Easter

Easter bunny next to decorative Easter eggs.

### About

Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and occurs every year on Easter Sunday.

## What is Easter and why is it celebrated?

Easter is a Christian festival, celebrating Jesus Christ. We celebrate Easter because it's the belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The day we celebrate Easter is called Easter Sunday. The date of Easter changes each year because it is Sunday following the paschal full moon date (the 14th day of the ecclesiastical lunar month in an ecclesiastical lunar calendar) It is believed that the earliest recorded observance of an Easter celebration was around the 2nd century (1 Jan 101 AD – 31 Dec 200 AD). The English word Easter, which parallels the German word Ostern, is of uncertain origin. Computus calculates the date of Easter each year.

The 4th April, 2021, was Easter Sunday this year. It was on 2nd May in Western Christianity. Easter Sunday and similar festivals, such as Ash Wednesday and Palm Sunday, are known as 'moveable feasts,' despite the fact that Easter always occurs on a Sunday between 22nd March and 25th April in western Christianity, which follows the Gregorian calendar.

## Why do we have Easter eggs for Easter?

We have Easter eggs for Easter because it is said that they represent Jesus' emergence from the tomb and resurrection. The first chocolate egg was recorded back in 1873. Easter eggs are said to originate from Pagan beliefs celebrating spring. Eggs symbolised new life for Pagans, a fitting image during the spring season and one that then becomes a part of the Christian celebration of Easter.

## What does the Easter Bunny symbolise?

The Easter Bunny is traditionally associated with the holiday of Easter, of a rabbit, bringing Easter eggs to children. The Easter Bunny lays, decorates, and hides eggs as they are also a symbol of new life. Rabbits and Easter bunnies have been associated with springtime since ancient times. This is why some children may enjoy Easter egg hunts.

## What are the religious traditions of Easter?

The Christian religions are founded on the cornerstone of Jesus' resurrection, as mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible. As a result, Easter is a crucial date in the Christian calendar. According to the New Testament, Jesus was imprisoned by Roman officials because he appeared to be the 'Son of God,' but scholars doubt this assertion, with some speculating that the Romans may have seen him as a threat to the empire. Pontius Pilate, the Roman prefect in the province of Judea from 26 to 36 A.D., sentenced him to death. The writers of the gospels say that Jesus' death by crucifixion, commemorated by the Christian holiday Good Friday (the Friday before Easter), and eventual regeneration three days later proved that he was the living son of God. The four gospels of the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) say in various forms that those who believe in Jesus' death and resurrection are given "the gift of everlasting life," which means that those who believe will be accepted into the "Kingdom of Heaven" following their earthly death.

## How is Easter celebrated in Eastern Christianity?

Easter is made clear in the calendars of Eastern Orthodox, Eastern Catholics, and Byzantine Rite Lutherans, and many of their liturgical customs are similar.

The season of Great Lent, which begins on Clean Monday, kicks off the preparations for Easter. While Lazarus Saturday marks the end of Lent, fasting continues until Easter Sunday. The Orthodox service begins late Saturday evening, in keeping with Jewish tradition that liturgical holy days begin in the evening.

The church is darkened, and at midnight, the priest lights a candle to represent Jesus Christ's resurrection. Altar servers light additional candles as part of a procession that circles the church three times, representing Jesus' three days in the tomb. The service continues into the early hours of Sunday morning, culminating in a feast to break the fast. On Easter Sunday, a second service is held later in the day.

## How is Easter celebrated in Western Christianity?

Easter is celebrated in a various number of ways among Western Christians. The Easter Vigil, which follows an ancient liturgy involving symbols of light, candles, and water, and numerous readings from the Old and New Testament, is held on the night of Holy Saturday for Roman Catholics, Lutherans, and some Anglicans.

Easter Sunday and Easter Monday services are held in a number of countries. Easter Sunrise Services are held in Moravian Church parishes, as well as some other denominations such as Methodist Churches, and often begin in cemeteries in remembrance of the biblical narrative in the Gospels, or other open spaces where the sunrise can be seen. Easter services in some traditions begin with the Paschal greeting: "Christ is risen!" The response is: "He has indeed risen. Alleluia"

## Gallery

An Easter bunny in a basketHappy Easter animationA basket of Easter eggs and flowers
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