CHAPTER 6

Spring time

As with so many things in life, the good comes often together with the bad. The wonderful snowfall provided plenty of moisture for the ground, as the snow melted slowly, but the severe winter killed off most fruit trees in our garden and along the tree-lined roads. The same thing had also happened in the cold winter of 1929. For our fruit-loving family, this was a severe blow. New fruit trees and new varieties had to be planted in early spring in the first section of our garden and along the roads to Strykowo, St þeszew and Antonin.

There is a strong connection between the re-awakening of nature in spring with the resurrection theme of Easter in Europe. It was also the most important religious season observed by the catholic people of Poland, who were very devoted to their religion. No doubt, the theology of neighbouring Orthodox Russia must have contributed towards this emphasis. The long fasting period during Lent culminated in Good Friday, a most holy and solemn day for all.

On Good Friday of 1941, as was our custom, we went to our little Protestant Church in Stþeszew. After church we walked in the park and along the lake, enjoying the early spring air with its promise of new life. All ice and snow had by now completely disappeared. There was a gentle ripple on the water's surface. Sea birds were gathering sticks and bits and pieces for their nests. The trees were still dormant, only here and there a willow tree had the slightest hue of green showing. Our boat shed had received a fresh coat of paint, and both boats were securely tied inside. The seating platform along the jetty had been restored. Everything was waiting for the warmer weather.

Easter Saturday was a busy day for all people, who had to prepare food for the great feast. Large trays of cakes were baked in the village oven. The scent of freshly baked bread and cake made everyone's mouth water.

Fasting during Lent had been taken very seriously by the Poles. They must have been looking forward to the feast even more than we. But in our household, people were also busy with preparations for Easter.

"Come on, Günter and Dieter, the eggs are ready for you to paint!" called Olga, when she saw us. Olga had replaced Klärchen as our cook, after she had left.

"Can we do the ones with the coloured paper first?" "Of course, these here are already boiled. Now all you need to do is

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