For Catholics, the Easter (which begins on Palm Sunday and ends on Easter Sunday) is a period of reflection, where the last moments of the life of Jesus Christ are remembered, with the most important days being the days that make up the Paschal Triduum. This begins on Maundy Thursday in the followingnoon and ends on Easter Sunday. But what exactly is celebrated at Easter?
Easter is one of the most important religious festivities in the religious liturgical calendar, since it commemorates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ three days following his crucifixion. For believers this celebration represents hope and renewal, as it marks the triumph of life over death and human redemption.
However, this is not a holiday that is exclusively religious since it is believed that its origin dates back to pre-Christian pagan practices, related to the arrival of spring and the renewal of nature, since, for many ancient cultures, spring It symbolized rebirth and fertility, and Easter became a time of celebration and hope amid the rebirth of life on earth.
Easter in the Bible
In it Old Testament, this celebration has meaning for the Jewish people. It dates back to the events of the book of Exodus – the second book of the Christian Bible – where God freed the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt by taking them to the Promised Land.
On the other hand, in the New Testament This celebration takes on a new meaning. For Christians, it represents the culmination of God’s plan for the salvation of humanity, since Jesus Christ was crucified as an atonement for the sins of the world, and his resurrection demonstrated his power over sin and death. Easter is a celebration of eternal life through faith in Christ.
For the Catholic religion, Easter is a time of reflection, repentance and spiritual renewalsince, in the gospel of Saint John, Jesus refers to himself as the “Lamb of God” who takes away the sin of the world, making an analogy between his sacrifice and the Jewish Passover ritual.
Over the centuries, the celebration of this holiday has evolved. Catholics celebrate it with special liturgical acts such as the Easter Vigilthe Resurrection Mass and in some regions the procession of the Risen Jesus.
This celebration is also known as Easter Sunday, Resurrection Sunday, Glory Sunday or Holy Sunday, and this date puts an end to Holy Week.
After Easter, the period that is religiously known as Easter Time begins, it lasts 50 days, ending on Pentecost Sunday where the coming of the Holy Spirit on the 12 apostles of Jesus is celebrated.
Additionally, this date is a changing festival, this means that it varies each year and is set following the liturgical calendar governed by the lunar cycles.
Other Easter celebrations
For many regions, this date also marks the beginning of spring, there is a tradition of Easter egg hunts, some places hold fairs, hold parades, and celebrate the beginning of a new season in the year.
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