EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENS IN AUTUMN, AT EASTER, FOR ANZAC DAY

EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENS IN APRIL

Welcome to the DrumRoll Issue 111

Wednesday 3rd April

Welcome to April –

a busy month filled with the beginning of autumn, Easter and of course Anzac Day.

Still foremost in our minds is the horror of the Christchurch tragedy as NZ moves forward in the wake of the killings.

Yet, many examples of light have shown up through these dark times.

Unity and outpourings of love ; the way the world watched as NZ’ers stood together and rejected the ranting philosophy of the gunman.

Many refuse to even grant him the respect of using his name –

he is merely ‘the gunman’.

One talented NZ’er created an image which caught the world’s eye.

A simple illustration depicting two women embracing - one a Muslim wearing a hijab - with the message, 'This is your home and you should have been safe here' . The picture went viral following the attacks and caught the attention of Time Magazine.

Time is a giant of a news magazine published in New York. It has the world's largest circulation for a weekly news publication.

Time approached Wellington artist Ruby Jones and invited her to create the cover for their April issue which would be reporting the attacks.

Ruby opted for a gentle image which honoured the 50 victims represented by 50 stars.

Read the article and Ruby’s comments

NZ Artist Designs Time Magazine Cover.

You can purchase your own copy of the April issue by scrolling down to our Spotlight and clicking through to the subscriptions section of Times website.

Well done Ruby – your artwork has made a worldwide statement.

This month we have a link to the treasured Anzac mini-series which you can watch

on-line.

Also tips on how to decorate hard boiled eggs and the recipe for delicious pumpkin spiced latte .

NZ’ers might not think a hot pumpkin drink sounds any good – but trust us, it’s delicious and caramelly and sweet and spicy all at the same time.

Enjoy the changing leaves and Happy Easter everyone.

Kia Kaha NZ

See you in May.

Traditional ‘Special” Days – how do they affect us in NZ?

We have all heard of them – most of us have celebrated at least one.

Halloween, Easter, May Day, Christmas ...

History tells us the origin of these holidays are rooted in the Northern Hemisphere .

Don’t be fooled into thinking these are pagan holidays created by wiccans – Special or Sacred Days popped up all over Europe – dates made particular to a diverse range of cultures , including Celtic, German, Norse; even Hebrew & Christian .

Then many Northern Europeans branched out; travelled across the globe to settle in Australia and New Zealand – and they brought their heritage with them .

Because they were used to celebrating Easter in April, they continued to do so.

This is where the confusion began.

Many holidays began well before a Christian culture even existed. They were days celebrated by cultures whose ‘god’ was nature and her four seasons . Managing these four season was the difference between life and death for societies such as Druids who’s ‘Wheel of the Year’ rotated around planting, harvesting, resting and renewing .

The Christian celebration of Easter Sunday centres around the story of Jesus. To a pre-Christian civilisation spring equinox was a time full of new growth and new birth.

The bunnies, chickens and eggs, (chocolate or otherwise), are derived from the Spring celebration Ostara – notice any similarity in the two words?

As time marched on, the descendents of these intrepid travellers were able to blend the joy of the two special calendar dates, and celebrate the Resurrection right alongside baby animals and yummy chocolate.

This can explain the difficulties for NZ’ers trying to celebrate the Autumn harvest when Easter symbology is running like rampant rabbits in retail stores everywhere!

Thus the timing of Easter is decidedly pagan-flavoured, but cannot be avoided here down under now that the festival is so firmly intertwined with the traditional Christian celebration . But many of those who have chosen to follow the Wheel of the Year festivals have chosen to ‘flip the wheel’ and celebrate the appropriate day in the appropriate season.

Anzac Day celebrations on the 25th of April, fall coincidentally (!) just prior to 31 ^st April/1 ^st May – which down under could be considered Samhain aka All Hallows Eve aka Halloween.

Halloween is about tricks and treats and finding a lost ghost to chat with. But Halloween’s ancestor – Samhain - was a serious festival built around honouring loved ones who have passed. How appropriate that NZ’ers and Australians take the time to remember their fallen only a mere six days before this ancient tradition.

Of course much is made of the Pagan Chocolate Goddess ( may the fudge be with you ) and if you are fanatic or just a casual worshipper, now is the time to gorge yourself on Her Delights .

So April in NZ is a mix of Spring chickens, chocolate treats, solemn tribute to those who have passed - all mixed in with changing foliage and cooler days.

It is not wrong – it is just the evolution of a Northern heritage and descendents who have transformed it into their own.

If you have not gathered your harvest yet, use this time to appreciate what you have , and what choices you are privileged enough to make in your life. Rejoice in the things that give you pleasure!

CONGRATULATIONS

Kiara Kay Pritchard

You have won The Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom Healing Cards by Christiane Northrup

DrumRoll will be in contact about prize

A do-it-yourself version of StarBuck’s famous

autumn coffee drink!

PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 4 minutes

Total Time: 14 minutes

Servings: 1 serving

Calories: 152

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup milk (nonfat, whole, almond, soy, etc.)
2 tablespoons unsweetened pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 cup brewed coffee or espresso
2 tablespoons half and half cream
2 teaspoons granulated white sugar
whipped cream and nutmeg (optional)

*If you don't have pumpkin pie spice in your collection of spices, make your own! Mix equal parts of cinnamon, ginger, allspice and nutmeg- and measure from there.

METHOD

In a glass measuring cup or microwave-safe bowl, whisk together the milk, pumpkin, brown sugar, vanilla and spice. Microwave for 1 to 2 minutes- watch closely and remove it from the microwave when the milk is hot and frothy. (alternately, you can heat it on the stove)

Pour the pumpkin milk into a tall mug or glass. Add hot coffee. Add the cream. Add a teaspoon of sugar. Stir, and taste. Add another teaspoon of sugar, if desired. Stir!

Optional, but oh so good... add whipped cream on top and a sprinkle of nutmeg. Serve immediately!

recipe girl

FISHPOND Free delivery throughout New Zealand

ANZAC Day, the New Zealand Story. What it is and Why it Matters By Phillippa Werry

Aimed at 8 - 12 year olds but useful for the whole family, this fascinating new book exposes the rich history behind Anzac Day in an engaging and informative style, seeking to answer the many questions children often ask their parents and teachers around the 25th of April every year. It covers all aspects of Anzac Day, from the Gallipoli Campaign and the Great War, right through to the format of the commemorative services held annually throughout the country. The author identifies important memorials around New Zealand, examines the national anthem, the tradition of Anzac biscuits and the Last Post, Reveille music, plus much more. She also offers websites and projects for further study. The thoroughly researched information is presented alongside numerous images, both historic and contemporary, giving children a very clear view of the significance and background to Anzac Day.

My Grandad Marches on Anzac Day By Catriona Hoy, Benjamin Johnson

This picture book for the very young is a simple, moving look at Anzac Day through the eyes of a little girl. She goes to the pre-dawn Anzac Day service with her father where they watch the girl s grandfather march in the parade. This beautifully illustrated book explains what happens on Anzac Day and its significance in terms a young child can understand. It is an excellent introduction to this highly venerated ceremony, and poignantly addresses the sentiments aroused by the memory of those who gave their lives for their country.