A celebration loved by children and adults all over the world, Easter is a blessing that symbolises the resurrection of Jesus Christ. According to the old farmer calendar, easter always occurs on the first Sunday after the Paschal Full Moon which signifies the beginning of spring in the northern fraction. That’s why, if you think about easter, chances are, colourful eggs, a hare, and spring is what pops into your mind.

The designation of this particular Christian/Catholic holiday was based on the pre-Christian Anglo-Saxon spring goddess, Ēostre. She was often associated with her sacred animal which is a hare. Though her references were only found from a British monk named Bede who lived in the late seventh and early eighth century, yet the name stuck till this day.

Nowadays, Easter is one of the most celebrated holidays by many Christian worldwide. There are plenty of activities being held to celebrate easter. Some have a more religious purpose, while others take forms in fun and exciting activities. From Sunday services that are held early in the morning, easter dinner, to everyone’s favorite activities, specifically to the children, the easter egg hunt. Many people just love the idea of colouring the eggs in Easter to make it more pleasing to the eyes. Fun fact about eggs in Easter is that it symbolises new life that has risen from the eggshell, which is called resurrection. This has reflected the moment when Jesus had risen again and brought hope to humanity.

Sunday services are conducted in the crack of dawn, where people go to church and pray for salvation and gratitude towards Jesus Christ. Easter egg hunt is a festivity where children assemble and search for the eggs that had been hidden by the party committee, usually followed by Easter dinner, where families gather and have a feast together.

These days, the choices for easter dinner are various. But back then, people preferred to serve lamb as it is a representation of Jesus sacrifice for humanity in the act of being “the lamb of god”. Not only that, in present day, people often buy new outfit to celebrate the holiday. This tradition dates back in the mid-1800s, where people believed that it could bring them good luck for the rest of the year, a perfect fit for 20th century commercial invention. Now, the society only buy new outfit to honour the resurrected savior and other personal purposes.

There are so many meaningful things behind the tradition and holiday of Easter., Although some of them have changed over the course of time,  the principle remains the same, which is to honour the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter will always be the holiday that brings joy and hope for the people who celebrate it, that has been anticipated by young children, and also serve as reminder for those who seek redemption. But more than that, it’s  a holiday that strengthens family bonds and keeps friends close.

Hence, we wish for those of you who celebrate it a happy easter!

“Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime.”

– Martin Luther King Jr.

References

Borschel, A. (2015, April 5). The pagan goddess behind the holiday of ‘Easter’. Retrieved from www.timesofisrael.com: https://www.timesofisrael.com/the-pagan-goddess-behind-the-holiday-of-easter/

Cavoto, J. A. (2021, March 22). When Is Easter 2021? Here’s Why the Holiday Changes Dates Every Year. Retrieved from www.countryliving.com: https://www.countryliving.com/life/inspirational-stories/a26430267/how-is-easter-date-determined/

Farm2fork. (2018, March 29). WHY DO WE TRADITIONALLY EAT LAMB AT EASTER? Retrieved from www.farm2fork.co.uk: https://www.farm2fork.co.uk/why-do-we-traditionally-eat-lamb-at-easter/

Garrity, E. C. (2021, march 5). The Fascinating History of Easter and How All of Our Favorite Holiday Traditions Came to Be. Retrieved from www.goodhousekeeping.com: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/easter-ideas/g191/history-easter-traditions/

Ray, M. (-, – -). What Do Eggs Have to Do with Easter? Retrieved from www.britannica.com: https://www.britannica.com/story/what-do-eggs-have-to-do-with-easter

The Conversation, C. (2017, April 12). Why Easter Is Called Easter, and Other Facts About the Holiday. Retrieved from www.usnews.com: https://www.usnews.com/news/national-news/articles/2017-04-12/why-easter-is-called-easter-and-other-little-known-facts-about-the-holiday