Easter

Easter is a Christian festival marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ, celebrated worldwide by Christians and many others. Its date shifts each year, falling on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox, and is observed with church services, vigils, festive meals, and diverse cultural traditions.

• Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ
• Date set by the first Sunday after the spring full moon
• Observed with church services, vigils, and festive meals
• Easter eggs symbolize new life and the empty tomb
• Traditions include parades, dances, and egg hunts

What it is

Easter is the most significant festival in the Christian calendar, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. For Christians, it is a time of profound spiritual renewal and hope, affirming the belief in life conquering death and the promise of salvation. The festival is the culmination of Holy Week, following a period of reflection and fasting known as Lent. Easter brings together families and communities in worship, celebration, and the sharing of symbolic foods and customs, many of which have deep roots in both Christian and older springtime traditions.

Where it comes from

The origins of Easter are closely tied to the events described in the New Testament, where Jesus’s crucifixion and resurrection are said to have occurred during the Jewish festival of Passover. Early Christians began to mark the resurrection annually, with evidence of established celebrations appearing by the mid-2nd century. The name 'Easter' in English may trace back to the Anglo-Saxon goddess Ēostre, whose spring festival coincided with the Christian observance. In most other languages, the festival is called Pascha, reflecting its connection to Passover and its roots in the early Christian and Jewish calendars.

How it is celebrated

Easter is celebrated in many ways across the world. Central to the festival are church services, including all-night vigils and sunrise gatherings, where worshippers greet the dawn in remembrance of the resurrection. The day is marked by joyful hymns, the exchange of Paschal greetings, and the decoration of churches with lilies and flowers. Many families gather for festive meals, and children often take part in decorating and hunting for Easter eggs, a symbol of new life and the empty tomb. In some regions, traditions include wearing special clothing like Easter bonnets, participating in parades, or communal dances. Customs such as the Easter Bunny and egg hunts have become popular in both Christian and non-Christian communities, adding a playful dimension to the celebration.

Joining in

Visitors are welcome to join Easter celebrations in churches and communities around the world. Major cities and small towns alike hold special services, often open to all, with some featuring music, drama, or processions. Expect a mix of solemn reflection and joyful festivity, with opportunities to witness or take part in local customs, from egg decorating to communal meals. Whether attending a sunrise service or joining a family gathering, newcomers will find a spirit of hospitality and renewal at the heart of Easter observances.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Easter, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Easter on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
• Easter travel travel guide on WikivoyageTravel guide
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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