Easter is the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. This day is also called Pascha or Resurrection Sunday. Easter is the festival or feast of Christians. Easter originated from the ancient Pagan celebration of the spring equinox. The term Easter is named after an Anglo- Saxon Goddess, Eostre. It's based on the book of Venerable Bede, a monk at that time.

This year Easter is celebrated on the 9th of April, 2023. Every year the date changes. Easter is after the lenten period. It's about fasting and repentance. It is believed that Jesus rose from the dead on his third day of death. It's one of the most important festivals in the church. Christians pray, fast, and make small sacrifices like avoiding their favourite food or activities during the lent season. Jesus had predicted his death and resurrection before his death. He then fulfilled the wish of God and saved humans from their sins.

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How Easter is Celebrated?

There are several special days before Easter. They're palm Sunday, Holy Monday, holy Tuesday, holy Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, holy Saturday, and last but not least, Easter. It's the most awaited day after forty days of lent. People who have fasted or sacrificed things might take a jump at something as soon as the day of Easter begins. Christians celebrate it grandly. They cook delicious food and have family reunions. Easter is a time of share and care. It's the final day of the holy week. And the lent season is completed after Easter.

People go to church at midnight or in the morning to attend the holy mass with hymns, Thanksgiving, messages, etc. On the night of Easter Eve, churches enact the scene of Jesus' tomb being opened and Christ rising to heaven.

Churches become merry during this time. Some churches may offer something to eat after the holy mass and break the fast.

Churches become merry during this time. All the family members join together, eat food, and make the day special. Churches become merry during this time. They also share sweets and other dishes with their neighbours in some countries.

What are Symbols and Meanings Behind Easter?

• Not just Christians but non-religious people celebrate Easter too. Their tradition involves easter eggs and Easter bunnies. The easter egg means the resurrection of Jesus on easter. Easter eggs denote birth, and the Easter bunny delivers chocolates and sweets to children on Sunday morning. Also, brightly painted eggs are made by children and adults as well.
• Easter bunny: the Goddess Eostra is presented by a rabbit. That is the reason behind the idea of the easter bunny.
• Butterfly, too, depicts the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
• Eggshell: it represents the tomb of Jesus buried. Eggs are dyed because they want to showcase the blood of Jesus.
• Soft pretzels: food eaten during lent is made only with flour, salt, and water. Different Parts of the world have a variety of dishes they make on Easter and other days of the holy week.
• The legend says Easter lilies sprung from the ground where Jesus spent his final hours on the cross. They mean new life and purity. Jesus promised redemption of humanity from the heaps of sins humans have sunken in.
• Lamb: this is one of the famous symbols of Jesus. Jesus himself is the lamb. On good Fridays, The baby lamb means new life. He Died To Forgive Their sins.
• Cross: the cross is another prominent symbol In Christianity. It's very significant, and one can see that statue in churches, Christian residents, and workplaces. He carried the wooden cross to calvary and died on it.
• Cross buns: the spices used in the cross bun represents the spices used to prepare Jesus' body for the tomb.
• Competitions and activities like an easter egg hunt, easter eggshell painting, etc., are conducted.

What is the Impact of Easter on Families and Churches?

As mentioned earlier, Easter is not just about the resurrection of Jesus. It's also about the unity and integrity of a community and family. People enjoy themselves, eating up to their hearts' content and talking and chit-chatting. Families who are scattered globally come back home to spend time with family. Also, church value deepens more when a community grows. Prayers, dance etc., are performed in different parts of the world, and it embraces Christianity. Also, the church gives much more importance to Easter than other Christian feasts because it is where a saviour rose to save the world.

Easter is celebrated mostly differently due to different times in different regions. Also, Different Christian denominations have their rituals and ceremonies. It can also vary depending on the culture. Easter and the rise of Jesus are based on the verses and predictions from the new testament. We are here to bear witness to these moments. People also donate to charities and free food as a good deed to our church.