Beaux Banks (left) kisses DeAngelo Jackson (right)
The Opening Footnote:
This post entry here is the originally announced “Batters Up!” publication promoted here on ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! as the featured posting for Friday, 23 May, 2025. The delay was caused by a last-minute technicality! This entry is an updated version of the intended photo-essay offering.
Bare practitioner: Beaux Banks!
Introduction:
Today’s featured guest/model here on ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! is familiar to many – his screen name is Beaux Banks (birth name: Jermayne Michael Largent) and he hails from Annapolis, Maryland, USA. He began his career as a model for Andrew Christian underwear prior to his becoming a gay porn star and choreographer. Beaux is 5’6″ tall – 168 cm – and weighs 149 lbs. – 68 kg.
He was born on 19 September, 1993, and was raised by an adopted family. He graduated from Annapolis Secondary School followed by the University of Maryland, Baltimore County Campus. His heritage background is African-American, Caucasian and Pacific Islander.
Both personally and professionally, he is an exclusive beta-man. He openly admits to having only once performing in the alpha-position privately. Despite being very fashion conscious, he confesses to be comfortable whenever he can be bare (clothes free)!
As a sign of his future endeavours, it is no surprise that Beaux became a sensation based on the popularity of his National Coming Out Day (NCOD) series. His buttocks were awarded a strenuous “swinging workout” for that project.
Beaux Banks: bubble-licious buttocks and testicles!
Beaux’s Pride Series:
Beaux Banks “bubbled” with confidence and delight while posing for this photo series created for the NCOD anniversary early in his career. This was just prior to his gay porn industry debut.
Beaux’s Baseball Batter Series:
During his gay film industry performances, he confidently posed as a baseball player and demonstrated that he certainly knew how to swing both a baseball bat and his buttocks. In viewing the accompanying .gif clips from the series, we arrive at an even summation as to which device – anatomical (buttocks) – or athletic (baseball bat) – he is most proficient and skilled in operating.
Ultimate Goal:
Beaux received his undergraduate degree in social services from the University of Maryland. Several years ago, he acknowledged that once he departs the gay porn industry, his long-term dream is to become a counselor advocate for SGL sex workers. A worthy and much needed career goal, Beaux Banks!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, 13 May, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Friday Footnote: Can You?”
Bare Practitioner:same gender loving and embracing nakedness as both community and culture. An enthusiastic advocate of the right to love and of body and clothes freedom.
Body and clothes freedom!
Naked is defined as without clothing on the body. Without addition, concealment, disguise or embellishment. Nude.
Nude is defined as without clothing or naked. The condition of being unclothed.
Introduction:
Mutual body and clothes freedom!
Bare! Body! Clothes free! Naked! Natural! Naturist! Nude! Nudity! Nudist! All of these terms/words refer to the fact that we are uncovered (without clothing)! We are completely visible without even a single thread concealing any part of our natural body. Identical to the state of our birth. Not a single one of us were born wearing anything! Hallelujah!
Yours truly at a local park in Arlington, Virginia, USA!
My name is Roger Peterson-Poladopoulos. As many of you already know, I am the co-author and the creator of this site: ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! I am a same gender loving (SGL) man – gay – Deaf and of direct Greek heritage (both of my parents were born in the Kingdom of Greece).
Aaron, my spouse!
This is Aaron M. Peterson-Poladopoulos, my spouse. He is also the co-author and photographer of this site. Obviously, he is also SGL and is of African-Canadian descent. Aaron’s family is of the Yoruba ethnic tribe from the city of Ibadan, located in western Nigeria. Both Canada and Nigeria are Commonwealth entities. We have been legally married since 2015, a year after marriage equality was officially adopted here in the USA, our country of residence.
The both of us are confidently and proudly bare practitioners (SGL and naturist/nudist). We wear clothes when necessary but both of us prefer being without any garment whatsoever! As enthusiastic bare practitioner advocates, we are equally responsible for the theme of today’s post entry here.
