Lenten Reflections
Even when it was still cold, grey, and raining in March, Austrian markets, shops, and restaurants were decorated with the promise of spring. During Lent we saw our fair share of familiar bunnies, chicks, and eggs; we couldn’t help but also notice all the little lambs. We found the ubiquitous and public use of this overwhelmingly religious symbol interesting and a poignant reminder of the season - particularly when presented in chocolate form. We couldn’t help but think of one of our favorite films, Chocolat, a Lenten perennial.
This is the Lenten schedule for the Theatre an der Wien. After you note the lamb, you might also notice the production of Handel’s Messiah, which was presented in its entirety, as an opera – not a Passion, but an opera. It was one of the most exciting and moving musical events we’ve ever witnessed.
Manner has been a Viennese confection institution for 110 years. Everyone recognizes “Manner-pink” – and when you see it, you know something delicious awaits. So imagine seeing a Manner-pink streetcar coming your way! For two days during Holy Week, the Manner straßenbahn circled Vienna pausing at every station just long enough to distribute free Manner chocolate eggs – sweet torture for those who had given up chocolate for Lent. We’ve never seen such an old streetcar, nor had we seen the special Manner streetcar. We’re fairly certain they let it out of the stall only once a year.
Valentine is our 9 year-old upstairs neighbor. He and his friend, Constantine, play soccer and other games in the courtyards on either side of our apartment. Since we have warmer temperatures, we have the good fortune of seeing (and hearing) the two boys on a more regular basis. No school on Thursday and Friday combined with perfect spring weather, turned Valentine and Constantine into fresh air junkies. For hours on end we’d hear them energetically running, visiting, or playing with Blume (Flower), the building’s favorite dog. Every now and then we’d peak out the window to watch the boys amuse themselves. On one occasion we looked out to see this scene: The boys were curled up on a rug and it was clear they were feverishly working on a project. They remained focused, and unusually quiet, for quite some time. When we left the building and saw them in the courtyard, they asked us if we wanted a handmade Easter card. It was stressed that these were NOT store-bought cards. How could we resist!? We bought two. The inside of each card held a poem that they had learned in school. In perfect cursive penmanship each card read “Die Hasen machen sich bereit in der schönen Osterzeit. Da haben sie sehr viel zu tun und dürfen nicht ausruhen. Doch jetzt sind sie bereit, für die schöne Osterzeit.” (The rabbits prepare for the beautiful Easter time. They have much to do and are not allowed to rest. Now they are ready for the beautiful Easter time.) Oh those industrious rabbits. We insisted that we pay for such fine workmanship, and finally, after some negotiations, we agreed on a fair price. The boys then assured us that, befitting the spirit of the season, all proceeds would go to help the homeless.
Hard at work
Our dear friends, Constantine (left) and Valentine (right)
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