Easter

Easter

Around the year 30 CE (Christian Era), there lived a Messiah named Jesus in Galilee. It is said that hundreds of years before the birth of Jesus, the prophets of Israel had predicted: “Behold! A virgin will give birth to a son. The Lord Himself shall advent.” And these words indeed came true. A virgin named Mary became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit of God. The night on which Mary gave birth to her son in the city of Bethlehem, an angel of Lord came to the shepherds and announced, “I bring good news to you! Today, your Saviour is born!” And that was Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

In time, Jesus became the Saviour of mankind, performing countless miracles like healing, exorcisms, and raising people from the death. His teachings centered around unconditional self-sacrifice, love for God, service for the fellow beings, as well as humility and forgiveness towards all.

His fame reached far and wide. The local priests were alarmed by the popularity of Jesus. They conspired against Him and had him crucified. “Father, forgive them; they don't know what they are doing!” said Jesus, as he was nailed to the cross. His body was then wrapped in a cloth, dipped in spices and laid in a tomb.

After three days, the tombstone rolled down with a loud noise. When the followers of Jesus came to the tomb, they saw two men in shining garments, saying, “Why are you looking for the living among the dead? He is not here, He has risen!” Jesus appeared before his disciples and said, “Peace to you.” And then Jesus was taken up; a cloud took Him out of sight. This event was the resurrection of Christ.

Since then, the Christians celebrate the festival of Easter to commemorate the resurrection of Christ. It is observed on the first Sunday following the full moon that occurs on or following the spring equinox (March 21). So, there is no fixed date for Easter. It is called a 'movable' feast, which can occur as early as March 22 or as late as April 25.

Easter arrives at the end of Lent. Lent is a 40 day season of preparation for Easter. It signifies the 40 days fast observed by Jesus. For the Christians all over the world, Lent is the time of fasting, prayer, temptation and repentance. Holy Week, the last week of Lent, begins with the observance of Palm Sunday. It is so called because, when Jesus entered into Jerusalem the crowds laid palms at his feet. Holy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper, which was held in the evening before the Crucifixion. The name Good Friday is generally believed to be a corruption of the term 'God's Friday'. Since the time of the early church, the day has been dedicated to penance, fasting, and prayer. According to a popular belief, it is on this Friday that people nail their sins onto the cross. It is the anniversary of the Crucifixion, the day that Christ was crucified and died on the cross.

There are many traditions associated with the festival. One of them is the Easter rabbit, which is a symbol of fertility. The main event on Easter Sunday is the egg hunt. Easter eggs are decorated and coloured in bright colours to represent the sunlight of the spring. The adults and children then hide the eggs. They also hide candy and small toys. Children take part in the hunt. Later, these eggs are given away as gifts.

Young girls perform 'Vesnianky' (spring songs). Their themes are mostly concerned with welcoming the sun, the burial of winter, and calling upon the forces of nature. An inseparable part of the celebration is the gorgeous Easter meal taken after a long period of severe fasting. Special dishes include Egg Pasta Frittata, Ham Steaks, Fried Turkeys, Peas and Carrots Spring Salad, Coconut Caramel Chews, and special Cakes and Buns.

Easter is also known as Passover and Paschal, the Feast of the Resurrection. Passover is an important feast in the Jewish calendar which is celebrated for 8 days and commemorates the flight and freedom of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Easter symbolizes the love of God and the promise that man's soul is immortal. The Easter message is one of hope and victory over death.