Ever wonder why Bermudians fly kites on Good Friday and turn out in droves on Bermuda Day to watch small boats known as Fitted Dinghies race from one end of the Island to the other? Bermudian artist and author Judith Wadson attempts to answer these and other questions about local customs in her latest work, "Bermuda: Traditions and Tastes''.

From the origin of the codfish breakfast in the 18th century to annual main events such as the 96-year-old Cup Match holiday, Ms Wadson peels away at the complex layers of the onion patch with a simple, but informative booklet that should be found in every school library and home across the Island. It also makes a great keepsake for visitors.

Riddled with local folklore, anecdotes, recipes and historical facts, "Bermuda: Traditions and Tastes'' is resourceful for the young and old.

It would definitely make an excellent source for Bermuda history quizzes at school.

The black and white photographs, from various private collections and the Government Archives, give the book an authentic historical look.

But it is the author's casual writing style and brevity that allows the reader to learn about the Island in less than 50 pages without feeling as if he or she has memorised an encyclopaedia.

"It is important to prevent Bermuda's heritage from quietly fading away with each passing generation,'' Ms Wadson writes in the epilogue. "I cannot stress enough the need to preserve old stories and family history -- in writing -- to prevent them from being lost.

While admitting that some of Bermuda's traditions remain a mystery, Ms Wadson shares what months of research and hours of conversation with "many knowledgeable older Bermudians'' revealed.

For instance, when the Island was in its agricultural heyday -- between 1890 and 1910 -- Bermuda's onions, potatoes, carrots, celery, beets, kale and parsley were sought after in the eastern United States, Canada and the West Indies.

Specialty growing was developed for the East Coast markets, with bananas and strawberries being much in demand.

But the enactment of the American protective tariffs during the late 1890s and the 1930 tariff in particular sealed the fate of the Island's vegetable export business to the New York market.

And demand for the Island's onions was seriously affected by the introduction of refrigerated railroad cars and the growing of "Bermuda onions'' in Texas.

"Bermuda: Traditions and Tastes'' also explores the origins of the gombeys and their appearance on special holidays such as Boxing Day, New Year's Day, and Bermuda Day.

For example, did you know that each movement of the gombey's dance has a secret meaning known only to the dancers who are paying homage to troubles and strifes of their forbears? Or how about the fact that Easter lillies were introduced to the Island in 1853 when a ship in distress was forced to divert to St. George's Harbour.

Kite flying reportedly came about on Good Friday when a Bermudian Sunday School teacher wanted his students to understand Christ's ascension, so he took his class to a hilltop and launched a kite bearing the likeness of Jesus Christ.

"The kite climbed high in the sky and the teacher cut it loose to let it soar in the wind currents, and presumably, on to Heaven,'' Ms Wadson writes. That is just one of several tales about the origin of the tradition.

But there's no question about the tried and favoured recipes in Bermuda on Good Friday and various other holidays.

With more than 30 recipes -- from Casava Pie to Pawpaw Montespan, listed, readers can be well prepared for Easter dinner and other special occasions.

Ms Wadson has also invited readers to share other traditions or cooking methods with her, indicating a possible second edition of "Bermuda: Traditions and Tastes''.

The book can be purchased for $15 at the Bermuda Book Store, The Bookmart in the Phoenix Centre, A.S. Cooper's, H.A.& E. Smith's, The Book Seller in St.

George's, The Craft Market in Dockyard, and Mall Magazines.