Easter is one of the most important festivals for Christians all over the world. This festival celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day after his crucifixion. Easter typically falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon occurring on or after the spring equinox.
The English word 'Easter' is said to be derived from Eostre or Eostrae, the Anglo-Saxon Goddess of spring and fertility. According to New Testament, Jesus Christ was arrested by Roman authorities because he claimed himself to be the Son of God although some are of the view that the Romans may have assumed he is a threat to their empire. He was sentenced to death by Pontius Pilate, the Roman prefect in the province of Judea. The day Jesus Christ was crucified is called Good Friday.
Christians all over the world including Roman Catholicism and Protestantism observe a 40-day period prior to Easter which holds special significance. Christians follow a period of fasting and penitence called Lent. Lent is a period of 40 days that does not include Sundays and begins on Ash Wednesday and leads to the Holy Week. The Sunday prior to Easter is called Palm Sunday. Palm Sunday signifies Jesus Christ's arrival in Jerusalem, where his followers laid palm leaves across the roads to welcome him.
Many Churches start celebrating Easter in the late hours of Saturday which is also known as Holy Saturday in a religious service called the Easter Vigil. Generally Easter is celebrated with special services, ringing of church bells, lighting candles, and arranging flowers.
One of the most popular secular Easter traditions are Easter eggs. Many people, mostly children participate in Easter egg hunts. Lot of beautifully decorated eggs are hidden in lot of places and children have to find them. Candies or small gifts would be kept inside those eggs. Eggs represents 'new life' and folklore set around Easter records 'eggs turning red' signifying the death, burrial and ressurection of Jesus Christ.
There are many other games played on this day like egg rolling, egg decorating, etc. This is a day where families and friends join together and have fun. Easter bunny is another popular secular tradition where a person is dressed as a bunny and delivers candies and chocolate eggs to children on Easter morning. Late 19th Century paved way for the secular traditions to blend in with Easter making it a festive day.
Here's wishing all of you a Very Happy Easter on behalf of Crazy Creatives!
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