Ordinary Eve
Why is Easter important?
Easter is the principal Christian festival. It is the time when we celebrate Jesus’ death and resurrection. The Gospels tell us that Jesus celebrated the Jewish Festival of Passover with his Disciples on the Thursday. This is known as the Last Supper, at which he took bread and wine and asked his disciples to eat and drink in remembrance of him. The church calls this day ‘Maundy Thursday’. On the Friday he was crucified (‘Good Friday’). On the 3rd Day (Sunday) he rose from the tomb. This event had been foretold by Old Testament prophets and by Jesus himself.
The word ‘Easter’ is an Old English word and comes from the name of a pagan goddess ‘Eastre’. Her festival was held at the spring equinox, i.e. around the same time as Passover/Good Friday. Other languages use other words for the festival.
The date for Easter
Unlike Christmas, there is no set date for Easter; it varies each year. This is because the date has to tie in with the Jewish Passover which is calculated according to the phases of the moon. Easter Day is always on a Sunday to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. Easter Sunday is always celebrated on the first Sunday after Passover to tie in with the Scriptures. ‘Holy Week’ begins with ‘Palm Sunday’ and is the week leading up to Easter Sunday. The season of Easter actually carries on until Ascencion Day, 40 days after Easter.
So why is it important to celebrate Easter?
The death and resurrection of Jesus is fundamental to our faith. It was a glorious event because God actually paid for our sins and opened up the way back to him by dying in our place. The resurrection was a confirmation of what Jesus achieved by his death. And because he rose again it means he is alive now.
The connection with the Passover is not just to do with dates. The lamb sacrificed during the Passover is a foretelling of Jesus who is often referred to as ‘the Lamb of God’. He is our sacrificial lamb who was slain once and for all for our sins.
How do we celebrate Easter?
Eggs and chicks do not really have anything to do with the Christian festival. They are probably a remnant of the pagan festival mentioned earlier and signify new life at springtime. Some churches have Good Friday processions which normally involve carrying a crucifix as Jesus had to. Despite being called ‘Good Friday’ it is normally a solemn occasion. Sunday is a day of celebration and in a lot of countries involves more processions, this time with music or singing. Holy Communion is always shared on Easter Sunday in remembrance of the Lord’s commandment at the Last Supper.
