Easter is an important Christian celebration and holiday that commemorates the Jesus Christ’s Resurrection. It is typically celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox and includes religious services, family gatherings, special meals, and gift-giving. This period is both somber and joyous, and many traditions have evolved around it.
To better understand this special holiday, let’s explore its various symbols and meanings. From the history to its deeper messages, we can discover why Easter is important and how it connects to us today.
Table of Contents
- What is Easter Day and why do we celebrate it?
- Easter Sunday is the Crowning Glory of Christianity
- Holy Week Timeline
- The Triduum
- Eastertide, Eastertime or The Easter Season
- When is Easter day? How Is the Date Determined?
- What is Pascha?
- What is the connection between the Jewish Passover and the Christian Easter?
- What the word Easter means?
- The Origins and Syncretism of the Easter and Pagan Traditions
- When was Christian Easter First Celebrated?
- Easter Observance in Christian Denominations
- The Easter Symbols
- The Easter Traditions
- What is the true meaning of Easter in Christianity?
- Inspirational thoughts on Jesus Christ’s Resurrection
- Ten Reasons why Easter is Important
- Ten Reasons why Easter can Still Inspire People Today:
- Easter Call to Action: Jesus’ message of love can still inspire us today.
What is Easter Day and why do we celebrate it?
Easter is an Annual Christian Holiday
Easter is the most glorious holiday in Christianity. It is a time for Christians to commemorate and celebrate the Resurrection of Christ.
It is a Moveable Feast,
meaning that it doesn’t fall on a fixed date, like Christmas for example. The day of Easter each year is on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the northern hemisphere’s vernal equinox.
Easter is Always on a Sunday
According to the Bible, Jesus was resurrected on a Sunday morning. According to the Gospels, Christ rose from the dead three days after his death on Good Friday. Thus, Easter is always celebrated on the Sunday following Good Friday.
Easter Sunday is the Crowning Glory of Christianity
The crowning glory of Christianity most definitely goes to Easter Sunday. It’s the climax of the 90 days-long period of Lent and Pentecost, culminating in an incredible celebration of the resurrection of Jesus. It feels like the grand finale of the Holy Week while at the same time it’s the great opening to a new life in the light of hope, love, and redemption.
During the Holy Week, we recall the events of Easter as it’s been recorded in the Bible. It’s a time of reverence and awe, as we consider Jesus’ last days on earth. This is the day we truly honor Jesus for the amazing sacrifice He made for us and for His triumphant resurrection. Easter Sunday is indeed the peak of this entire liturgical period, and we are forever grateful for His love and grace.
Holy Week Timeline
In each one of the Holy Days we commemorate the story of the Easter, as recorded in the Bible. Here’s a brief timeline:
- Palm Sunday: Jesus enters Jerusalem, and the crowds rejoice and lay palm branches in his path.
- Holy Monday: Jesus curses a fig tree and visits the temple in Jerusalem.
- Holy Tuesday: Jesus teaches in the temple, debates with religious leaders and predicts his coming death.
- Holy Wednesday or “Spy Wednesday”: it’s the day when Judas made an agreement with authorities to hand Jesus over.
- Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday: Jesus celebrates the Last Supper with his disciples and institutes the Eucharist. He is betrayed by Judas and arrested by the Roman soldiers.
- Good Friday: We commemorate the trial, the suffering, the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and His death at Calvary.
- Holy Saturday: Jesus’ body lies in the tomb.
- Easter Sunday or Resurrection Sunday: Jesus rises from the dead, conquering death and providing hope for all who believe in Him.
The Triduum
The Triduum is a three-day period of religious observance leading up to and including Easter Sunday. It begins on the evening of Maundy Thursday and ends on the evening of Easter Sunday.
The days of the Triduum are deeply moving, for they culminate in the Passion of the Christ, a narrative that tells of Jesus Christ’s arrest, trial, suffering and crucifixion.
During the Triduum, special liturgies, prayers, and services are held to commemorate the passion, death, and resurrection of Christ.
