Easter Sunday is one of the most important Christian holidays commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The date of this holiday is not fixed, but usually falls on the first Sunday after the full moon on the vernal equinox. As a result, the date of Easter usually varies between March 22 and April 25 each year.
History of Easter Sunday
The celebration of Easter dates back as far as the early days of Christianity. It is recorded that Jesus was crucified under the judgment of the Roman authorities and resurrected on the third day after his burial. The commemoration of this miracle began with simple gatherings and prayers, but soon grew into a major event that each Christian community celebrated in its own unique way.
By the end of the second century, controversy grew over the exact date of the Easter celebration. Some Christian leaders advocated that a fixed date be chosen for the uniform observance of Easter. 325 The Council of Nicaea was convened, and it was decided that Easter should be celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox. To ensure that all believers could celebrate on the same day. This is the origin of Easter Sunday.
Over time, Easter has become an important holiday celebrated by Christians as well as many non-Christian communities around the world. This holiday is not only a religious symbol, but also a celebration of spring and new life.
What Do People Do On This Day?
Easter is not only a religious celebration, but is accompanied by a variety of folklore and traditions. Common Easter symbols include colored eggs and the Easter Bunny, traditions that symbolize new life and hope. On this day, people in many countries hold egg rolling contests or egg hunts.
Adults and children gather in groups to play with colored eggs. They roll the eggs on the ground or on a slope and the winner is the one who breaks them. The winner gets the colored eggs of all the players. It was believed that rolling the eggs back and forth on the ground would cause the devil to tremble and suffer.
During Easter, people also make a variety of Easter breads, and the cute rabbit-shaped breads are very popular among children.
Easter Sunday Anecdotes From Around the World
In the UK, “egg rolling” is an ancient Easter tradition. The one who rolls the egg the furthest is the winner. Making hot cross buns is also a British tradition.
Easter Sunday in the Netherlands is very family-oriented and ritualistic. On this day, they like to get together with family and friends. Eating a hearty and ritualistic breakfast and lunch together.
Germany, giving baskets filled with Easter eggs, chocolates and toys to others is their main tradition. There is also a traditional dish: Easter Sheep Cake.
In France, Easter is the most important Christian event after Christmas. The church bells are kept silent from Thursday to Saturday. It is not until Easter Sunday that the bells are rung to announce the resurrection of Christ. France also has a very special custom where they gather in the town square to break tens of thousands of eggs. A giant egg is picked for the tourists who come to the Easter event.
In Italian cities, there are multiple processions on Easter. People follow this Christian statue to stroll, sing and pray.
In New York City, USA, there is a parade down Fifth Avenue on that day. Everyone wears a variety of fancy hats on their heads.
Poles believe in palm trees. On Easter, a palm branch is placed in the house. It is a symbol of peace and prosperity for the year.
In Greece, on Easter Sunday, families throw pottery. Visitors can take the broken pieces of pottery home to pray for good luck.
Brazil, where the world’s largest Easter egg is preserved, is located in the city of Pomerode, Brazil.