The festival of Easter signifies Jesus Christ’s victory over death. It is said that Christ was reborn on the third day of his crucification.
Jesus was known as the ‘son of God’ and his resurrection proved how correct this title was for him.
His resurrection changed all that and gave final and irrefutable proof to all who doubted his intentions and belief as he conquered death once and for all.
This year the day falls on April 16, with Good Friday on April 14, and Easter Monday on April 17 this year.
History and Significance:
The Christian community marks this festival to honor and recognize the Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead, and His glorious promises of eternal life for all who believe in Him.
It is said that Jesus was crucified for calling himself the ‘son of God’. He was arrested on Thursday night while enjoying a meal with his disciple. On Friday, he was crucified and had died before the sunset, that Friday is marked as the Good or Holy Friday. Later, according to the Gospel, he revived from the dead on the third day, which was Sunday – The day of the Easter.
Also read: Know Your Festival: From egg hunting and bunnies to hot cross buns, here’s how Easter is celebrated
In the early centuries, the feast day of Easter was originally a pagan celebration of renewal and rebirth. Celebrated in the early spring, it honored the pagan Saxon goddess Eastre.
It got associated with Jesus Christ resurrection, when the early missionaries converted the Saxons to Christianity.
It is said that it was merged with the pagan celebration since it fell around the same time.
Tradition and Celebrations:
To mark the triumph of good over evil, Christians lit candles and offer flowers in churches. For kids, the day is all about fun filled activities.
They celebrate Easter by painting eggs and the best part of it is the hunt for the Easter egg.
Egg decoration is an important tradition associated with this festival.
It is believed that the tradition first arrived in the United States in the 18th century brought by protestant German immigrants in the Pennsylvania Dutch area.
In Switzerland, Easter eggs are delivered by a cuckoo and a fox in some areas of Germany.
