|
 For
the first time in living memory, Isle of Pines’ Yam
feast was different this year.
The
blessing and distribution of the new yams is always celebrated
on March 19th – a feast shared with the school’s
patron saint, St. Joseph. However, this year the date
fell within Holy
Week – strict days at the end of Lent, prior to Easter,
when the Catholic church cannot allow any festive celebrations.
Easter
is a moveable feast celebrated the first Sunday following
the Equinox full moon : this year it fell very early
on March 22nd.
The
island’s High Chief and priest overcame the dilemma,
by agreeing to bless the new yams in the open air within
the confines of the Chefferie itself, instead of
inside the church. A discreet, dignified ceremony took
place followed by the traditional distribution and sharing
of the yams among the various clans and other island residents.
It’s
to be noted that the 2008 yam harvest is a good one, thanks
to a very rainy summer season resulting from the weather
phenomenon, la nina.
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