Honest and simple advice!
We sincerely encourage all of you here today to join with us in nakedness and pride whenever possible!
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Bare Practitioners:
Bare practitioners!
As an integral component grouping of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer+ community and culture, bare practitioners often encounter awkward and discomforting situations not only because of our SGL status, but also due to our textile (clothing) – or our lack thereof. We are neither forcing nor intimidating anyone into our body and clothes freedom world, instead we are celebrating the enablement to just be ourselves: SGL and nakedness!
Progress Pride Flag body painted on himself!
Our man in the above photograph is very confident and proud of his bare practitioner identity. He has our SGL Progress Pride rainbow flag body painted on his nakedness while he’s participating in the London, UK, World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR)! His smile demonstrates his comfort and joy in being honest and open about his body freedom and his sexuality! Both Aaron and I salute his brotherhood, reality and sincerity! Take care and stay bare, our friend!
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Our Confidence Is Evident:
Bare under the bridge!
Our man in this series of pictures here is not only proud of his sexuality, he’s also assured and bold in sharing publicly his bare practitioner affiliation!
Submerged bare practitioner pride!
He combines his SGL nature and his body and clothes freedom preference and skinny dips (swims naked) without a care in the world!
His rainbow pride colours raised high!
He confidently flaunts both his bare body and his sexuality while posing and promoting his message: “I am my own man without guilt and/or shame!”
Bottoms-up! near the underwater bottom!
A philosophy that many of us who are bare practitioners endorse and proclaim wholeheartedly!
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Confidence and Pride!
Compatibility!
Being a bare practitioner isn’t an obligation to publicly reveal one’s personal character and identity. Each person determines their own comfort level in presenting themselves to others. The majority of us, bare practitioners or otherwise, are more amenable to others who we perceive as most like us and similar to ourselves. This is a human instinct that most of us believe, feel, nurture and share among ourselves.
Our bare practitioner affinity and appreciation aren’t based on or defined solely by our willingness to allow others to interpret or judge our nakedness and/or our sexuality. Our being what and who we are is determined completely by our private discretion, personal emotional capacity, and self-acceptance. If we need to confide in another, it is our choice, and we need to engage in the dialogue when we are comfortable. Otherwise, we await on our respective decision to proceed.
For everyone!
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Poetic Justice:
An important message inked on his genital area!
Reign is the stage name of our bare practitioner brother welcoming us here. Just above his pubic hairline, he has “unashamed” tattooed on his skin. His meaning is obviously visible for all. There is no embarrassment, guilt or shame associated with either his nakedness and/or his sexuality!
He prefers nakedness over clothing and has no issue in publicly endorsing both body and clothes freedom and his exclusive same gender loving sexuality. Reign is a very honest and open man who lives his life being himself and “unashamed!”
My Naked Life
by Roger Poladopoulos
I am naked and I am me.
I am the man the man I want to be.
When I am naked, I am nude,
Living life with a positive attitude.
I am naked and I am me.
I am the man I want to be.
When I am nude, I am also proud,
Whether alone or among a crowd.
I am naked and I am me.
I am the man I want to be.
When I am nude, I am living free,
I know that clothes are not for me.
I am naked and I am me.
I am the man I want to be.
When I am nude, I clear my mind,
Gone are the clothes that hide and bind.
I am naked and I am me.
I am the man I want to be.
The End. Composed on 5 July, 2011 at a clothes free beach.
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Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, June 9, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Swinging It All: Bat and Buttocks!”
The scheduled publishing of this series is adjusted this month due to the USA’s Memorial Day holiday and the commencement of Pride Month, 2025, on Sunday, 1 June. I need a little time to prepare and compose! It is my treat to myself in order to have as many minutes to enjoy my summer holiday from my classroom!
