As I progress into middle age, and I no longer have the typical Easter observances associated with children--bunnies, egg hunts, binging brunches-- there are two traditions that I have adopted for myself. The first is pretty straight-forward and Spiritual, the second is purely Sacrilegious. I've really grown to appreciate both the meaningful and the absurd in close juxtaposition, and I've found the contrast enhances the experience. As soon as I finish this diary I will begin my observance.
I grew up in Southern California, and after college I headed East and eventually ended up in Washington DC. I don't think I will return to California mainly because of the seasons. The seasons emphasize a cycle of life and death that I prefer to live through and reflect upon when I can. This is one of those days, and so I cue up my first Easter observance, Mahler's Symphony No. 2 "Resurrection."
I have a great recording of Leonard Slatkin and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra with Kathleen Battle singing soprano. I generally prefer earlier classical periods--Mahler's a bit too modern for me, but the "Resurrection" is different and the length and scope of it, as well as how it builds into a vocal climax is very satisfying. The mood swings of the piece are really quite intense as well, and some of the melodic themes sound almost like they were derived from folk traditions. Parts of it are very booming too, again I think I really appreciate the contrasts and then, of course, the spiritual/religious vocal climax---Sterben wird' ich, um zu lieben! (I will die in order to live!) On the whole I find it a perfect piece for the theme of Spring renewal, and you don't really have to be Christian to appreciate it; I think one can easily listen to it and take it in with a secular perspective as well. The whole thing takes about a hour and a half start to finish.
Next comes the sacrilegious tradition: Monty Python's The Life of Brian. I realize that the Python gang are atheists, but I actually appreciate their thoughtful lampooning of traditional religion, and their humor in response to the human condition. I generally hold my spirituality in a non-rational place, so I definitely have a sense of humor about it. In addition the Python boys are so damn funny, and I really think they were at the top of their game in The Life of Brian. Here are just a few clips to enjoy: