In Christianity, Easter represents the day that Jesus rose from the dead. He was resurrected on the third day following his crucifixion. Christians celebrate this on Easter Sunday, two days after Good Friday. Easter also refers to a church season as “Easter Season.” Known as the Octave of Easter, the first week follows the end of Lent, which is a season of fasting and prayer.
Before the year 325 A.D., Easter was not always celebrated on a Sunday. In that year Emperor Constantine gathered the Council of Nicaea and they decided that Easter would be celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon. Since the ecclesiastical vernal equinox is always on March 21 it was determined that Easter must be honored on a Sunday that falls between the dates of March 22 and April 25.
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The New Testament in the bible explains how Easter became a foundation for the Christian religion. Easter is a strong symbol stating that Jesus is God’s son, and he is powerful while proving that God will judge everyone in their righteousness. His resurrection is very important and linked to the Passover. This is where he shared bread and wine with his disciples while preparing to die. He stated that the bread represented his body, and the wine his blood. He was later crucified, which led to his resurrection.
Easter is a day of celebrating the resurrection of Christ. Modern day celebration of Easter includes a large feast with friends and family. Many churches hold sunrise services (among many other events.) Easter egg decorating and hiding is fun for children and adults. In many families, children receive a basket of goodies from “the Easter Bunny.”
Ash Wednesday plays a major role in preparation of Easter. On the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday the celebration of Mardi Gras is held throughout the world. Then Ash Wednesday begins the forty six day period of Lent before the celebration of Easter.
Two of the symbols of this religious holiday include the Easter bunny and the Easter egg. Both of these traditions are taken from the pagan festival of Easter. The Anglo-Saxons worshipped the goddess Easter through her earthly symbol which was the rabbit. The exchanging of Easter eggs is a custom, celebrated by Christians, is a century’s old tradition. The egg was the symbol of birth in many different cultures.
Easter comes from the Christian scripture that says, “Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion.” Many Christians, therefore, celebrate this resurrection on Easter Sunday.
