Easter Sunday is the day that marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ. According to the New Testament, Jesus Christ was buried on Good Friday and resurrected on the third day, which also is the first day of the following week, Sunday. In those times, Sunday was the first day of the week and not Monday. Easter Sunday follows the Holy Week which culminates on Good Friday. Easter Sunday is also known as Resurrection Sunday or Pascha.
Unlike Good Friday, which is a day of mourning, Easter Sunday or Easter is a joyous occasion. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is interpreted in many ways. For most Christians, it is a rebirth, a reiteration of divinity and faith restored. Easter Sunday has traditionally been marked with prayers and celebrations. However, the modern day celebrations of Easter evolved with time.
Easter bunnies and eggs were not the traditional components of the celebrations. Eggs and other rituals that have become very popular today were part of spring rituals among various tribes and other religions. Egg which is symbolic of fertility has nothing to do with resurrection, the crucifixion, Good Friday or Easter. Spring rituals were included in Easter celebrations to make the festival or the day more relevant and inclusive, where other tribes and religions can partake. It was a part of the propagation of religion and religious practices. Today, Easter Sunday is a part of a long weekend holiday in most parts of the world.
Easter Sunday is not a fixed date every year. As is the case with Good Friday, Easter Sunday varies and it is on 27th March in 2016. In 2017, Easter Sunday will be celebrated on 16th April. The western and eastern schools of Christianity also differ on their choice of dates. The orthodox Christians celebrate Easter Sunday on 1st May in 2016. In 2017, the dates will be the same.
Photo by Mariano Mantel