EASTER

 

The date of Easter is not fixed because the date of Jesus crucifixion was not recorded. The date was fixed by the Church to fall between March 22^nd and April 25^th because it occurred during the Festival of Passover. We know this because it was mentioned in the New Testament when Jesus gathered with his Disciples what became known as the “Last Supper”. The Passover time depends upon the cycles of the moon and 4^th century Church leadership decided that Easter would always be on a Sunday following the first full moon after the Spring equinox. That would be the “Paschal” full moon that does not appear on the same day.

Then in the 18^th century, the Western and Eastern (Orthodox) Church decided to use different calendars, making Easter timing more complex. The word “Easter” is a derivative of the word “Passover”. In French it is “Paques”, in Spanish “Pascua” and Italian, “Pasqua”. In Hebrew it is “Pehsach”.

OSTARA

The word “Easter” originated in Anglo-Saxon culture derived from the pagan goddess, “Eostre”, who was celebrated in a Spring festival. In German Celt tradition it was was the festival called “Ostern” named after the goddess “Ostara”.

Eggs and rabbits were considered to be symbols of new life (springtime), but origin of this concept is unclear in ancient history. Thus Easter has become the celebration of Jesus' resurrection.

Today, Christians attend Church on Easter Sunday, Mass for Catholics and just about everyone provides “Easter Baskets” filled with goodies like chocolate bunnies for their children and egg hunts being a tradition. It is common for communities to hold an Easter parade.

The week of Easter is considered to be “Holy Week” for Western Christians. Eastern Christians celebrate in same time frame calling it the “Great and Holy Pascha” it lasts for seven weeks ending with Pentecost Sunday on the 50^th day. In Eastern Christianity, the Paschal season ends with Pentecost and Great Feast of Pascha falls on the 39^th day, the day before the Feast of the Ascension. In Western Christianity the Easter lily is a symbol of resurrection decorating churches on Easter Sunday and thus one may see lilies at a funeral.

LAST SUPPER

Good Friday (Friday before Easter Sunday) commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus and his death at Calvary (Golgotha). Members of Christian denominations observe Good Friday: Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, Anglican, Methodist, Oriental Orthodox, and Baptists.

In many Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican, and Methodist Churches, the Service of the Great Three Hours of Agony is observed from noon until 3 pm. Moravian Church members observe Good Friday by cleaning gravestones in Moravian cemeteries.

The date of Good Friday varies from year to year on both the Gregorian and Julian calendars. Good Friday is a widely instituted legal holiday around the world, including in most Western countries and 12 U.S. states. For the Roman Catholics it is the Day of Fasting. It is also a day of acts of reparation.