Eastertide, Eastertime or The Easter Season
The Easter season begins on the day of the Resurrection and typically lasts for 7-8 weeks. It officially ends on the day of Pentecost, which is the 50th day after Easter Sunday, though the season may continue through the season of Ordinary Time.
When is Easter day? How Is the Date Determined?
The date is determined by the lunar calendar, as it is celebrated on the first Sunday after the full moon following the spring equinox, known as the “Paschal Full Moon”. This usually falls near March 21st and generally results in Easter being observed in either late March or early April, but its exact date can vary from year to year. Nevertheless, it is always celebrated between March 22nd and April 25th.
The Eastern and the Western churches don’t celebrate Easter on the same date each year. This is because different calendars and methods are used by Western Christian and Orthodox denominations.
For example, while Western churches use the Gregorian calendar, the Orthodox ones use the Julian calendar and a different method – known as the Easter Computus. The Julian calendar is still used by some Eastern Orthodox churches such as The Armenian Apostolic Church and Russian Orthodox Church to calculate their Easter dates.
What is the Easter Rule?
The Easter Rule is an important calculation for Christian churches to determine the date of Easter each year. It takes into account the lunar calendar, which follows the phases of the moon, as well as the astronomical equinox.
This ensures that Easter is celebrated on the proper day each year and that the Christian Church can adhere to the religious holiday. The Rule relies on the first Sunday after the first astronomical full moon following the vernal equinox in order to calculate the date.
It’s worth noting that the Easter Rule is an ancient calculation, as it has been used by the Christian Church for thousands of years. This just goes to show the importance of the Easter Rule, as it ensures that Easter is celebrated on the proper day each year.
What Happens When the Full Moon and Spring Equinox Occur on the Same Day?
This solar and lunar event is called an “astronomical convergence,” and it happens every 18.6 years or so. During the astronomical convergence, the sun is at its highest point in the sky and the moon is in its fullest phase of the month. In a sense, they both “meet” in the middle, bringing a special energy to the world.
When this happens, Easter falls on the following Sunday. This is because Easter is traditionally celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon that occurs after the beginning of spring.
What is Pascha?
Holy Pascha is an alternate name for Easter. Its name can be traced back to the Greek word “pascha,” which means “passing over.” This is a reference to the Jewish festival of Passover, which commemorates the passing over of the angel of death during the tenth plague of Egypt.
What is the connection between the Jewish Passover and the Christian Easter?
The Jewish Passover and the Christian Easter are connected by a shared history going back over two thousand years. Although the two events celebrate vastly different stories, the two holidays are related in a number of ways
The most central connection between the two holidays is that Passover and Easter commemorate the same God – the God of Israel. Although Jews and Christians have vastly different interpretations of God, both trace their spiritual heritage back to the same source. This is why Jews and Christians both celebrate these holy days as special occasions – they honor the same God.
In addition, many of the symbols used in the celebration of Passover can be seen in the Easter celebration. For example, the lambs used in the celebration of Passover are related to the Lamb of God in the Easter celebration. Similarly, the blend of bitter herbs used during the Passover Meal or Seder are echoed in the spices used to celebrate Jesus’ burial on Easter.
Finally, both Passover and Easter are important in the life of faith, and both represent times of spiritual renewal. The Jewish Passover is seen as a time of moving from bondage to redemption, while Easter is seen as a time of moving from death to life. Both holidays are seen as important milestones in the spiritual lives of their adherents, and are celebrated accordingly
In conclusion, the Jewish Passover and the Christian Easter are connected by a shared spiritual heritage, symbolism, and spiritual renewal. Although the two holidays celebrate vastly different stories, they are inextricably linked through their connection to the God of Israel.
What the word Easter means?
The word Easter may be related to an Old High German word for dawn: eostarum, and there is a connection to a High German goddess, Ostara. It is also very possible that is derived from the Old English word ‘Eostre’, which was the name of a goddess of fertility and spring. Eostre is mentioned in the 7th century by the monk Bede.
