boyswho go from door to door, hoping to thrash a few girls toget some eggs in return, while singing traditional Eastercarols.The whipping or "pomlazka" is to get rid of all the badthings that had accumulated during the winter andbring the vitality back in the ladies, as well as ensurebeauty and, of course, fertility.Soon we flew up into Scotland, the land of castles andwhisky.There are the traditionalEaster Feasts andchurch on EasterSunday and the daysleading up to Pasch(Easter) or Càisg (inScottish Gaelic). Inolden days there werethose who lit huge fires to celebrate the beginning ofspring and the end of winter.There is an old Scots rhyme that is taught to childrenthat goes like this:First comes Candlemass,Syne the new mune;The neist Tyseday aifter thatIs aye Fester Een.That mune ootAn the neist mune fou,The neist mune aifter thatIs aye Pasch true.Another Scottish tradition involving the Easter Season isMaundy Thursday. It is also called “Holy Thursday”. It isto commemorate the day when Christ washed the feetof His disciples. Maundy Thursday custom dates backto the Middle Ages.The Friday before Easter is Good Friday, or Di-haoinena Ceusa (that is how it is written in Scottish Gaelic)was also known as Crucifixion Friday. In the 1800’s itwas believed that no iron spade or plough should beput in the ground. It was also tradition that the bandfrom the spinning wheel should be removed so itcould not be used to bind Christ's hands and feet. Easter Celebrations across the Globe- By Gautam NathHAPPY EASTER TO ALL,Have you ever wondered how this day is celebratedover the globe while we attend our church service onthis day and spend it together with near and dearones.Come on a journey with us to find out.Our travel first takes us North bound into theRussian Republic and their beautiful city of Moscow.The USSR as it was called earlier did not recognisethe Christian faith and many wonderful churcheswere let to ruin but since independence, Russia hasreached back its glory to the Christian faith andcelebrates Easter with great pomp and glory.The Russian Paschal salutation "Khristos Voskrese!"or "Christ is Risen!," a statement that could landbelievers in prison in Soviet times, has beenreverberating through Moscow's churches wheremost of the spiritual music is being performed aswell as in concert halls like the Great Hall of theMoscow Conservatory and the Tchaikovsky ConcertHall on Mayakovsky Square, where a galaperformance of all the choral ensembles was held onTuesday.In all churches special Easter Services take place allnight through. At midnight people kiss each other,exchange painted Easter eggs and exclaim: "Christ hasbeen resurrected!“And as the weeks draw down to Easter Sunday, Parisianchocolatiers work triple-overtime filling their shops witha glorious array of delectable chocolates made only forthis special season.And off we go, across Europe, to theromantic city of lovers, no not Venice butParee. Yes the city where romance flowsin the air.Notre Dame de Paris is a day ofremembrance (in particular Good Friday,when traditionally from 12:30 to 3 pm isthe time reserved to remember Christ.Tempting chocolates are everywhere …in the patisseries, the specialitychocolatiers and in those sweet littlecandy shops called confiseres, whichstock candies from all over Franceincluding copious selections ofchocolates.Indeed, a gift of chocolate at Easter is an absolute mustfor friends and family of all ages. Not surprisingly, thevast selection available in the French capital goes waybeyond adorable bunnies and chicks. The offeringsinclude the very traditional dark-chocolate fish of varioussizes, including the darling ‘friture,’ tiny dark chocolatefish often packed into straw baskets or chocolate boxesso that they resemble a school of delicious little fish.Then there are chocolates shaped like bells symbolizingthe ringing out of the good news on Easter, along withgoblets, crosses and scallop shells, the symbol of St.James. Add to this bounty all manner of flavored andpure chocolate eggs in various sizes and a fantasy arrayof chocolate animals such as donkeys, elephants,camels, rabbits, bunnies, chicks, ducks and geese.With our sweet tooth satiated, we went to Prague, TheCzech Republic, as it is known today.Prague is one of the mot picturesque cities in the worldand where one can spend days just walking about thestreets enjoying the beautiful architecture. Although theGermans destroyed many of the buildings in the WorldWar, they have