The header posting is a recognition of the reality that not all of our bare practitioner brethren reside in the Nothern Hemisphere where the outside world is conducive to natural nakedness at this time! Our brethren living in the Southern Hemisphere have a season to complete before their air temperatures moderate.
“United” bottoms-up!
“Bottoms-Up!” and buttock-to-buttock couple pose suggestively on a boat at sea in order to encourage body and clothes freedom!
A local pool “bottoms-up!” pose while floating!
Typical Saturday morning relaxation from a very busy week at work. We can glimpse his “tanline” pattern on his exposed buttocks! He has the entire season ahead to erase this evidence!
An internal pose to offer viewers!
His muscular thighs lead our eyes onto his intended reason to share his freshly revealed anatomical “bottom!”
A bare practitioner trio celebrating the weekend!
The sand, surf and warm sun provide a welcome environment for those of us who are tired of a winter of inclement weather inside four boring walls!
An interracial teenage couple embrace their respective buttocks!
Exploring together in nature, naturally! Posing and embracing their treasured “bottoms!”
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Sunday, June 1, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “P*R*I*D*E!”
His Majesty, King Charles III, addresses the Parliament in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada!
With all the dignity befitting his Royal station in life, His Majesty King Charles III of Canada and the Commonwealth Realms opened Parliament in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, on this past Tuesday, 27 May. This was his initial Speech from the Throne since his coronation. He was accompanied by Queen Camilla.
This was the first session of the new Parliament following the recent election of Mr. Mark Carney, Liberal Party as prime minister earlier this month. Prime Minister Carney announced His Majesty’s attendance at Buckingham Palace days after winning the election.
The purpose of the Royal Visit was to appropriately address Canada’s concerns and indignation over the temperamental outbursts from the current USA’s clown of state trumpster-dumpster, and his childish stunts such as the trade war and threatened annexation of Canada among other belligerent actions. The Prime Minister felt His Majesty’s presence and Speech from the Throne would help calm Canadians angered and offended by the arrogance and downright rudeness of trumpster-dumpster and his clueless, criminal crew.
A very wise move by Prime Minister Carney! The Sovereign afforded tradition and respect instead of a selfish tantrum. The situation was best served by keeping those thoughtless antics and behaviours south of the border and out of Canada. The proverbial adage, “two wrongs do not make a right,” proved to be all too true!
Involving His Majesty at least temporarily silenced the U.S. clown of state. Awed by the Royal yet entirely ceremonial role, it elevated the official event into international attention. On the world stage, the Crown eclipses the mouthy idiot, no discussion needed. In addition, all of his years as Prince of Wales (as heir) rewarded King Charles III the recognition and respect that clearly outranks and surpasses the infantile and obnoxious stereotypical immaturity of a peon.
God save the king!
Aaron, my spouse, has valid passports for both Canada and Nigeria – Commonwealth Realms. His Majesty, upon his coronation, was proclaimed Head of Commonwealth. Aaron adds: “The king was born being prepared for his duty. Donald grew up with a name synonymous with Duck. And Donald Duck is far more likeable!”
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, Friday, May 30, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Bottoms-Up! May, 2025!”
Canadian stamp honouring King Charles III and his Ascension to the Throne of Canada in 2023!
Alternate Title: Majesty Versus Arrogance!
Today, 27 May, 2025, His Majesty, Charles III of Canada and Commonwealth Realms, will open and address the Canadian Parliament from the Throne of Canada in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. He makes history as the second reigning sovereign to address the politicians from the Throne. The first was his mother, the beloved, gracious and late Queen Elizabeth II who delivered her first address on 14 October, 1957, and her second celebrating her Silver Jubilee on 18 October, 1977.
Queen Elizabeth II delivering Throne Speech, 1957!
