Evening star., 1915-04-04
By Frederic J. Haskin.

decorated, If desired, with pictures and
little images. After the mass on Eas-
ter morning the children in Rome go
from house to house to see the little
affairs of their friends.
Easter in Rome is celebrated by many
parties. especially among the children.
The little Marquise Confalonieri.
Washington, had a beautiful party last
Easter. One of the parlors of her
spacious home was turned into a bower
of flowers. In the center was great
floral egg. around which the children
danced like English children around
the maypole. singing Easter hymns.
Afterward bonbons and small gifts
were distributed and merry games were
played with bright-colored eggs.
The French children have similar fes-
tivities and receive many gifts. 1t is
claimed that the choco-
Candy Eggs late egg originated in
Paris and the French
HAoAn "AAo' candy makers produce
the most elaborate candy eggs in the
world.
Easter is the greatest day of the whole
year to the Russian child, and the little
son and daughter of Counselor Scervats-
koy Of the Russian embassy and the two
smaller daughters OF Col. Golejewski,
the military attache, will not miss any of
the features Of Easter in their native
land. although their parents may. Eggs
Of every size, color and material will be
provided in liberal quantities. In Russia,
tiny eggs of gold and semi precious stones
are favorite gifts. They may be worn
for bangles or charms. A number Of them
may be collected and mounted on brace
lets or on chains worn around the neck.
Every Russian girl takes great pride in
and wears them as her choicest treasures.
A number of egg toys are peculiar to
Russia, and the children play several
games with colored eggs. A curved
wooden wand. slightly followed in the
center. is usually provided with the Eas-
ter eggs given on Sunday morning. This
varies in length from a foot to four or five
feet. and it is held at an incline, and the
eggs rolled down it. Little children may
hold one end in their hands, while older
children, having a longer wand. rest it
against the wall some other support.
The child who can roll his eggs to the
bottom without cracking their shells is
the winner. This is the Russian variation
of the gg-knocking contests which pre-
vail in every country where the Easter
egg is known.
The Easter egg is not confined to the
children alone in Russia. Adults ex-
soldier in the troops in attendance upon
the czar receives a porcelain egg from
the hand of the car in person upon Eas-
ter morning. These eggs are manufac-
tured expressly for this purpose in the
royal factory. They are handsomely dec
GRATED in the national colors and greatly
priced by their recipients.
The Russian religious ceremonies are
among the most elaborate in the world
All adults are
Russian Easter expected to at
Religious Services. wh;.n ,enu 'ne o,oaes mass
about half an hour after midnight. De-
vout persons carry home lighted can
die from this mass. and If one is able
to bring his Easter candle from the
church to the interior of his home with
out having it's flame extinguished he
feels assured of divine protection
throughout the year. The passage of
the crowds bearing lighted tapers.
which they endeavor to shield from
the wind by protecting hand. Is one
of the noteworthy events Of the Easter
celebration in every Russian city.
After reaching home an Easter feast
or breakfast is served very early in
the morning. In this lavish amount
of meat is provided. as il in compensa-
tion for the self-denial Of Lent Three
distinct forms of cakes are prepared
for the Russian Easter, which are not
eaten at other times during the year.
The "baba'' is tall cake of unusual
richness; the 'kulich'' is fiat cake
literally supplied with raiSins AMI
spices. while the 'paskha" Is cake
shaped in exact pyramid form, with a
center of soft, rich cream cheese. The
cakes are heavily frosted with sugar,
and each has red rose in the center.
They are served lavishly to all who call
at an orthodox Russian home on Easter
and for at least three days following.
Kissing plays an important part in
the Russian Easter celebration. Friends
salute each other by three kisses after
the Easter mass. Strangers, high and
low, greet each other in the same way.
A street beggar has been known to eX-
change the Easter kisses with the czar
himself. 1t is the custom of the coun-
try that no one refuse this osculatory
salutation, although it Is now coming
to be confined to the peasantry and to
children.
Colombia has the most interesting
Easter customs of any of the South
A IN e RI C a
Colombia's Easter countries. at
Customs Interesting. eyes eyes Of Of the the
children. The Colombian Easter close
ly resembles Christmas. 1t includes a
tree and many gifts and sweets. Ten
days before Easter a special altar is
N~I& hior d.