|
Easter is an
annual Christian feast that celebrates Jesus Christ's resurection
after his crucifixion. |
 |
It
is always celebrated on a Sunday and its date varies between
March 22 and April 25, thus called a movable feast. |
Easter
Sunday is calculated in relation to the first full moon after
March, 21 equinox. The Eastern Orthodox churches, however, follow
the Julian rather than the Gregorian calendar, so their celebration
usually happens some weeks later than the Western Easter. As
in the north hemisphere Easter normally happens in the beginning
of Spring, it's traditionally associated to the idea of renovation
and mix pagan and Christian traditions.
According
to ancient traditions its related to the Jewish Easter (Pessach)
which commemorates Israel's deliverance from the bondage of Egypt.
The
English name Easter derives from the name of the Spring pagan
Anglo-Saxon goddess Eostre, goddess of Spring and fertility,
to whom was dedicated a month corresponding to April. Her festival
was celebrated on the day of the vernal equinox.
Traditions
associated with the festival survive in the Easter rabbit, as
a symbol of fertility, and in colored Easter eggs, originally
painted with bright colors representing the sunlight of Spring.
Easter traditions include egg exchanges, symbolizing a new life.
Connected
with the observance of Easter is the Lent, a 40-day penitential
season beginning on Ash Wednesday and concluding at midnight
on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday.
The
Holy Week, begins on Palm Sunday (March , 24 in 2002) and extends
until the next Saturday, called Holy Saturday (March, 30 in 2002).
The Friday before the Holy Saturday is called Good Friday, the
day of the crucifixion (March, 29 in 2002). The Octave of Easter,
extends from Easter Sunday (March, 31 in 2002) through the following
Sunday. Easter Sunday is May, 5 in 2002 to the Eastern Orthodox
churches. |
 |
-
Good Friday -
Jesus
was nailed to a cross and there he died.
He was buried in a cave with a large stone at the entrance. |
Good
Friday is the Christian celebration in memory of the death of
Jesus Christ on the Friday that preceded the Easter Sunday. In
the 4th century Good Friday became a separate commemoration of
the death of Christ, and Easter was thereafter devoted exclusively
to the resurrection. Originally, no liturgy was held on that
day. In the 4th century a procession was staged from Gethsemane
to the sanctuary of the cross in Jerusalem, followed by readings
about the passion, and this was the beginning of the Good Friday
observance as it is now known today.
-
The Easter Sunday -
On
the third day after the crucifixion and death of Jesus, he resurected.
 |
"For
I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received,
how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
And
that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according
to the scriptures."
1
Corinthians 15:3,4 |
Easter
Sunday is a day devoted to family reunions. It's a day to gather
family for a especial lunch, Easter egg hunts and go to church.
Happy
Easter ! |
|
