Conway Mill Trust

The forty days of Lent were traditionally ones when no meat was eaten and a favorite food or pastime was given up as penance. This was a time when people reflected on their good fortune. Homes were cleaned thoroughly (spring cleaning) so as to be prepared for the blessing by the priest. This custom has been observed for hundreds of years. No work is done on Good Friday, and the people go to confession. It is also good to have your hair cut on this day as it will prevent headaches. It is permitted to shop for new clothes as everything should be new for Easter. Holy Saturday is a day of silence and the time to have Holy Water blessed. At the Easter vigil the church is decorated in purple to celebrate the coming of the King. All lights in the church are extinguished at 11:00 p.m., and a new flame is presented to the altar by the lighting of the Pascal Candle, which is a symbol of the Risen Christ. On Easter Sunday families visit, and a meal of lamb or turkey is served. Children who had not broken their Lenten fast would be given Easter eggs after dinner (this rule sometimes was broken).