been painstakingly rebuilt into its gloryof the past.One Easter tradition is pagan CzechEaster celebration is the "pomlazka".Farmers used to believe that a strongwhipping after the winter periodguaranteed health, prosperity, andmost importantly a good harvest.This tradition remains to this day, although slightlymodified. It is only the women who are given a goodspanking with whips made of willow twigs, decoratedwith colourful ribbons (as if a little bit of decorationwould help to ease the pain!). It is mainly younger boyswho go from door to door, hoping to thrash a few girls toget some eggs in return, while singing traditional Eastercarols.The whipping or "pomlazka" is to get rid of all the badthings that had accumulated during the winter andbring the vitality back in the ladies, as well as ensurebeauty and, of course, fertility.Soon we flew up into Scotland, the land of castles andwhisky.There are the traditionalEaster Feasts andchurch on EasterSunday and the daysleading up to Pasch(Easter) or Càisg (inScottish Gaelic). Inolden days there werethose who lit huge fires to celebrate the beginning ofspring and the end of winter.There is an old Scots rhyme that is taught to childrenthat goes like this:First comes Candlemass,Syne the new mune;The neist Tyseday aifter thatIs aye Fester Een.That mune ootAn the neist mune fou,The neist mune aifter thatIs aye Pasch true.Another Scottish tradition involving the Easter Season isMaundy Thursday. It is also called “Holy Thursday”. It isto commemorate the day when Christ washed the feetof His disciples. Maundy Thursday custom dates backto the Middle Ages.The Friday before Easter is Good Friday, or Di-haoinena Ceusa (that is how it is written in Scottish Gaelic)was also known as Crucifixion Friday. In the 1800’s itwas believed that no iron spade or plough should beput in the ground. It was also tradition that the bandfrom the spinning wheel should be removed so itcould not be used to bind Christ's hands and feet. Lastly another tradition in Scotland involving Easter is the 'hot crossbuns', which are baked and containspices and fruit. These buns are then“glazed” with white pastry cross.They have been a symbol of GoodFriday and in the past were madefresh and served on Good Friday and throughout the weekend.
And having had our fill of Europe, if there could be such a term, we crossed the Atlantic and were soonlanding at Pearson International Airport.
Yes, Toronto. Canada, a land of immigrants, celebrates Easter in many different ways according to the community youare staying with, Polish, Greek, Indian, Chinese all have something unique according to their culture.
But that’s another story for another day.
HAPPY EASTER TO ALL.
HAPPY EASTER TO ALL,
Have you ever wondered how this day is celebratedover the globe while we attend our church service onthis day and spend it together with near and dearones.Come on a journey with us to find out.Our travel first takes us North bound into theRussian Republic and their beautiful city of Moscow.The USSR as it was called earlier did not recognisethe Christian faith and many wonderful churcheswere let to ruin but since independence, Russia has reached back its glory to the Christian faith andcelebrates Easter with great pomp and glory.The Russian Paschal salutation "Khristos Voskrese!"or "Christ is Risen!," a statement that could landbelievers in prison in Soviet times, has beenreverberating through Moscow's churches wheremost of the spiritual music is being performed aswell as in concert halls like the Great Hall of theMoscow Conservatory and the Tchaikovsky ConcertHall on Mayakovsky Square, where a galaperformance of all the choral ensembles was held onTuesday. In all churches special Easter Services take place all night through. At midnight people kiss each other,exchange painted Easter eggs and exclaim: "Christ hasbeen resurrected!