A Celebration of Resurrection, Hope, and New Life
Easter is the most important and oldest festival of the Christian Church, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. This event is the cornerstone of Christian faith, symbolizing victory over sin and death and the promise of eternal life.
Easter celebrates the Christian belief that Jesus Christ rose from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion, as described in the New Testament.
Easter is a moveable feast, meaning it is not fixed in relation to the civil calendar. It is celebrated on the first Sunday after the full Moon following the spring equinox.
The festival is strongly associated with the arrival of spring, and it carries a universal theme of rebirth, renewal, and hope for the future.
The story of Easter is the climax of the Christian Passion narrative. After Jesus was crucified on Good Friday, his body was laid in a tomb, which was sealed with a large stone.
The Empty Tomb
According to the New Testament, on the morning of the third day (Sunday), Mary Magdalene and other women went to the tomb to anoint Jesus' body. They found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. An angel appeared and announced that Jesus had risen from the dead. Later, Jesus appeared to his disciples, proving his victory over death. This miraculous event is the foundation of Christian hope, signifying that faith in Christ leads to salvation and eternal life.
Many symbols, both religious and secular, are associated with Easter, representing the core themes of resurrection, purity, and new beginnings.
While it represents the crucifixion, the empty cross on Easter is a powerful symbol of the resurrection and Jesus' victory over death.
A pre-Christian symbol of fertility and new life. For Christians, the egg represents the sealed tomb from which Christ emerged.
Represents Jesus as the "Lamb of God," who was sacrificed for the sins of humanity. It is a symbol of purity and innocence.
These white flowers symbolize purity, virtue, and the hope of new life that comes with the resurrection.
Easter is celebrated with a blend of solemn religious services and joyful family traditions that have evolved over centuries.
Attending church services is central to the religious observance of Easter, with special prayers, music, and sermons celebrating the resurrection.
A popular activity for children, where decorated eggs are hidden for them to find, symbolizing the discovery of the empty tomb.
Families gather for a large celebratory meal on Easter Sunday, often featuring lamb or ham, marking the end of the Lenten fast.
In many cities, festive parades are held where people show off new spring outfits and elaborate bonnets, a tradition symbolizing renewal.
The Easter meal is a joyous occasion, featuring special dishes and sweets that vary by culture but are all part of the celebration of new life.