BY FRAZER ANDRADE
For Christians, Good Friday is important as it commemorates the most momentous weekend in the history of the world. Ever since Jesus died and was raised, Christians have proclaimed the cross and resurrection of Jesus to be the decisive turning point for all creation.
On Good Friday, we remember the day Jesus willingly suffered and died as the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of mankind. Easter, which is celebrated on the following Sunday, marks the glorious celebration of the day Jesus rose from the dead, heralding his victory over sin and death, thus pointing ahead to a future resurrection for all who are united in him by faith.
In accordance with Christian tradition, bells are silent on Good Friday in memory of the sorrowfulness marking the day. As an alternative to bells, the tradition of the wooden clapper developed over the centuries. It was used during the celebration of the Tridentine Paschal Triduum at the end of Lent in the Catholic Church.
It is also occasionally used during the celebration of the Ordinary Form Roman Missal during the Paschal Triduum, but its popularity decreased following the liturgical reforms of the Vatican Council II.
There are a few different versions. This is a time-honoured custom of the Latin Church to express sadness in substitute of the typical joyous harmony expressed by the sound of bells.
Bells ring out joyous sounds with crashing and pealing, reverberating harmonious beauty though the Christian world. This is both in celebration of the Resurrection of Christ and a call to the celebration of prayer.
The clapper is brought out every year on Holy Thursday after the Gloria. The first part of the Mass on this day is joyful, as usual. However, when the Gloria is recited with little rise and fall in the pitch of the voice, the organ sounds and the bells are rung and suddenly they cease, remaining silent until the Gloria of the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday.
The profound silence caused by of the absence of bell chimes, gives a thought for serious reflection. The rhythmic strikes of the clapper create a grave solemn mood as the faithful are reminded that something or rather someone is missing. Christ the Lord has been crucified and is in the tomb until the Easter Vigil celebration when He rises from the dead and the chime of the bells returns.
The Latin word for the Lenten clapper is crotalus or crotalum, which is said to have originated from the Greek word krotalon which means rattle. At a time when secular forces are working in overdrive to snatch away cultural heritage from ecclesiastical influence, it is little traditions like this that help our cause.
The Latin word for the Lenten clapper is crotalus or crotalum, which is said to have originated from the Greek word krotalon which means rattle
Made from wood, the particular style and manner of noise-making varies between different clappers. Some use an integral hammer that strikes the wood, while others use a piece of wood that rides over a gear to make a clicking noise.
Many churches in Goa had these comprising a rectangular wooden plank with door handles attached to it. When the instrument is shaken or rotated, the metal handles clap against the wood creating the haunting rattle.
Although the tradition of using the crotalus disappeared during the difficult times, it is refreshing to witness its revival in certain parishes across the state.
This revival is crucial in preserving the true essence of Holy Week's liturgy, both from a theological and historical perspective. We commend the efforts of our dedicated young priests who are contributing to the revival of this honourable tradition.