Easter
Easter is the most important celebration for Christians as it celebrates Jesus’ victory over death.
Easter begins with LentA period of 40 days in the Christian calendar., which is a period of 40 days leading up to Holy WeekFor Christians, the week before Easter Sunday that recalls the suffering and death of Jesus..
Holy Week is the week leading up to the resurrectionThe Christian belief that Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after the crucifixion. The rising from the dead of believers on the Last Day in a new, or risen, life.. Christian churches hold special services across the week:
- Palm Sunday - The four gospelThe teachings of Jesus and the apostles. state that, on this day, Jesus entered JerusalemThe capital city of Israel when Jesus was alive. The city where he was crucified, buried and rose again. on a donkey. The people were overjoyed to see him, and they showed their love for him by waving palm branches as he passed by. Palm crosses are given out during Christian services as a symbol of this event.
- Maundy Thursday - This was the day that Jesus hosted the Last SupperThe meal that Jesus had with his disciples the night before he died where he gave them bread and wine to symbolise his body and blood., which was followed by his arrest in the Garden of GethsemaneThe garden close to the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem where Jesus spent the night before his capture and crucifixion.. This marks the beginning of a time of sadness and reflection for Christians.
- Good Friday – This day marks Jesus’ crucifixionRoman method of execution by nailing someone to a cross, often until they die of asphyxiation; used on Jesus and many others. and death. This is commemorated with a day of fastingTo abstain from all food and drink, typically as a religious observance., and there is often a church service close to the time of day when Jesus died. CatholicA group of Christians who accept the Pope in Rome as their leader. hold a procession called the Stations of the Cross, which re-enacts Jesus’ final journey when he carried his cross to his crucifixion.
- Easter Sunday – The day of Jesus’ resurrection. A vigilStaying awake to keep watch over the sick, to pray or protest during hours usually given to sleep. is usually held on the Saturday evening, and there is a church service on the Sunday. For Christians, Easter Sunday is a day of joy that celebrates what God has done for humanity.
Question
What event is commemorated on Easter Sunday?
Jesus’ resurrection is commemorated on Easter Sunday. In addition, many Christians treat every Sunday as a special day for worshipping and spending time with family, due to the resurrection having happened on a Sunday.