“And as the weeks draw down to Easter Sunday, Parisianchocolatiers work triple-overtime filling their shops witha glorious array of delectable chocolates made only forthis special season.And off we go, across Europe, to theromantic city of lovers, no not Venice but Paree. Yes the city where romance flowsin the air.Notre Dame de Paris is a day ofremembrance (in particular Good Friday,when traditionally from 12:30 to 3 pm is the time reserved to remember Christ. Tempting chocolates are everywhere …in the patisseries, the specialitychocolatiers and in those sweet littlecandy shops called confiseres, whichstock candies from all over Franceincluding copious selections ofchocolates.Indeed, a gift of chocolate at Easter is an absolute mustfor friends and family of all ages. Not surprisingly, thevast selection available in the French capital goes waybeyond adorable bunnies and chicks. The offeringsinclude the very traditional dark-chocolate fish of varioussizes, including the darling ‘friture,’ tiny dark chocolatefish often packed into straw baskets or chocolate boxesso that they resemble a school of delicious little fish.Then there are chocolates shaped like bells symbolizingthe ringing out of the good news on Easter, along withgoblets, crosses and scallop shells, the symbol of St.James. Add to this bounty all manner of flavored andpure chocolate eggs in various sizes and a fantasy arrayof chocolate animals such as donkeys, elephants,camels, rabbits, bunnies, chicks, ducks and geese.With our sweet tooth satiated, we went to Prague, TheCzech Republic, as it is known today.Prague is one of the mot picturesque cities in the worldand where one can spend days just walking about thestreets enjoying the beautiful architecture. Although theGermans destroyed many of the buildings in the WorldWar, they have been painstakingly rebuilt into its gloryof the past.One Easter tradition is pagan CzechEaster celebration is the "pomlazka".Farmers used to believe that a strongwhipping after the winter periodguaranteed health, prosperity, andmost importantly a good harvest.This tradition remains to this day, although slightlymodified. It is only the women who are given a goodspanking with whips made of willow twigs, decoratedwith colourful ribbons (as if a little bit of decorationwould help to ease the pain!). It is mainly younger boyswho go from door to door, hoping to thrash a few girls toget some eggs in return, while singing traditional Eastercarols.The whipping or "pomlazka" is to get rid of all the badthings that had accumulated during the winter andbring the vitality back in the ladies, as well as ensurebeauty and, of course, fertility.Soon we flew up into Scotland, the land of castles andwhisky.There are the traditionalEaster Feasts andchurch on EasterSunday and the daysleading up to Pasch(Easter) or Càisg (inScottish Gaelic). Inolden days there werethose who lit huge fires to celebrate the beginning ofspring and the end of winter.There is an old Scots rhyme that is taught to childrenthat goes like this:First comes Candlemass,Syne the new mune;The neist Tyseday aifter thatIs aye Fester Een.That mune ootAn the neist mune fou,The neist mune aifter thatIs aye Pasch true.Another Scottish tradition involving the Easter Season isMaundy Thursday. It is also called “Holy Thursday”. It isto commemorate the day when Christ washed the feetof His disciples. Maundy Thursday custom dates backto the Middle Ages.The Friday before Easter is Good Friday, or Di-haoinena Ceusa (that is how it is written in Scottish Gaelic)was also known as Crucifixion Friday. In the 1800’s itwas believed that no iron spade or plough should beput in the ground. It was also tradition that the bandfrom the spinning wheel should be removed so itcould not be used to bind Christ's hands and feet. Easter Celebrations across the Globe- By Gautam NathHAPPY EASTER TO ALL,Have you ever wondered how this day is celebratedover the globe while we attend our church service onthis day and spend it together with near and dearones.Come on a journey with us to find out.Our travel first takes us North bound into theRussian Republic and their beautiful city of Moscow.The USSR as it was called earlier did not recognisethe Christian faith and many wonderful churcheswere let to ruin but since independence, Russia hasreached back its glory to the Christian faith andcelebrates Easter with great pomp and glory.The Russian Paschal salutation "Khristos Voskrese!"or "Christ is Risen!," a statement that could landbelievers in prison in Soviet times, has beenreverberating through Moscow's churches wheremost of the spiritual music is being performed aswell as in concert halls like the Great Hall of theMoscow Conservatory and the Tchaikovsky ConcertHall on Mayakovsky Square, where a galaperformance of all the choral ensembles was held onTuesday.In all churches special Easter Services take place allnight through. At midnight people kiss each other,exchange painted Easter eggs and exclaim: "Christ hasbeen resurrected!