Resource: Easter East and West

Print Background Essay

Easter is a Christian holiday that commemorates the death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus was born in the Roman province of Judea and as an adult traveled throughout the region, performing miracles and spreading the gospel or good news, his message of salvation. He acquired a large following during his lifetime, the closest of whom were called disciples. Roman leaders became increasingly uncomfortable with the large numbers of people who followed Jesus. He was ultimately arrested and sentenced to crucifixion under the Roman prefect Pontius Pilot. Jesus died on a cross and was buried in a tomb in Jerusalem. Christians believe that three days later, on the first Easter, he rose from the dead.

Today, Western Christians follow the Gregorian calendar and celebrate Easter on the first Sunday after the full moon, after the vernal equinox. Eastern Christians, following the Julian calendar, usually celebrate Easter one week later. Ash Wednesday introduces Lent, 40 days of fasting, penance, prayer and ceremonial observances that precede the Easter season. Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter, honors Jesus’ historic entrance into Jerusalem. Good Friday, the Friday before Easter, memorializes the crucifixion and death of Jesus. Holy Saturday occurs the day before Easter and is often celebrated with an Easter Vigil from sunset to sunrise. This ritual includes the celebration of baptisms and dramatic candle-lighting ceremonies.

The season of Lent is somber until the celebration of Easter Sunday, which is festive and joyful. Different Christian churches and denominations celebrate this day in diverse ways, including triumphant church services and special music and celebrations. Some secular traditions are geared toward children, such as the wearing of new Easter outfits and Easter egg hunts. Christianity adopted the ancient symbolism of the egg to represent rebirth after Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection.

Christianity has been heavily influenced by pre-Christian practices. The first Easter Sunday, for example, took place within the Jewish Passover season, which is a lunar celebration like Easter. The Last Supper, when Jesus prepared the disciples for his death, was itself a traditional Jewish meal, part of the Passover celebration.

Pagan rituals have also had a powerful impact on the Easter celebration. In the early Middle Ages, pagan Anglo-Saxons of Northern Europe worshipped the goddess Eostre, who was associated with a hare, and celebrated with a springtime festival that included the veneration of eggs as symbols of rebirth and fertility. In the late sixth century, Pope Gregory I sent missionaries to convert the Anglo-Saxon tribes to Christianity, instructing them to incorporate their ancient pagan traditions into Christian ceremonies. As a result, the holiest of Christian holidays was named Easter and became associated in spring with an Easter bunny and eggs.

Print Questions for Discussion

• What does the statement "without Easter, there would be no Church" mean?
• Compare and contrast Easter rituals across churches and denominations.
• In how many ways does light play a role in this video on Easter? Why do you think that is?
• What other gestures (e.g., the people passing the wooden cross overhead, the lighting of candles) in this video seem important? Why do you think they are important?