Bread
Bread is such a labor of love. I think we really take it for granted these days, the way it comes, all sliced and perfect in a plastic bag closed neatly with a clip. We made little Lazarus loaves (Lazarakia in Greek) today, in preparation for tomorrow, the day we remember Christ raising his friend Lazarus from the dead. (I used this recipe from the evlogia blog, but also saw a similar recipe on the OrthodoxMom blog as well.) Nikolas, who loves to "help," actually turned out to be quite strong at kneading the dough. The whole bread-making process is this slow, methodical progression of allowing the dough to do what it has to do. It always amazes me when water, yeast, and flour (and in this case some spices, sugar and oil) transform into warm, comforting loaves of bread.
I can't wait to watch Nikolas and Stefanie pass out the little loaves to some friends tomorrow. "Lazarus, come out!"
Here is the photo progression of the rising of the dough, and the shaping of our little Lazarus men, wrapped as if he were in a tomb.
Wow, Kuma, I love it! I've never heard of that. How great to have activities/traditions like that to celebrate. We convert Americans are still learning about all those things. We don't have any "make and do" traditions surrounding Lazarus Saturday specifically. We have the pussy willows for Palm Sunday -- the "cold climate" Russian tradition. Making things like Lazarakia makes Lazarus Saturday even more significant, and understandable for children. I need to make note of this so we can make Lazarakia next year! We make bread regularly, but Lazarakia are (is?) special.
ReplyDeleteToni, I had no idea about Lazarakia--thanks for sharing--I will have to make them next year! :) Kali Anastasi!
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