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Easter

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How Easter is observed in Western Christianity

Easter is an annual celebration in honor of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is an occasion filled with joy and sadness; sadness at the death of Christ on the cross and joy at the resurrection of Christ.




Usually observed on a Sunday by Christians around the World, Easter can fall anywhere between March 22 and April 25 in Western countries, using the Gregorian or Julian calendars. This is because it follows the first full moon after the vernal equinox.




Easter, sometimes referred to as Easter Sunday, is the culmination of the preceding Lenten period. Lent generally starts on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday, the final day of Holy week. Holy week is the week of religious significant incidents leading up to Easter. Here are some of the events of Holy Week that are celebrated.




Palm Sunday




Many Christian churches celebrate Palm Sunday by displaying palm branches in the interior of the church. Jesus and his followers arrive in Jerusalem for the Passover festival. He was hailed as the Messiah and a carpet of palm branches were laid in his path.




Maundy Thursday




This day commemorates the last supper when Jesus told his disciples that one of them will betray him. Following the supper, as Jesus was praying in the garden of Gethsemane, he was betrayed by Judas, one of his disciples, with the famous "Judas kiss"




Good Friday




This day is one of mourning. It is a day when practicing Christians, observe the day in remembrance of the crucifixion of Christ on that day. It is a holiday in most countries with large Christian populations and is observed by attending church or mass or staying at home for a quiet reflective day.




Holy Saturday




On Holy Saturday, there is no significant observation except that Christians are reminded that on this day, Jesus is in the tomb, his body under heavy guard. Catholics hold a solemn vigil on Holy Saturday night which includes the paschal candle procession, blessing the new fire and a mass re-enacting the death of Christ.




Easter Sunday




Easter Sunday is a day for jubilation and celebration. It is the day Jesus rose from the dead. When his followers went to anoint his body on that day they found the Tomb empty. All the previously mentioned observances culminate on Easter Sunday which is considered the most joyful, significant and colourful feast day in the christian church. Churches are packed for Easter Sunday Services and are adorned with colourful displays and spring flowers; the Lilly being the most common.




Many churches still practice the Easter


Below are the top articles rated and ranked by Helium members on:

How Easter is observed in Western Christianity

  • 1 of 3

    by Charlotte Louise Maguire

    For Christians all over the world, Easter represents perhaps the most joyful time of year. Having grown up surrounded by

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  • 2 of 3

    by Joan Schroeder

    Easter is an annual celebration in honor of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is an occasion filled with joy and sadness;

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  • 3 of 3

    by Joe Gadrow

    Easter is the yearly observation and celebration of the triumphant resurrection of Jesus Christ after his death on the cross.

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