Easter is just a hop around the corner – with millions of people around the world are preparing to celebrate this Sunday.
Easter is a Christian holiday that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It is one of the most important holidays in the Christian calendar and is celebrated by billions of Christians around the world. Easter is typically celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon that occurs on or after the vernal equinox, which is usually around March 21st.
Easter, the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the tomb, on the third day after his fructification, is also being observed in Odisha. But before we delve into the celebrations, it is important to know what is Easter, why and how it is celebrated.
History
The story behind Easter lies in the New Testament of the Bible which narrates how Jesus was arrested by the Roman authorities because he claimed to be the “Son of God”. He was then sentenced to death by Pontius Pilate, the Roman emperor by crucifixion. His resurrection three days later marks the occasion of Easter. This day is also closely associated with the Jewish festival of Passover.
Celebrations
Easter is celebrated as a joyous occasion and the Sunday prior is called Palm Sunday which marks the arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem. Various churches begin the celebration in the late hours of Saturday through a religious service called Easter Vigil. Non–religious celebrations include the tradition of Easter egss, which represent fertility and birth and Easter bunny which delivers chocolates and sweets to kids on Sunday morning.
Easter Eggs:
Have you ever wondered what eggs have to do with Easter? Why do we dye and hunt for Easter eggs every year? What is the connection between Easter eggs and the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ?
Many of us might think Easter eggs and Easter egg hunts are a commercialized form of the Easter celebration. But their roots are deeply embedded in the practices of early Christians in eastern cultures. There is religious significance behind the Easter traditions that we still practice today.
