Easter is one of the most important Christian holidays and as per the New Testament of the Bible, Easter occurs three days after the crucifixion of Jesus by Romans and concludes the “Passion of Christ”, which begins with a 40 days period of fasting – Lent and is concluded by the Holy Week.
Unlike Christmas, there is no fixed date for the Christians' festival of Easter which is a day of feasting and celebration during which people attend prayer services, decorate and distribute Easter eggs and play traditional Easter games.
EASTER 2023 DATE
This year, Easter will be celebrated across the world on Sunday April 9.
HISTORY BEHIND EASTER
The story behind Easter lies in the New Testament of the Bible which narrates how Jesus was arrested by the Roman authorities because he claimed to be the ‘Son Of God’. He was later sentenced to death by Pontius Pilate, the Roman emperor by crucifixion. However, he was resurrected three days later which marks the celebration of Easter.
This day is also associated with the Jewish festival of Passover.
According to the New Testament, it is believed to have occurred on the third day (after his burial) following his crucifixion by the Romans at Calvary. It is the culmination of the religious season of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and penance.
EASTER SIGNIFICANCE
Easter is referred to as the Resurrection of Jesus on the third day, who was crucified, died and was buried. This event is referred to as the Resurrection, and it is considered to be the central event of the Christian faith.
Resurrection is believed to be the demonstration of God’s love and power, and it is seen as proof of the promise of eternal life. Easter is celebrated as a time of hope, and joy, as Christians celebrate the victory of life over death and the promise of everlasting life.
The festival is also significant for its cultural and social aspects. It is a time for families and communities to come together share meals, exchange gifts, and participate in various traditions and customs, such as the Easter egg hunt and the decorating of eggs.
These traditions are often linked to the themes of rebirth, renewal, and new life that are central to the Easter story.
EASTER EGGS
As a part of the celebrations, chocolate-filled eggs or brightly painted eggs with sweets inside are common gifts exchanged on Easter. People choose to loosen their purse strings and splurge on the Easter weekend as the celebrations arrive after a 40-day lent period.
Some examples of non-religious Easter traditions include a treasure hunt like search for Easter eggs, and games such as egg rolling and egg decorating.
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