How is Easter celebrated?

This year, billions of Christians celebrated the day of Easter, a time to remember the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christians have been celebrating the Easter season–referred to as Pascha in relation to Passover—since around 150 to 160 AD. 

However, before Easter comes the season of Lent. Lent is a period of 40 days in which many Christians practice abstinence from meat, oils, and any other worldly pleasures, to focus on their relationship with Christ.

During the last week of Lent comes Holy Week, which is dedicated to remembering the last week of Christ’s life before the crucifixion. 

Holy Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are used in preparation for the final four days of Lent, and are typically used for additional prayer and worship. Maundy Thursday is the day on which the Last Supper took place, and Christ was betrayed by Judas Iscariot. Christians use this day in preparation for Good Friday and to further remember Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Good Friday is the day that Christ was crucified and buried. 

Silent Saturday is the day between Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. It is seen as a day of profound silence, remembrance, and grief as Christians reflect on Christ’s sacrifice. Resurrection Sunday is the day that Christ rose from the dead and is when Catholic and Protestant Christians celebrate Easter. Because Orthodox Christians use the Julian Calendar rather than the Gregorian Calendar, they celebrated Easter on Sunday, April 12, a week later than on the Gregorian Calendar. 

Around the world, people from all different backgrounds and cultures celebrate Easter in unique and different ways. In France, the French celebrate Pâques in a similar way to the United States, with a feast and an Easter Egg hunt. However, instead of the “Easter Bunny,” the French celebrate with the “Cloches de Pâques” or the “Easter Bells.” These are flying church bells that fly around and spread chocolate eggs around the country for people to find. 

As a Christian myself, I’ll say that Easter is one of the most important seasons in the Christian calendar. I enjoyed partaking in Lent this year, and Easter services and celebrations are always super fun.