Universal Fun 

 

On Sunday, an Easter Egg hunt took place, but on a much, much smaller scale than the City’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt.  This one was for the seven exchange students visiting from Izumo, Japan and the host families with whom they will be staying.  An Easter Egg hunt is definitely a slice of Americana.  The idea behind Easter is easy enough to explain but the concept of why you hunt for candy, is somewhat more complex.

 

Explanations aside, one thing common across all cultures is candy.  In addition, candy is the universal concept of fun.  The day began with a customary award for Mr. Tom Kuwabara, President of the International Exchange Association of Izumo, from the Santa Clara Sister Cities organization.  This year’s award reflected Mr. Kuwabara’s love of golf.  Described by Debi Davis, President of the Santa Clara Sister Cities Association, “We were trying to find something Mr. Kuwabara did not have.  He is an excellent golfer and collects anything golf related.  We made a plaque with a dedication to him.  In 2005 Jack Nicklaus played in his final British Open at St. Andrews Golf Course.  To commemorate Jack's career, The Royal Bank Of Scotland issued a limited number of 5lb notes bearing Jack's likeness.  The notes are unique in part because Jack is the first living person besides the Queen of England and the late Queen mother to appear on the Scottish note.”

 

Following the award, the Egg Hunt started.  Typical of most Easter Egg hunts, candy was hidden in a variety of places and all the students present searched high and low for the tasty treats.  Each participant was guaranteed to get one of the most delectable treats ever seen at an egg hunt – the venerable chocolate bunny.   At one point, one of the Japanese students was looking for an egg when one suddenly appeared seemingly where none had been before.  A member of one of the host families took an egg from his bag of treats and put it out to be found. 

 

But one of, and probably, the biggest surprise hit of the day were the bottles of blowing bubbles.  Blowing bubbles is another slice of Americana.  Based at least upon the reactions of the Izumo students and Ms. Kurosaki, it definitely was an exciting treat.  And the fine art of how to blow bubbles – with heavy or gentle puffs of air or by swinging the wand through the air was demonstrated and enjoyed by all. 

 

According to Ms. Davis, “Because of the Holiday Weekend, Mayor Mahan suggested doing a traditional Easter Egg Hunt to show what American kids do on this holiday and let the Japanese students experience this.  Basically it's about the kids and bonding together these two different cultures. She offered her home to us to do this.  As you witnessed they all blended very well!”  And the Easter tradition seemed a good way for a cross-cultural experience as Andy Ratermann, past President of the Santa Clara Sister Cities Association stated, “If you want a truly interesting cultural experience, try explaining US Easter traditions.  It is easy to communicate the pre-Christian origins of the Easter egg, as a “salute to spring,” but explaining the egg’s relationship to Christianity can be challenging.”  

 

Challenging or not, the underlying idea of fun, friendships – both new and old – and sharing came through loud and clear during the festivities.  Although many of the people in attendance might not have spoken the same language, the smiling faces and laughs enjoyed by everyone were a testament to the success of the day.