“And as the weeks draw down to Easter Sunday, Parisianchocolatiers work triple-overtime filling their shops witha glorious array of delectable chocolates made only forthis special season.And off we go, across Europe, to theromantic city of lovers, no not Venice butParee. Yes the city where romance flowsin the air.Notre Dame de Paris is a day ofremembrance (in particular Good Friday,when traditionally from 12:30 to 3 pm isthe time reserved to remember Christ.Tempting chocolates are everywhere …in the patisseries, the specialitychocolatiers and in those sweet littlecandy shops called confiseres, whichstock candies from all over Franceincluding copious selections ofchocolates.Indeed, a gift of chocolate at Easter is an absolute mustfor friends and family of all ages. Not surprisingly, thevast selection available in the French capital goes waybeyond adorable bunnies and chicks. The offeringsinclude the very traditional dark-chocolate fish of varioussizes, including the darling ‘friture,’ tiny dark chocolatefish often packed into straw baskets or chocolate boxesso that they resemble a school of delicious little fish.Then there are chocolates shaped like bells symbolizingthe ringing out of the good news on Easter, along withgoblets, crosses and scallop shells, the symbol of St.James. Add to this bounty all manner of flavored andpure chocolate eggs in various sizes and a fantasy arrayof chocolate animals such as donkeys, elephants,camels, rabbits, bunnies, chicks, ducks and geese.With our sweet tooth satiated, we went to Prague, TheCzech Republic, as it is known today.Prague is one of the mot picturesque cities in the worldand where one can spend days just walking about thestreets enjoying the beautiful architecture. Although theGermans destroyed many of the buildings in the WorldWar, they have been painstakingly rebuilt into its gloryof the past.One Easter tradition is pagan CzechEaster celebration is the "pomlazka".Farmers used to believe that a strongwhipping after the winter periodguaranteed health, prosperity, andmost importantly a good harvest.This tradition remains to this day, although slightlymodified. It is only the women who are given a goodspanking with whips made of willow twigs, decoratedwith colourful ribbons (as if a little bit of decorationwould help to ease the pain!). It is mainly younger boyswho go from door to door, hoping to thrash a few girls toget some eggs in return, while singing traditional Eastercarols.The whipping or "pomlazka" is to get rid of all the badthings that had accumulated during the winter andbring the vitality back in the ladies, as well as ensurebeauty and, of course, fertility.Soon we flew up into Scotland, the land of castles andwhisky.There are the traditionalEaster Feasts andchurch on EasterSunday and the daysleading up to Pasch(Easter) or Càisg (inScottish Gaelic). Inolden days there werethose who lit huge fires to celebrate the beginning ofspring and the end of winter.There is an old Scots rhyme that is taught to childrenthat goes like this:First comes Candlemass,Syne the new mune;The neist Tyseday aifter thatIs aye Fester Een.That mune ootAn the neist mune fou,The neist mune aifter thatIs aye Pasch true.Another Scottish tradition involving the Easter Season isMaundy Thursday. It is also called “Holy Thursday”. It isto commemorate the day when Christ washed the feetof His disciples. Maundy Thursday custom dates backto the Middle Ages.The Friday before Easter is Good Friday, or Di-haoinena Ceusa (that is how it is written in Scottish Gaelic)was also known as Crucifixion Friday. In the 1800’s itwas believed that no iron spade or plough should beput in the ground. It was also tradition that the bandfrom the spinning wheel should be removed so itcould not be used to bind Christ's hands and feet. Lastly another tradition in Scotland involving Easter is the 'hot crossbuns', which are baked and containspices and fruit. These buns are then“glazed” with white pastry cross.They have been a symbol of GoodFriday and in the past were madefresh and served on Good Friday and throughout the weekend.
And having had our fill of Europe, if there could be such a term, we crossed the Atlantic and were soonlanding at Pearson International Airport.
Yes, Toronto. Canada, a land of immigrants, celebrates Easter in many different ways according to the community youare staying with, Polish, Greek, Indian, Chinese all have something unique according to their culture.
But that’s another story for another day.
HAPPY EASTER TO ALL.
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