There is a certain misfortune about Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day falling on the same date next week. Those who see life through blue-tinted glasses will find particular delight in the juxtaposition of romance and ashes to ashes.
It is, they would claim, a salutary reminder of how all is passing and that paths of glory lead but to the grave. These are such people as hold that life comes with a futility clause. No dreams made there.
And the others! Forever seeking green hills in the distance even as they relentlessly retreat beyond their reach. They are those for whom the journey is all, not the destination.
That both should be pitched into each other’s company next Wednesday would never be their choice. The “blues” see the “greens” as silly, trivial fantasists. The “greens” regard the “blues” as dull, dour pessimists. Were it chemistry they would neutralise one another, following a certain sound and fury resulting in – nothing!
Fortune has thrown them together. Or, rather, Christianity. Without which there would be neither St Valentine nor Ash Wednesday.
It comes down to how Christianity plots Easter. Something that was not at always popular with the indomitable Irishry!
According to the gospels the death and resurrection of Jesus took place around the time of the Jewish Passover, which was celebrated on the first full moon following the Spring equinox (in March).
In 325AD the Council of Nicaea established that Easter would be on the first Sunday after the first full moon following that Spring equinox. This year it has led to further misfortune, the co-incidence of Easter Sunday and April Fools’ Day.
Despite Nicaea the Celtic Church, including Ireland and Iona, continued to celebrate Easter concurrent with the Jewish Passover on the 14th day of the first lunar month of the Jewish year, corresponding to our April. According to John's gospel it was the date on which Jesus was crucified.
The Celtic Church was finally brought to heel by Rome at the Synod of Whitby, Northumbria, in 664 AD.
Rome ruled. A consequence of which we will see next Wednesday with the coincidence of Ash Wednesday and St Valentine’s Day, and thereafter of Easter Sunday and April 1st.
Perhaps 1,354 year after Whitby we should review the situation?
Easter from Old English Eastre, Northumbrian Eostre, a goddess of fertility celebrated at the Spring equinox. From aust east, root aus, to shine.
inaword@irishtimes.com
