Easter

What Is Easter?

Easter is the primary annual observance within Christianity, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. This event, central to Christian belief, is documented in the New Testament as having occurred on the third day after his crucifixion. It marks the culmination of the Passion of Christ, preceded by a period of fasting and repentance known as Lent.

The observance is a moveable feast, meaning its date varies each year. It is celebrated by Christians worldwide through church services, family gatherings, and various cultural traditions. In numerous countries across the globe, Easter Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter Monday are recognised as public holidays, facilitating widespread participation.

History and Origins of Easter

The origins of Easter are deeply intertwined with ancient Jewish traditions, specifically the Jewish festival of Passover. Early Christians, many of whom were Jewish, observed the death and resurrection of Jesus around the time of Passover, which commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Over time, the Christian observance evolved into a distinct celebration.

The name “Easter” itself is believed to derive from Eostre, an Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring and fertility, or from Ēastre, an Old English word for ‘east’, where the sun rises. The adoption of pre-Christian spring customs, such as eggs and hares, into the Easter celebration reflects the historical integration of diverse cultural practices. The First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD established a unified method for determining the date of Easter, aiming to ensure consistency across the Christian world.

How Easter Is Celebrated

Easter celebrations encompass a wide array of customs, reflecting both religious devotion and cultural traditions. Church services are fundamental for many Christians, featuring special liturgies, hymns, and often beginning with a sunrise service on Easter Sunday. These services frequently include communion and reaffirm the theological significance of the resurrection.

Many families gather for festive meals, which can range from traditional roasts to specific regional dishes. The exchange of gifts, particularly chocolate eggs and other confections, is common in many Western countries. Decorations often incorporate symbols of spring and new life, such as flowers, lambs, and chicks.

Western Christian Traditions

In Western Christian countries, including much of Europe, North and South America, and parts of Africa and Oceania, traditions often include the Easter Vigil, which begins on Holy Saturday evening and concludes with the first Mass of Easter Sunday. The period of Lent, involving fasting or giving up certain luxuries, concludes on Easter Sunday. Children often participate in Easter egg hunts, where decorated eggs or chocolate eggs are hidden for them to find. The Easter Bunny, a folkloric figure said to deliver eggs, is also prominent in these regions. Hot cross buns, marked with a cross, are a popular food item during the season.

Eastern Orthodox Traditions

Eastern Orthodox churches, prevalent in Eastern Europe, Greece, the Middle East, and parts of Africa, observe Easter according to the Julian calendar, which often results in a later date than the Western calculation. Their Easter (Pascha) celebrations are highly elaborate, preceded by Great Lent, a strict fasting period. On Holy Saturday, a Paschal Vigil is held, often lasting into the early hours of Easter Sunday. A significant tradition involves the cracking of red-dyed eggs, symbolising the blood of Christ and new life, accompanied by the greeting “Christ is Risen!” followed by the response “Indeed He is Risen!” Feasting after the long fast is a central component, with foods like Paska (sweet bread) and lamb.

Secular and Cultural Customs

Beyond religious observance, Easter has developed into a broader cultural holiday in many regions. Public holidays on Good Friday and Easter Monday facilitate travel and family visits. Spring festivals, parades, and community events are organised in various places, often incorporating themes of renewal and growth. In some areas, traditional folk dances or games are part of the festivities. The commercial aspect, particularly concerning confectionery and decorative items, has also become a notable feature of the season in many economies.

When Is Easter?

Easter is a moveable feast, meaning its date changes annually. For most Western Christian denominations (Catholic, Protestant), Easter Sunday falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon that occurs on or after the vernal equinox (21st March). This astronomical event is referred to as the Paschal Full Moon. Consequently, Western Easter can occur on any Sunday between 22nd March and 25th April.

Eastern Orthodox churches, however, calculate Easter based on the Julian calendar, which differs from the Gregorian calendar used by Western churches. Furthermore, Orthodox tradition dictates that Easter must always fall after Jewish Passover. These differences mean that Orthodox Easter often occurs later than Western Easter, sometimes by a week or two, and occasionally by more than a month. In some years, both Western and Eastern Easter coincide.

Easter Key Facts