Easter - Dates, Origin, History and Facts

Initially, Christians were a sect of people who believed in salvation. Christians' primary basis and manuscript have roots in the teaching and life of “Jesus”. As per historians and Christian scholars, Jesus is the son of God. With regard to Jesus, Easter is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus. Easter plays a prominent role in the rebirth and life of Jesus; we will study this further in the article.

What is the Origin and History of Easter?

Pascha, Easter or Ressurection Sunday, is a day kept and celebrated in honour of the rebirth of Jesus. As per legends and the new testament, after the crucifixion body of Jesus was buried in Calvary. Easter is a Christian holiday that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. According to Christian belief, Jesus was crucified on Good Friday and was buried in a tomb. Three days later, on the Sunday after the crucifixion, he rose from the dead, which is celebrated as Easter Sunday.

The Holy Week culminates with Easter and marks the remembrance of Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week. It also encompasses Good Friday, when Jesus was crucified, and Maundy Thursday, when he shared the Last Supper with his disciples.

Due to its symbolic representation of the victory of life over death and the atonement for sins, Easter is regarded as the most significant Christian festival. Christians worldwide commemorate it with various customs and traditions, such as attending church, giving Easter eggs, and gathering with family and friends for meals.

Here are some facts and controversies related to Easter:

Facts

• Easter eggs, which stand for new life and rebirth, are a famous holiday symbol.
• Another well-known image is the Easter bunny, who is said to deliver children Easter eggs and treats.
• Christians celebrate Easter all over the globe, and various cultures and traditions add their distinctive traditions.
• The conclusion of Lent's most significant festival in the Christian calendar, is marked by Easter.
• Easter originated from the Old English term "Eastre," which referred to the paganic goddess of spring and fertility.

Controversies

• Easter's exact date has been debated throughout history because various religions and denominations use different calendars.
• Some Christians have opposed eating meat on Easter, claiming that it violates the spirit of the Lenten season.
• Easter's commercialisation has also generated debate, with some contending that it lessens the holiday's religious importance.
• Some claim Easter celebrations are not genuinely Christian and are affected by paganism.

How to Celebrate Easter?

Kids and adults celebrate Easter as they participate in making this day more fun and adventurous. Children usually paint and dye hard-boiled eggs to make easter eggs. These eggs are decorated with various fun colours and textures. To make this day more joyous, kids hide coloured eggs and play the game of hunting these eggs. Furthermore, easter bunnies are also made and decorated at home.

Following these games, easter brunch is kept in the afternoon. At this time, people usually gather to enjoy a meal mainly consisting of eggs.

Moreover, people celebrate this day by doing church services participating in music and ringing the church bell. Different countries celebrate easter in different manners; in Itlay, people gather around marketplaces, often known as piazzas, to create a theatrical performance enacting the episodes related to easter, while Polish people enjoy ham and sausages on this day.

In conclusion, Easter Sunday is a joyous celebration of Jesus' resurrection, the most important day in the Christian calendar. Easter is associated with symbols such as eggs, bunnies, and chicks, representing new life and rebirth. Many churches hold special services, including the lighting of candles and the singing of hymns. Many cultures have unique Easter traditions, such as Easter egg hunts and the giving of Easter baskets filled with treats.