The newly elected Prime Minister of Canada, Mr. Mark Carney, announced the occasion earlier this month upon his audience with the King at Buckingham Palace in London, UK. The Royal Speech will outline the Liberal Party’s priorities as it stares down the USA’s clown of state, trumpster-dumpster’s (a dumpster is a commercial container for trash) trade war and remarks regarding the annexation of Canada to the USA. The idiot is also known as “Vladimir Putin, Jr.” Footnote: Any disrespect, direct and/or implied, towards the USA’s corrupt, deceitful, MAGA-lomaniac tyrant is deliberately intentional. He has yet to earn any respect from either my spouse, Aaron (who is African-Canadian) and/or me.
Aaron and I both apologize for any offence taken by those reading here.
His Majesty, King Charles III (left) and Mr. Mark Carney (right) in Buckingham Palace!
God save the King and bless all Canadians and Commonwealth subjects! In this day and age, our planet needs all the help that is available!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, May30, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Bottoms-Up! May, 2025!” Reminder: note the new date for this monthly posting series.
There’s no better way to have fun than to cast off the burdensome clothing and engage in refreshing and rejuvenating nakedness!
Lose your inhibitions and play!
The conducive weather, the sun, the water, the companionship! What else is necessary for amusement, fun, humour and laughter? Our nakedness offers us a chance to have it all together for variety and pleasure! Add a good book, food and/or fun and games to make recreation complete!
Oh, that’s right! I forgot one of the essential elements of fun, joy and pleasure. Our being completely and totally bare! Freedom from all and any clothing whatsoever!
Whatever is fun is game!
Unlimited access to leisure (without the baggage of covering and/or garments) is one of the many benefits of being a bare practitioner! It is not limited to just the seasons of Spring and Summer, but those two seasons do afford us the best time and the most time to enjoy and experience life as we prefer it!
Clothes free in nature!
One of the most popular and most frequently engaged bare activities/events is swimming naked/nude. Actually, swimsuits only came into popular fashion during the mid-Victorian era, not even 200years ago. Up until that period, humanity and water were almost always clothes free. If anything, modesty concerns were addressed primarily through gender segregation.
“Skinny-dipping” is a colloquial word in use for swimming naked. The “skinny” is in reference to the skin – no swimsuit, just skin – and the “dipping” refers to a jump or immersion into a body of water. The term is widely used throughout the southern USA.
Discarding their underwear (briefs)!
Of course, we all understand that while aquatics may be fun, they are not a primary choice of leisure living for everyone, no matter their clothing preference. As bare practitioners, we are experienced in that aspect of our community and culture. As the adage informs us: variety is what entices life!
There are unlimited undertakings that are enjoyed while naked/nude. The scope isn’t restricted based on our status as clothes free. Practically every activity that is available while wearing clothes is also available without wearing them.
Games and competitions!
Activities such as games and competitions are played for enjoyment and fun. There are numerous commercial games that are both suitable for involvement either inside and/or outside the home. Above, the game of “twister” is very popular with both bare practitioner and with the textile (clothes wearing) communities. When engaged outside, the players get plenty of attention from not only the competitors but the general public as well.
Football/soccer!
Athletics and sports, whether individually played or as a team, are very engaging as either a participant or as a spectator. In some of the larger metropolitan areas, there are even leagues for amateur teams to compete. Teams that welcome persons and their nakedness exist and are popular among enthusiasts – although some do have very restrictive spectator policies.
Basketball!
There are sports that encourage a very competitive spirit among players and then there are those that are geared towards individual involvement and allow the players to schedule their own times of play according to their schedules.
Tennis!
Games, sports, skinny-dipping: activities that consume energy! Where will we garner all this required energy? From our bare practitioner chefs, of course! There are some of us who are quite skilled with creating delicious and nutritious feasts while entirely naked, my spouse, Aaron, being one of them! To be honest, his meals taste best when he cooks them wearing less!
Grilling the meal!
No matter if the meal preparation is outside in nature or inside in the kitchen, Aaron and our talented cooks waste no time in offering to all the “fruits of their labours!” Their gifts are truly appreciated and enjoyed by all who partake!
