March/April: Celebrating Easter*
The spring season brings along with it, the spirit of joy and new beginnings. The month of March/April holds immense significance for Christians around the world, as it marks the celebration of Easter*. This festival is a time of hope, faith, and renewal – a perfect representation of the season of spring. It is a time to come together with loved ones and commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The word Easter is derived from the Anglo-Saxon goddess of light and spring – Eostre. This festival has its roots in ancient pagan traditions that celebrated the arrival of the spring equinox.
Easter is a moveable festival, which means that the date changes every year. It falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox.
This year, Easter will be celebrated on Sunday, April 4th, 2021. The entire month of March/April is dedicated to the preparation and celebration of this joyous festival.
The festivities of Easter begin with Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent – a period of 40 days of fasting, prayer, and repentance. It is a time to reflect on one’s spiritual journey and strive towards living a more meaningful life.
Palm Sunday, which falls on the Sunday before Easter, commemorates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. People carry palm leaves and olive branches to honor Jesus’ entry as the King of the Jews.
The Holy Week, starting from Palm Sunday, includes Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. This week is an important part of the Christian faith, as it symbolizes the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.
Good Friday is a solemn day, where Christians remember Jesus’ sacrifice and death on the cross. It is a time for prayer, fasting, and contemplation.
On Easter Sunday, believers around the world celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The day is filled with joy, hope, and faith, as people attend church services, go on Easter egg hunts, and gather for special meals with family and friends.
One of the most popular traditions associated with Easter is the Easter egg. These eggs symbolize new life and are colored and decorated in vibrant colors, representing the coming of spring.
Another tradition, the Easter bunny, is believed to bring baskets filled with Easter eggs, candy, and other goodies for children. It is a fun and exciting way to celebrate the festival.
Apart from its religious significance, Easter also holds cultural and social importance. It is a time to spread love, generosity, and kindness to those around us, especially the less fortunate.
On the whole, March/April is a time to rejoice and celebrate the spirit of Easter – a time of rebirth, hope, and renewal. Whether you are a devout Christian or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of this festival, there are many ways to get involved and celebrate this special time of the year.
#Easter #SpringFestival #Resurrection #NewBeginnings