The Origins and Syncretism of the Easter and Pagan Traditions
The Christian Easter traditions are believed to originate in ancient Pagan celebrations. Syncretism, the practice of combining different religions and cultures, allowed for the acceptance of practices from earlier faiths into Christianity. Pope Gregory I even allowed the early Christians to incorporate these practices into Christianity in order to better convert people.
This connection can be seen with the celebration of the Vernal Equinox, an ancient Pagan spring festival which was associated with a Germanic goddess named Eostre (or Ostara). Up to this day, Christian celebrations are still influenced by many pre-Christian European rituals and symbolism, such as eggs representing new life and renewal or rabbits symbolizing fertility and abundance.
The spring equinox marks an important event in many ancient Pagan traditions, where the return of the sun is celebrated with feasts and festivals. Many ancient cultures, including the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians, have seen the return of the sun as an opportunity to pay tribute to the gods upon whom their beliefs are based.
The Greek god Dionysus is perhaps the most strongly associated with death and resurrection, and his annual festival was a time of celebration and joy.
The Egyptians also celebrated the return of the sun with a feast honoring the god Osiris, known as the “Feast of Light”.
The Romans also celebrated the return of the sun with the feast of Cybele, their mother goddess.
All of these festivals had elements that bear a striking resemblance to the way Easter is celebrated in Christianity. These ancient Pagan customs have evolved into Christian traditions like Easter feasts, thanksgiving celebrations to the sun’s return, and honoring gods.
Though it is not known for sure how early Christian ceremonies were influenced by these ancient Pagan celebrations, it is clear that many elements from these traditions are still present today in modern the Easter feast.
When was Christian Easter First Celebrated?
It has been thought that the first Easter celebrations were held in the 2nd century, around the same time of year that Easter is now celebrated. Early Christians commemorated Jesus’ resurrection, but due to the persecution of the Roman Empire, it was not celebrated openly.
Nevertheless, around the 4th century AD to be precise – after Emperors Constantine I and Licinius had issued The Edict of Milan in 313 AD to treat Christians benevolently- the earliest public Easter festivities took place.
This agreement gave Christians some sort of protection from any persecution. And, with more people converting to Christianity, the anniversary of Easter also increased and was firmly established by the 4th century AD.
Easter Observance in Christian Denominations
Easter observance is unique in its celebration within different Christian denominations. While some denominations, such as the Roman Catholic Church, celebrate Easter on the same day, Eastern Christianity, particularly the Orthodox Church, has its own set of calculation rules leading to a different Easter date.
The Orthodox Easter is a special event, filled with rituals and customs to be observed. These include the blessing of Easter baskets, painting eggs, and the burning of fires. Moreover, Orthodox Easter services and liturgies differ slightly from the services and liturgies of other denominations.
Though there may be some subtle differences between the services, liturgies, and celebrations of Easter in different denominations, the common elements of Easter observance are the same. Processions, prayers, and special feasts are observed by all, and services and Masses take place across all Christian denominations.
The Easter Vigil
The Easter Vigil is an essential part of the Easter observance and a beautiful, meaningful way to honor the resurrection of Christ. It begins after nightfall and ends before dawn.
The Easter Vigil is made up of several distinct parts, each with its own unique purpose. The Service of Light is the first part and involves blessing the fire, the Easter candle, and then processing through the church with the candle’s light. This symbolizes the rising of Christ and the coming of the light of faith.
The Liturgy of the Word follows and includes several readings from the Old Testament that tell the story of salvation and how God worked through human history to bring about the Resurrection. This is followed by the Liturgy of Baptism, in which those who are to be baptized make their profession of faith and are welcomed into the Church.
The Liturgy of the Eucharist is the final part of the Easter Vigil, and the pinnacle of the celebration. The Eucharist is a sacred meal in which bread and wine are consecrated, then shared among all present. This serves as a reminder of the Last Supper and the unity of the Church.
The Easter Vigil is an awe-inspiring occasion to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ, and renew faith in God’s love and mercy. Participating in the Easter Vigil is a beautiful way to draw closer to God, and to remember the mysteries of salvation.