Passive bare endeavours!
Not every bare activity requires effort and energy. There are some pastimes that allow the individual to relax and not expend efforts. Reading, writing, art (drawing, painting) and related undertakings are enjoyed by many no matter the season of the year. Board games and card games also are appreciated by nude persons.
Life is indeed short! Enjoy the time available and play naked whenever possible!
Vintage sunscreen promotional image.
The above graphic was popular during the 1950s decade promoting a particular brand of sunscreen. It conveys the message of a young child playing with her pet dog. Her canine accomplice, pulling off this friends swimsuit, is endorsing playing naked!
Contemporary rendition of vintage classic!
Above are to men who are replicating the original commercial although they are by no means playing naked!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, May 16, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Bare Rhythm!”
This is observed annually on the very first Saturday of the month of May. It was first celebrated in 2005 on 10 September and the following year on 9 September, 2006. After the second event, it was decided to change the date to the month of May. The first Saturday of the month was determined to be the best time for gardening.
Since the beginning, it has always been identified as World Naked Gardening Day – a simple and self-explanatory title. Now, it has evolved to International World Naked Gardening Day. Redundant? Yes! Necessary? No!
Aaron, my spouse, and I have hosted a WNGD “planting” for indoor houseplants in our condominium since we began living together. We didn’t hold them during the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic and resumed in 2023. Initially, we invited acquaintances and friends, and our small condo unit would be quite congested. Since the coronavirus concerns, we now only ask a few other bare practitioner couples to join us. Aaron serves as chef, and I take responsibility for cleaning afterwards.
Indoor gardening!
World Naked Gardening Day maintains a website and the link is:
Visit the site for additional information on World Naked Gardening Day. When I was composing this post entry, the site the last update as being 2017. The webpage does contain links to other naked gardening applications.
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The Evolution of a Bare Gardener!
Based on the poem: “Seasonal Interchange” by Michael Aitkin, World Naked Gardening Day webpage.
In Winter, when the trees are bare,
We mortals don our winter wear.
In Spring, when trees begin to dress,
We mortals then start wearing less,
Until, for some, with Summer’s heat
The role reversal is complete.
Happy World Naked Gardening Day!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, May 5, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Mayhem!”
The month of April is always the very first full (complete) month of the Spring season! A perfect time for our very own PhoenixFellington, official spokes-model for ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! to not only remove his boxers but to put his buttocks on full display on a picnic table centered in an open park! Thank you, Phoenix!
April: permanent tan-line?
Our man here isn’t concerned with showing us his bottoms-up! pose with his facial expression as an added bonus. He does present a concern: why a tan-line so early in the season?
A dry towel!
Bottoms-up! after a shower is a time to pose and share your bottom region while drying off the remnants of the hygiene process!
A selfie view!
The urge hits so follow your gut and take the shot! You may be glad that you did! Some of our best images are unplanned and based on a sudden idea!
By the shore!
Although warmer weather isn’t widely available everywhere – yet – our man above is taking advantage of a partially cloudy day and baring himself along the shoreline!
A selfie pose!
He knows that he’s ready for the bottomless season to begin as he gathers evidence to prove it!
An extended weekend morning cuddling!
In bed together without a care in their world!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, May 2, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “WNGD!”
Earth Day is a recent event that has grown both in popularity and scope. It is now a universal observation officially celebrated on April 22, but commemorations are held according to local custom and on appropriate dates. The very first Earth Day occurred on 22 April, 1970. This year, 2025, is the 55th anniversary of this event and the international theme is “Our Power, Our Planet.” The day is dedicated to demonstrating support for environmental protection and encourages global participation in various activities.
The essential truth!
The very first Earth Day events were long overdue. Humanity has spent eternity abusing this planet – our home – without any regard for maintenance and/or replenishment. Finally, people began to recognize the fact that this destructive behavior could not go on forever without serious repercussions. It was time for a change in direction and environmentalists led the way!
