Easter Sunday

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Easter Sunday is a significant Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Described in the New Testament of the Bible as having occurred on the third day after his crucifixion at Calvary, it is the culmination of the Passion of Jesus, preceded by Lent, a forty-day period of fasting, prayer, and penance.

Origins and History

The origins of Easter Sunday date back to the earliest days of Christianity, an event deeply rooted in the Jewish festival of Passover. The Last Supper shared by Jesus and his disciples before his crucifixion is thought to have been a Passover meal. Over time, Christians began to celebrate Easter independently of the Jewish calendar.

The First Council of Nicaea in 325 established the date of Easter as the first Sunday after the full moon following the vernal equinox. This dating ensured that Easter would not only maintain its connection to the Jewish Passover but also occur on a Sunday, which was already considered a holy day by Christians.

Customs and Observances

Easter is preceded by Holy Week, which includes Maundy Thursday, commemorating the Last Supper, and Good Friday, reflecting on Jesus' crucifixion. The specific customs and observances of Easter Sunday vary widely among different cultures and denominations but typically include:

• Mass or Service: Special church services are held where the resurrection of Jesus is celebrated with joy and triumph.
• Easter eggs: Symbolizing new life and resurrection, Easter eggs are decorated, exchanged, and often used in various games and contests.
• Easter Bunny: A popular character in Western cultures, the Easter Bunny is said to deliver chocolates and candies to children on Easter Sunday.
• Easter Vigil: Held in the hours of darkness between sunset on Holy Saturday and sunrise on Easter Sunday, this service is one of the most solemn and significant in Christian liturgy.

Significance

Easter Sunday is considered the most important day in the Christian liturgical year. It represents the fulfillment of God's promises to mankind, according to Christian belief, and the hope of eternal life. The resurrection of Jesus is seen as evidence of his divine nature and the cornerstone of Christian faith.

Variations Across Cultures

While the core celebration of Easter Sunday as the resurrection of Christ remains the same, many countries and cultures have unique traditions associated with the day. For example, in some Eastern Orthodox churches, Easter rituals involve a midnight service and the sharing of a meal to break the Lenten fast, which often includes dishes that are symbolic or traditional.

See Also

• Holy Week
• Easter Monday
• Pentecost
• Ascension of Jesus