What is Easter – Its Origin and Symbols
Easter is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It has a rich history and remains an important holiday for millions of Christians around the world. It is celebrated with special church services, family gatherings, music, candlelight, flowers and the ringing of the church bells. The theme of Easter is rebirth.
Celebration Date:
Easter is the most important holiday in the Christian calendar but unlike most other holidays, Easter doesn’t fall on the same day every year like back in 2021 it was celebrated on the 4th of April. Similarly, the previous year it was celebrated on the 17th of April. Generally, it is celebrated on the first Sunday after the full moon of the vernal equinox (also called the spring equinox), which usually falls between March 22 and April 25. It is also considered the oldest Christian holiday.
Origin Of Easter:
It is believed that the word “Easter” originated from the Old English word “ēastre”, which refers to a pagan festival celebrating the spring equinox. But when Christianity spread to England, the holiday was renamed “Easter” and was associated with the resurrection of Jesus.
Celebration:
Easter is primarily a Christian holiday but many non-Christians also celebrate the holiday in a secular way, by participating in Easter egg hunts, enjoying Easter-themed treats, and spending time with family and friends.
Symbols of Easter:
There are several symbols associated with Easter: like, eggs, chocolates, Easter bunny, Cross, Hot Cross Buns, chicks, etc. The Easter egg is one of the symbols of the holiday. It is often used to represent new life, rebirth, and the resurrection of Jesus. Eggs are also a common gift during Easter and are often decorated in bright colours and patterns.
The bunny, or more specifically the Easter bunny, is also a popular symbol associated with the Christian holiday of Easter. The Easter bunny is said to represent fertility and new life.
Muhammad Amir Studied BS English with a specialization in Linguistics at the Department of English and Applied Linguistics.