From the inception in 1970, Earth Day activities and events focused on the need to demonstrate, educate and inform. In making the people aware of the seriousness of the cause and the benefits of change, a bond has formed that preserves not only our environment but also the excitement of each individual taking simple steps in making a positive difference.
This interactive approach has guaranteed the continued popularity of Earth Day among both the general public and commercial enterprises. Sharing the awareness of progress promotes the concept of the event and the ideal of preservation of our planet, our home!
Trash collection!
Bare practitioners engage in a community inspired project: the removal of discarded trash from a local beach property. This effort benefits not only the beach facility but also the local water source.
Earth Day Beach team!
A job well done and the pride in completion! A cleaner beach for everyone to appreciate and enjoy, thanks to the efforts of these two bare practitioners!
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National Arbor Day, Friday, 25 April, 2025!
Arbor Day is a secular day of observance in which individuals and groups are encouraged to plant trees. The designated National Arbor Day is on Friday, 25 April, 2025. The majority of states in the USA hold their Arbor Day on a variety of days, based on the best tree planting season within their particular area.
In many municipalities, Arbor Day celebrations and events are now held in conjunction with Earth Day activities as the two observances are closely related. In some cases, the tendency is to host two separate festivities in order to remind people of the need to conserve in order to preserve. What is most important is that we realize that the replenishment of our tree growth is of vital importance to us all!
Hugging a tree!
The very first documented Arbor Day happened in Villanueva de la Sierra, Spain, in 1594. It was celebrated city-wide beginning in 1805. In the United States, then-president Theodore Roosevelt in 1907, issued his “Arbor Day Proclamation to the School Children of the United States” announcing the importance of trees and that forestry deserves to be taught in all the U.S. schools.
Initially used as an intentional derogatory description of arborists and environmentalists, the term “tree hugger” rapidly gained the opposite effect. It was adopted by both groups as an honourable distinction.
A municipal Arbor Day happening!
A local municipality hosts an exclusive Arbor Day event. The majority of Arbor Day activities occur regardless of the weather conditions. Rain or sunshine, both are necessary for the growth and health of the planted tree!
April: the first full (complete) month of the Spring season in the Northern Hemisphere. The perfect time to celebrate our natural environment!
Remember Arbor Day whenever you view a tree!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned forThursday, April 24, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Armenia: Genocide Remembrance Day!”
The Feasts of Great and Holy Easter in the Orthodox Churches and Western Easter in the Protestant Churches are observed simultaneously on Sunday, 20 April, 2025.
Kala Pascha!
Happy Easter!
The joint celebration of the Easter Holy Day is not a regular event as the churches all follow different calendars. Easter is a moveable feast day – always celebrated on Sunday however, it changes dates annually. There is no designated date for the observance of the Easter feast.
Aaron, my spouse, is Roman Catholic. I am Greek Orthodox. Our Easter celebrations are usually on different dates. Unfortunately, this year, we have only one single Easter observance. A reduction by half of all our Easter treats!
The Epitaphios: the tomb of Jesus in the Greek Orthodox Church!
Throughout Greece, in the larger cities and ports, the Army, Navy and Air Corps provide the bearers of the Epitaphios to churches. The state church is legally allowed to demand this duty from local military personnel. The only time such a request may be denied is during time of war. I imagine the military attendance is representative of the Roman guards lining the route of Jesus as he carried himself and his cross to the scene of the Crucifixion.
The Easter Ikons!
The ikon is a representation (mural, mosaic or a painting on wood) depicting sacred events or a sacred individual (Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary or a saint). It is used as an object of veneration and prayer or as a visible tool of instruction. In western churches, statues are used. Ikons are found predominately in Orthodox Churches. For the Orthodox people, ikons remind us of our duties and obligations.
The ikon of the Crucifixion of Jesus!
