Orthodox Easter is a celebration that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus which took place three days after His crucifixion and death. Orthodox Christians across the world consider this day as one of the greatest holidays observed in their liturgical calendar. The ceremony follows the Julian calendar and comes after the celebration of the Jewish Passover.
Normally the celebration is carried out on the first Sunday after the appearance of the full moon, following the vernal equinox and after the Passover feast. Fasting and observation of some rituals are synonymous with the feast. Fasting is seen as a way of remembering the 40 days that Jesus spent with the disciples before ascending to heaven. The celebration is also referred to as Pascha in the Orthodox tradition. Sometimes celebration of Orthodox Easter coincides with Easter observed by other Christians. The period is synonymous with a series of celebrations or movable feasts meant to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Similar to the Easter holiday observed in other churches, the origin of Orthodox Easter dates back to the ancient period as a festival that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus, which according to the Bible, took place three days after his death. Accounts on the observation of this holiday date back to the 2nd century. However, during this time, the holiday was celebrated at different times of the year, this was because of the use of two different calendars. From ancient times, the date for celebrating this holiday was determined by calculating the cycles of the sun according to the lunisolar calendar.
However in 325 AD, the First Council of Nicaea declared that the holiday should be observed during the same time across the world, independent of the Jewish calendar. While some historians believe that this holiday began completely as a Christian observance, others believe that the holiday may have some pagan roots. Case in point, the word ‘Easter’ is claimed to have been borrowed from the pagan holiday of Eostre, which was observed in honor of Eastra, the goddess of fertility. Moreover, the majority of the traditions associated with Easter, such as the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus was also celebrated in Egypt in honor of god Horus, stem from pagan customs.
During the celebration of Orthodox Easter, it is common to hear people greeting each other with special Paschal greetings. The most common greeting during this period involves the phrase “Christ is Risen” which is normally responded to with the phrase “Truly, He has risen”. The initial phrase is also used as part of the ceremony in Orthodox Churches. Another ritual that is a common tradition associated with the holiday involves the use of eggs which symbolizes new life. Additionally, the eggs symbolize the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the regeneration of believers. Moreover, the eggs used during Orthodox Easter are normally dyed red to represent the blood of Jesus that was shed on the cross, believed to have offered redemption to all men.
Orthodox Christians observe a 40-day fast during Lent. From here, they observe a feast filled with customary meals such as lamb and Tsoureki Paschalinom (a sweet bread dessert). Among the Serbian Orthodox believers, common meals served include smoked meat and cheese, and boiled eggs. Other common meals among Serbians are chicken noodles or lamb vegetable soups which are accompanied by spit-roasted lamb. Among Russians, fasts are only broken after midnight but the preparation of meals usually begins earlier.
Orthodox Easter is observed on different days depending on when the first full moon will be seen. In 2019, the ceremony was carried out on April 28th. This was the first time the ceremony coincided with Easter. The difference in dates between Orthodox Easter and Easter is due to the use of the Julian calendar by the former and the Gregorian calendar by the latter. In fact, countries such as Greece, Cyprus, and Romania base their observation of the holiday on the Julian calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar. Notably, this holiday usually takes place on a Sunday and therefore not viewed as an official holiday. Also key to note is that the ceremony must appear after the Jewish festival of the Passover.
Orthodox Easter is significant as it marks the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus which creates the foundation of Christianity. The ceremony also marks the beginning of the Great Lent and therefore, is seen as a period through which one should purify themselves and move away from their sinful nature.
Additionally, prayers during this period are a way of being closer to God. The egg ritual is significant as it reminds people of Christ’s death and its importance to the entire world. Moreover, the holiday is viewed as a way for people to come together, interact, and feast while celebrating the season through which Christ’s life began. Additionally, the ceremony also marks the beginning of a new period as a cleansed individual and one who strives to move away from his or her sins.
Among Eastern Orthodox Christians, preparations for this holiday begin with the Great Lenten period which is normally 40 days. This period starts with fasting from Clean Monday which culminates on Lazarus Saturday. Clean Monday falls seven weeks before Easter Sunday. The ceremony derives its name from the fact that Clean Monday is a day that people normally cleanse themselves from their sinful nature and remain so for the entirety of the Lenten fast. Lazarus Saturday takes place eight days before Easter Sunday to signify the end of Lent and is followed by Palm Sunday (commemorates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem) which takes place one week before Easter.
Generally, this holiday is observed as a public holiday in countries where Christianity is a state religion or have a large population of Christians. For instance:
Nordic countries
Easter Monday is considered a bank holiday, while Good Friday and Easter Sunday or Monday are observed as public holidays. In other regions such as Iceland, Norway, and Denmark, Maundy Thursday is also observed as a public holiday.
Netherlands
In the Netherlands, both Easter Sunday and Easter Monday are observed as national holidays.
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, Good Friday and Easter Monday are observed as bank holidays.
Canada
In Canada, both Easter Sunday and Easter Monday are public holidays.
Australia
In Australia, Easter takes place in autumn. Good Friday and Easter Monday are observed as public holidays throughout the region.
United States
In the United States, Easter is celebrated on Sunday (non-working day). This holiday is not recognized as a federal or state holiday.
Twitter
Add a Comment
Please do not post:
Thank you once again for doing your part to keep Edarabia the most trusted education source.