As soon as the weather begins to warm up, our attention turns to Easter!
This festival is a time of joy, hope, and new beginnings for Christians, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the triumph of life over death. But do you know where these traditions come from and how people celebrate them today? Read on to find out more!
What is Easter Day?
Also known as Pascha or Resurrection Sunday, Easter is a Christian cultural holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. This festival falls on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox.
According to the Bible, Jesus was crucified on Good Friday and rose from the dead on the third day. This day is now celebrated as Easter Sunday.
This day and related celebrations, such as Ash Wednesday and Palm Sunday, are “moveable feasts”. This means their dates are not fixed. Instead, their date is calculated based on a lunisolar calendar.
While there has been many arguments between different sects over how to calculate the dates, some has proposed setting a unified date for all Christians to follow.
How is this festival celebrated around the world?
People all over the world celebrate in different ways, with each culture adding its unique twist to the traditions.
For example, in the United States it is common to dye eggs and hold egg hunts. Meanwhile, Spanish people hold processions with ornate floats and religious iconography.
In Poland, people celebrate with a tradition known as Smingus-Dyngus: Boys would dowse girls with water and tap them with willow branches.
Brazillians celebrate with colorful street parades and music festivals. Similarly, the Greeks celebrate with fireworks, church services, and traditional food such as lamb and tsoureki bread.