The Last Supper

She would have been confused by the business of Christmas now.

The fact that the global toy market is estimated at almost US$85 billion. The fact that despite competition from electronic formats, the greeting card business, started in the 1880s, is still worth about US$30 billion, while Christmas trees are a billion-dollar industry as well. “Christmas is typically the largest economic stimulus for many nations around the world as sales increase dramatically in almost all retail areas.” Interestingly, many of the Christmas activities and traditions that we continue through the decades emerged during the Victorian period, in the 19th century. “In 1848 the Illustrated London News published a drawing of the royal family celebrating around a decorated Christmas tree, a tradition that was reminiscent of (Queen Victoria’s husband) Prince Albert’s childhood in Germany. Soon every home in Britain had a tree bedecked with candles, sweets, fruit, homemade decorations and small gifts”.

Eventually the gifts shifted to below the tree, and the giving of gifts to family and friends was popularised.

It is said that the tradition of the Christmas feast began during the Middle Ages, but the form that we know today began in the Victorian period as well. The Last Supper of Jesus and his disciples has been a source of mystery and speculation, particularly with the popularity of the film Da Vinci Code starring famous Hollywood actor Tom Hanks.

The prophet felt it was important to “break bread” with the people closest to him, who he trusted the most, before being arrested and crucified. It was at this meal that Jesus offered to those around him bread as a symbol of his body and wine as a symbol of his blood. Today, these symbols are still offered as reminders of his enduring sacrifice and protection.

What is it all for? To celebrate the birth and mission of Jesus.

Christians anticipate his return.

However, I’ve felt for a long time that if he did come back, the scene would be much like his reported actions in the temple when he “drove out all those who were buying and selling in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves.” In local parlance, he would “kick up nuff people” after witnessing the questionable behaviour that takes place in his name.

Perhaps it is a clich? to speak of the many who are without food, homes and loved ones, but it remains a travesty that in a world with so much, there are so many who are forced to live on the outside of a basic decent existence.

Here at home, it seems to be normal that people live in a car park in our city, still struggle for water or are forced to watch their livestock die because of the dysfunctional nature of the transit system between our two islands.

Breaking bread is bitter sweet; even as we enjoy it, we are reminded of our shared responsibility.

I think my grandmother instinctively understood this.

Even though our beliefs are now different, I think it is why we continue her rituals today.

Blessings of the season to you all … Dara Healy is a performance artist and founder of the N G O , the Ind i g e - n o u s Creative A r t s N e t - work – ICAN