In researching the cultural mention and
memory of lilacs amongst the Mennonites, I was not surprised to discover how
deeply identified this stalwart travel companion and constant comfort to many a
Mennonite farmwife has been identified with the journeys and experiences of the
Mennonites, especially those of Russian and Ukrainian origin.
In her blog posting, “Mennonite a People,”
posted May 31, 2009, Linda May Shirley of Rosthern, Saskatchewan, indicates how
deeply she identifies this symbol with the Russlander Mennonites, “Strange
after all these years, and after all what the Mennonites have contributed to
Canada that we are still not recognized [as a unique immigrant community]. Rosthern [Sask] was/is a large community of Mennonites and in
the early 1900’s was the largest exporters of flax. We brought with us winter wheat, apple trees,
lilacs, and many other things that many do not know about. Back in Russia it was the Mennonites that
first built a harvesting machine. Still
we are not known of our contributions rather many are ridiculed as a religion.”