The Holy Fire
The Holy Fire is an unexplained phenomenon that has been documented by Orthodox Christian believers for centuries and is celebrated as a miracle during Great Saturday, the day before Orthodox Easter. Every year, a flame is said to spontaneously appear from within the Edicule altarpiece at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem.
It is believed that when the Holy Fire descends upon the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, it is transported to other churches around the world. This fire is said to have healing powers, and is a symbol of the resurrection of Christ.
The appearance of the Holy Fire, which does not burn anyone, has been described as a comforting light that brings a renewed sense of spiritual awareness to the faithful who have gathered around the tomb. It is believed to be a sign of the divine presence and a reminder of the Light of Resurrection that was made known to mankind.
Despite its significance within the Orthodox Christian faith, the authenticity of the Holy Fire has long been debated. Many have put forward naturalistic theories to explain the phenomenon, suggesting that it is caused by the oxygenation of a draft inside the sepulcher. However, scientific investigations and experiments have failed to explain the occurrence in full, leading some to reject scientific explanations of the event and view it instead as a divine miracle.
Whatever the cause may be, believers and non-believers alike acknowledge the significance of the Holy Fire and its powerful symbolism of hope and resurrection. On Holy Saturday, believers from around the world gather to witness the mysteries of the Holy Fire and celebrate the mystery and grandeur of God.
The Paschal Greeting: Christ is Risen!
The Paschal Greeting, also known as the Easter Acclamation, is a custom found among Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Catholic, and Anglican Christians, as well as certain liturgical Protestant denominations. Generally, one is to greet another person with “Christ is risen!” and the response is “Indeed He is Risen!” with variations depending on the language. The traditional greeting on Easter morning among Catholics is “Christus surréxit! – Surréxit vere, allelúja.”
On Resurrection Sunday you can hear this greeting everywhere in and around the christian churches. In some cultures, such as Russia and Serbia, a triple kiss of peace is exchanged after the greeting.
The Easter Symbols
Easter eggs
Easter eggs are decorated eggs that are often given as gifts during the Easter season. Similar to the word Easter we mentioned before, decorating eggs is an ancient tradition and is believed to have originated from pagan customs. In Christianity, the egg is a symbol of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Today, Easter eggs come in a range of colors, shapes, and sizes and can be decorated with a variety of materials. They are often filled with treats or surprises and are given to children during Easter celebrations.
The Easter Bunny
The Easter Bunny is a popular figure associated with Easter celebrations. It is said to bring candy, eggs, and other treats to children on Easter morning. The origin of the Easter Bunny is debated, but some believe it comes from a combination of Christian and pre-Christian traditions. The Easter Bunny is often depicted as a white rabbit with a basket of eggs and candy. It is thought to have originated in Germany during the 17th century.
The Easter Lamb
Lamb is perhaps the strongest religious symbol of the Easter feast. Other than being an incredibly young animal born during spring, lambs don’t have any strong connection to Pagan beliefs. The Lamb comes from the Jewish Passover feast when all family members sacrifice a Lamb. As Jesus became Passover Lamb, the Lamb became a symbol of His sacrifice. 1 John 1:19- “Then the next day Jesus came toward him and said to him: “Look, he is able to forgive sin!
The Easter Traditions
Most Christian denominations celebrate Easter with similar rituals, such as attending special church services, decorating Easter eggs, and eating specific foods such as hot cross buns.
Easter egg hunts
When organizing an Easter egg hunt, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the eggs should be hidden in places that are easy for children to find. Secondly, you should plan for a variety of ages and make sure the eggs are appropriate for the ages of the children. Thirdly, it is important to make sure the eggs are safe, and you should avoid hiding them in places that could be hazardous or choked by small objects. Lastly, it is important to have a prize or reward for the children that find the eggs, such as candy or small toys.
Eating Hot Cross Buns and Chocolate Eggs
Hot cross buns are sweet, spiced buns with a cross on top that represent the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Chocolate eggs, on the other hand, are a symbol of new life and rebirth, and are often given as gifts or used in Easter egg hunts. Both traditions have roots in Christian symbolism and are popular ways to celebrate Easter in many cultures.
