Easter is a Christian holiday that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It is celebrated on the Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox, which falls between March 22 and April 25.
For Christians, Easter is the most important holiday of the year, as it represents the culmination of the events of Holy Week, which includes the Last Supper, the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot, his arrest and trial, his crucifixion, death, burial, and finally, his resurrection on the third day.
The resurrection of Jesus is seen as a triumph over death, and as a sign of God's love and forgiveness for humanity. It is also a symbol of hope, and a reminder that through faith in Jesus, believers can have eternal life.
The Easter holiday is celebrated in many different ways around the world, with traditions that vary depending on the culture and the region. Some common traditions include attending church services, coloring and hunting Easter eggs, giving gifts of chocolate and other treats, and participating in parades and other festive events.
Why do we celebrate Easter with eggs?
The tradition of decorating and giving eggs at Easter has been around for centuries and has its roots in both Pagan and Christian traditions. In Pagan cultures, eggs were seen as a symbol of new life and rebirth, which is in line with the spring season and the renewal of nature.
In Christian traditions, eggs were originally a symbol of the resurrection of Jesus, as they represented the tomb from which he emerged. The shell of the egg symbolized the sealed tomb, and the cracking of the shell represented his resurrection. Over time, the egg became associated with Easter and the celebration of Jesus' resurrection.
In many cultures, the eggs were dyed and decorated with bright colors and intricate designs, making them a popular gift and decoration for the holiday. Today, the tradition of decorating and giving Easter eggs is still very popular, and many people continue to celebrate this holiday with egg-related activities such as egg hunts and egg rolling competitions.
Why do they call it Easter?
The origin of the word "Easter" is not entirely clear, but there are several theories about its etymology. One theory suggests that the word comes from the Old English word "Ēastre," which was the name of a pagan festival celebrating the spring equinox and the goddess of dawn and spring, Ēastre or Ostara. When Christianity spread in England, the celebration of Easter became associated with the name of the festival, and the name "Easter" stuck.
Another theory suggests that the word "Easter" comes from the Latin word "alba," which means "white." This theory suggests that Easter may have been named after the white garments worn by newly baptized Christians during the Easter season.
Regardless of its origin, the name "Easter" has been used to refer to the Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus for many centuries and is now widely recognized and celebrated around the world.
What are 3 Easter traditions?
There are many Easter traditions around the world, but here are three common ones:
- Easter Eggs: Decorating eggs is a popular Easter tradition in many cultures. People dye and decorate eggs with bright colors and intricate designs, and in some places, they hide them for children to find in an Easter egg hunt.
- Easter Bunny: The Easter Bunny is a popular symbol of Easter in many countries, particularly in the United States. The bunny is said to bring Easter baskets filled with treats, toys, and other goodies to children.
- Easter Meals: Many families have special meals on Easter Sunday, which often feature traditional dishes such as roast lamb, ham, or fish. In some countries, special Easter bread or pastries are also popular, such as hot cross buns in the United Kingdom.
Try our video Easter Recipes.
