What is Easter (or Easter Day)? Meaning Of Easter and Easter Symbols

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Easter, also known as Easter Day, is a Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Meaning, origin and easter symbols.

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According to Christian belief, Jesus was crucified on Good Friday and buried in a tomb. On the third day, which is now celebrated as Easter Sunday, Jesus rose from the dead and ascended into heaven.

Easter is one of the most important and widely observed Christian holidays, and it is celebrated by Christians around the world. In many Christian denominations, the Easter season begins with Ash Wednesday and includes the period of Lent, which lasts for 40 days leading up to Easter Sunday.

Easter is typically celebrated with special church services, including sunrise services, and the exchanging of Easter greetings and gifts. Traditional Easter symbols include the Easter bunny, Easter eggs, and Easter lilies. Many cultures and countries have their own unique Easter traditions and customs, such as the Easter egg hunts and the Easter parade.

Meaning Of Easter

The meaning of Easter is rooted in the Christian belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. According to the Bible, Jesus was crucified on a Friday, which is now celebrated as Good Friday. He was buried in a tomb, but on the third day, which is now celebrated as Easter Sunday, he rose from the dead.

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For Christians, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is a central event in the history of their faith. It represents a victory over death and sin, and is seen as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. The resurrection of Jesus is also believed to be a sign of God’s power and love, and provides hope for believers in eternal life.

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Easter is therefore a time of great joy and celebration for Christians, and is marked by special church services, including the Easter Vigil and the Easter Sunday Mass. Many Christians also observe Lent, a period of fasting, repentance, and spiritual renewal that begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts for 40 days leading up to Easter.

Outside of its religious significance, Easter has also become associated with various secular traditions and customs, such as the Easter bunny and Easter eggs, which symbolize new life and rebirth.

Origin of Easter

The origins of Easter are rooted in both Christian and pagan traditions. The Christian celebration of Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is said to have occurred on the third day after his crucifixion. However, the timing of Easter is linked to the ancient pagan festival of the spring equinox, which marks the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere.

The word “Easter” is believed to have come from “Eostre,” a pagan goddess of spring and fertility. The festival of Eostre was celebrated during the spring equinox, and included traditions such as decorating eggs and lighting bonfires. As Christianity spread throughout Europe, many of these pagan traditions were adopted and incorporated into the Christian celebration of Easter.

What is Easter (or Easter Day)? - Meaning Of Easter and Easter Symbols

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In the 4th century AD, the Council of Nicaea established that Easter would be celebrated on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox. This date was intended to align the Christian celebration of Easter with the pagan festival of the spring equinox, which was already widely celebrated throughout Europe.

Over time, Easter became one of the most important Christian holidays, and its association with the spring equinox and pagan traditions faded into the background. Today, Easter is celebrated by Christians around the world as a time of renewal, rebirth, and new beginnings.

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Easter symbols

Easter is associated with several symbols, both religious and secular. Here are some of the most common Easter symbols and their meanings:

Easter eggs:

Eggs have been used as a symbol of new life and rebirth since ancient times, and were often associated with the pagan festival of Eostre. In Christian tradition, Easter eggs symbolize the resurrection of Jesus, as the eggshell represents the tomb from which Jesus emerged. Easter eggs are often decorated in bright colors and patterns.

Easter bunny:

The Easter bunny is a secular symbol of Easter that is said to have originated in Germany in the 16th century. The Easter bunny is believed to bring baskets of eggs and other treats to children on Easter morning. The bunny is often depicted with a basket of eggs and is sometimes shown carrying a colorful egg or wearing a ribbon.

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Easter lilies:

Easter lilies are a popular flower associated with Easter. They are said to symbolize purity, hope, and new life, and are often used in Easter decorations and church services.

Cross:

The cross is a central symbol of Christianity and represents the crucifixion of Jesus. During Easter, the cross is often decorated with flowers or draped in fabric to symbolize the resurrection of Jesus.

Palm branches:

Palm branches are associated with Palm Sunday, which is the Sunday before Easter. They symbolize the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and are often used to decorate churches and homes during the Easter season.

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Dove:

The dove is a symbol of peace and is often associated with the Holy Spirit. In Christian tradition, the dove is said to have appeared at Jesus’ baptism and at the end of his 40 days in the wilderness. During Easter, doves are sometimes used to decorate Easter eggs or other Easter-themed items.

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