Resurrection Eggs
Resurrection Eggs is a Christian tradition that involves a dozen plastic eggs, each containing a small object that symbolizes a part of the Easter story, such as a small cross, a piece of linen cloth, or a rock. The eggs are usually used as a visual aid during a lesson or discussion about the Easter story, and can be a fun and interactive way for children to learn about the events leading up to the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The Easter Basket
This tradition that dates back many centuries and is still popular today. It can be traced back to the early Christian church, where baskets of food were brought to the church to be blessed on Resurrection Sunday.
These baskets often contained eggs, bread, and other food items that had been given up for Lent.
Over time, the tradition evolved into the modern practice of giving Easter baskets filled with candy, toys, and other treats to children.
In some cultures, such as in Poland and Ukraine, the Easter basket is still an important part of the Easter celebration, and families spend time decorating and preparing their baskets to be blessed at the church.
Flying kites
Flying kites is part of the Easter celebrations in some countries, such as the United Kingdom, as well as some parts of the United States and Canada. In contrast, flying kites is part of the celebrations for Clean Monday, which is the first day of the Greek Orthodox Great Lent, and is celebrated in Greece and some other Orthodox countries.
Easter bonfires
Easter bonfires have been a tradition since pre-Christian times and are thought to have originated in the pagan celebration of the vernal equinox. They were likely adopted into the Easter celebrations in some parts of Europe as a way to ward off evil spirits. The exact date when these bonfires first began is unknown, but they are still popular in many parts of the world today.
Easter parades
People around the world celebrate Easter with parades. In the United States, Easter parades are held in many cities such as New York City, Chicago, and Philadelphia. In Europe, we find them in countries such as Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom. In Latin America, Easter parades are held in Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina. In Asia, Easter parades are held in countries such as India, Japan, and the Philippines.
Singing Easter hymns
Christ’s resurrection has inspired some of the most beautiful poems and hymns; From cheerful anthems like “Christ the Lord is Risen Today” to more contemplative tunes like “Because He Lives” and “The Day of Resurrection”, there are a wealth of musical works that celebrate Easter and bless your soul with hope and joy!
Easter egg rolling
Another traditional Easter activity that involves rolling decorated, hard-boiled eggs down a slope or hill. It is believed to have originated in Germany and is now popular in many countries around the world. It is typically done by children, who compete to see who can roll their egg the farthest. In some countries, This fun activity is also done with wooden eggs.
What is the true meaning of Easter in Christianity?
Easter has a major symbolic significance as Jesus Christ triumphed on his own death. All who have faith in Jesus Christ receive eternal life. It’s an opportunity to confirm all the lessons and doctrine Jesus taught in His ministry over the last 3 years.
If he wasn’t dead or died or had never been resurrected, he would be seen as merely another teacher. But His resurrection rejected all else and proved to us all final proof that He was God’s son overcoming death forever. The resurrection in Christ is a key element of Christianity’s faith.
Inspirational thoughts on Jesus Christ’s Resurrection
From a theological point of view, Easter and the Christ’s Resurrection is seen as a sign of God’s victory over death and the ultimate redemption of mankind. The wise church fathers of Christianity and many modern thinkers have reflected a lot upon this. Here are some citations:
- The resurrection of Jesus Christ is at the heart of the Christian faith. It is the very foundation of our hope. Pope Benedict XVI, Easter Message
- Now all things have been filled with light, both heaven and earth and those beneath the earth; so let all creation sing Christ’s rising, by which it is established. St. John of Damascus – Paschal Canon
- The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith and the source of our hope. Archbishop of Canterbury, Easter Message
- He has risen. Three words that can wipe away all the loss and grief of the past days. Three words that change everything. Mike McKinley, The Resurrection in Your Life
- Whatever you are facing right now, remember the empty tomb: Jesus is alive, and because of that, we win in the end! Sheila Walsh, 5 Minutes with Jesus
- Let’s walk with him. Let’s see how Jesus spent his final days. Enter the holy week and observe. Feel his passion. Sense his power. Hear his promise that death has no power. Max Lucado, On Calvary’s Hill.
