About Easter
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We all love the colorful chocolate-filled eggs and the cute and vibrant decorations around us on Easter, but what is the significance of this festival?
Easter is a significant festival in Christianity as it celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion. Churches are beautifully decked-up to celebrate this festival. The festivities include weeklong activities, beginning on Good Friday with mass prayers and continuing till Easter. Additionally, adults and children exchange gifts and sweets. The famous Easter eggs are a popular part of the tradition.
The festival falls on a Sunday between March 22 and April 25 of every year.
History & Significance
As you know, the festival marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ after the crucifixion, but here’s a little bit about the crucifixion.
In the Gospels, Jesus Christ’s crucifixion dates back to when Roman soldiers called him the “King of Jews” as a mockery and led him to Mount Calvary. He was stripped and nailed to the cross as a punishment, along with two other criminals. After a while, when the soldiers checked up on him by stabbing him in the side, he was declared dead. It is considered the greatest sacrifice in the history of Christianity.
Jesus’ body was put and sealed in Joseph of Arimathea’s tomb wrapped in linen on the day we celebrate Good Friday.
Three days later, Jesus Christ was resurrected from the grave and met his disciples. This day is celebrated as Easter or Resurrection Sunday. Sundays also hold a significant role in Christianity as all the followers gather in church and pray together. This tradition emerged after the resurrection.
This festival marks the foundation of faith for Christians. It also signifies the defeat of death and the hope of salvation.
Traditions Around The World
Every year Christians all around the world celebrate Easter differently with several traditions. The most popular tradition of Easter is decorating Easter eggs, tracking the Easter bunny, and mass prayers in the church.
Many countries, especially certain parts of Europe, have unique religious rituals and fun activities that differ from the West. It is interesting as this festival unites people worldwide with their respective cultures.
1. Flying Kites in Bermuda
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Bermuda is known for its Good Friday Kite Fest, which attracts a lot of locals and tourists to the island. People bring in brightly colored kites of different shapes and sizes and compete. The fest hosts some prizes also in many categories.
The history behind this tradition starts with a teacher who used a kite to teach students Christ’s ascension, which eventually became a tradition.
People enjoy the festivities with delicious food like the traditional hot cross buns and codfish. On the day of Easter, people attend services around the beaches.
2. Easter Bilbies in Australia
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Where the whole world makes easter eggs and bunnies, Australians make Easter bilby (rabbit-eared bandicoot).
But why? It’s because, in 1991, a campaign launched called Rabbit Free Australia, where the bilby replaced the Easter bunny. In Australia, rabbits often destroy crops, which is why the country has replaced this tradition a little.
3. Colorful carpets in Guatemala
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The streets of Guatemala get covered with colorful carpets during the Holy Week. The people make these carpets from flowers, colorful sawdust, fruits, sand, and vegetables, which makes them unique. They make these carpets in a way that replicates some Guatemalan tradition or history.