At the noon hour on Great Friday (Good Friday in the Western Church) – which happens to be today, – the ikon of the Crucifixion is placed inside the Epitaphios (Tomb) and carried around the church a total of three (3) times. The Ikon rests inside the Epitaphios until the hour of midnight on Great Saturday. It is then replaced with the Ikon of the Resurrection of Jesus and then encircles the Church three times for the jubilation and veneration of the peoples. Easter is the Feast of the Resurrection!
The Ikon of the Resurrection!
For the Eastern Orthodox faithful (Greek, Russian, Bulgarian, Roumanian, Armenian, Syrian, Coptic, Ethiopian, Palestinian, Serbian, etc.), Easter is the paramount feast of the liturgical (church) year. My paternal papou (grandfather) always noted that in Greece, even the communists were in church on Easter Sunday!
Flowers and “Happy Easter” (Greek)!
Easter Eggs!
In Greece and throughout much of the Eastern Orthodox Church world, egg dying is very popular and involved. In our culture, all eggs are dyed red – the colour that represents both rebirth and renewal. Red is also symbolic for the blood of Christ which was shed during the Crucifixion. The elaborate decorations of eggs used in Russia and the Ukraine are not popular with the remainder of the Orthodox communities.
There are many contests and games utilized with the red eggs and related to the Easter holy day. The four weeks prior to the arrival of Easter is known as the Great Lent, a period of fasting and prayer, during which the consumption of eggs is restricted. It is customary to eat all of the festive eggs prior to the arrival of Easter Monday.
There are numerous ways of dying eggs for Easter. The majority of dying is done within the individual homes and households. Commercially, for large groups, dyed eggs can be purchased in advance. There are dyes available for families to shop. My mother recalls using a very traditional method of dying. They would peel the skins off of red onions and boil the skins mixed with some olive oil and vinegar. We dyed eggs this way growing up, the colour was not as bright as the manufactured dyes but a hard-boiled egg tastes the same, regardless of how it is dyed!
Commercially dyed Easter eggs!
Bare Practitioners!
For those of us who are committed and devoted bare practitioners, our observance of the Easter holiday includes the colourful decorating of our bodies in addition to eggs. Using various varieties of body paint, we are not restricted to simply using the red option.
Body painted adornment!
In celebrating the holiday, many decide to have their buttocks painted to resemble the eggs decorated for the occasion. This process also involves the cooperation of friends and talented (artistic) acquaintances in creating festive images. The most popular anatomical “canvas” (object painted) of course are the buttocks! For many, they do resemble an egg!
Detailed expression!
Some of the hand painted eggs are very awesome and intricate in the creativity and design employed. We can only wonder what is awarded to the first place winners and their artists! Imagine the crowds in line if the buttocks were displayed live in a museum!
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Tsoureki!
“Tsoureki” – Easter bread!
The Easter Bread – a sweetened and renowned baked treat that is a significant tradition of Greek Easter – is baked in the home according to family recipes, passed from generation-to-generation. I have my paternal yiayia (grandmother) recipe. My culinary skills are practically nonexistent so in our home, Aaron prepares our bread, and it is praised by all who eat it. My copy of the recipe was made in my own handwriting when I spent Easter with yiayia and step-by-step we made a total of nine loaves.
Yiayia’s recipe was her very own version of the one given to her by her mother. These recipes are guarded as family treasures and as a rule not shared with others. Frequently, each family has a slight variation in the traditional recipe due to the individual cooks.
The preparation of the bread takes between 18-24 hours and yiayia never used an alarm to remind her of the time. The preparation, after adding all the ingredients, involves allowing the dough to sit for eight hours to rise before punching down, then repeating the same process again before the final rise of six hours, another punch down time and then baking. She loved making this treat and everyone loved devouring her finished product! Aaron enjoys mixing and baking the tsoureki just as much as yiayia did!
Although Aaron never met her, his following her recipe brings back many special memories!
Happy Easter to all!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, April 21, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “April Environment!”
ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! 