- But what appeared to be a defeat was actually the greatest victory of all. In his death, Jesus defeated sin. On Easter morning, death too was defeated. Eugene H. Peterson, The Message of Easter
- The resurrection of Jesus changes the face of death for all His people. Death is no longer a prison, but a passage into God’s presence. Easter says you can put truth in a grave, but it won’t stay there Clarence W. Hall
Ten Reasons why Easter is Important
The deeper meaning for Christians worldwide is that through Jesus’ death and resurrection, God has conquered death and sin, and offers all people the hope of eternal life and a relationship with God.
His sacrifice is the ultimate act of love by God, and is seen as a source of hope and inspiration to all people. Here are ten reasons why Easter is important for people today:
- It is a reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice for humanity and His ultimate victory over death.
- It is a time to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and to remember the hope of eternal life.
- It is a time to reflect on Jesus’ example of love and humility.
- It is a time to give thanks for God’s forgiveness and grace.
- It is a time to celebrate the joy of the Christian faith and to share in fellowship with other believers.
- It is a time to remember the promises of God and to seek His guidance.
- It is a time to gather with family and friends and to celebrate the new life of spring.
- It is a time to practice acts of kindness and generosity.
- It is a time to remember the past and look to the future with hope.
- It is a time to renew our faith and commitment to Christ.
Ten Reasons why Easter can Still Inspire People Today:
Easter is a special time of the year that is filled with hope, love, and resilience. It is a time to remember the powerful message of Jesus Christ: that inclusivity, compassion, empathy, forgiveness, acceptance, and peace can help to build a better world.
It is also a time to remember Jesus’ unwavering commitment to justice and equality, and His willingness to stand against oppression and injustice. And it is a reminder that no matter how difficult our circumstances may be, we can always find the courage to keep going and make a difference in our lives and the lives of those around us.
- Easter is a reminder that suffering and injustice can be overcome. Jesus’ resurrection gives hope to those who are suffering, as it shows that even in the most difficult circumstances, there is always a way to move forward.
- It is also is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always light. We can be encouraged to find the hope, courage, and strength to keep going.
- Easter provides inspiration that everyone is capable of making a difference in the world. Jesus was a humble man who showed that even the meekest of people can have a powerful impact.
- Easter is a reminder of the importance of justice, equality, and fairness. Jesus was a champion of those who were oppressed and marginalized, and He showed us that the fight for justice will never be in vain.
- Furthermore, it serves as a reminder of the power of love and compassion. Jesus was a man who showed us that love can conquer even the most entrenched hatred.
- It’s a moment for us to appreciate the importance of family. Jesus was a man who showed us that no matter how far apart we are, our bonds of family and friendship will never be broken.
- Easter reminds us that we are all connected and that we need to look out for one another. Jesus was a man who showed us that we are all responsible for the welfare of our fellow man.
- It’s a strong message on the beauty of diversity. Jesus was a man who showed us that we can all learn and grow from each other’s differences.
- Easter is a reminder of the importance of faith. Jesus was a man who showed us that our faith can sustain us in times of hardship and despair.
- Finally, it is a reminder that life is a journey and that we will never be alone on our path. Jesus was a man who showed us that God is always with us, no matter what.
Easter Call to Action:
Jesus’ message of love can still inspire us today.
We can be inspired by His example of inclusivity,
compassion, empathy, forgiveness, acceptance, and peace.
We can strive to treat others with the same respect,
kindness, and understanding that Jesus did.
We can also be inspired by His unwavering commitment to justice and equality,
and His willingness to stand against injustice and oppression.
We can strive to be agents of change in our own lives
and in the world around us, just as Jesus was.
We can also be inspired by Jesus’ example of faith,
hope, and resilience in the face of adversity.
His example shows us that no matter how difficult our situation may be,
we can always find the strength and courage to keep going.
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