Easter
Easter begins with Lent, which is the 40 days leading up to Holy WeekFor Christians, the week before Easter Sunday that recalls the suffering and death of Jesus.. During Lent, Christians remember when Jesus went into the desert to fastTo go without food and drink for a set period of time. and was tempted by the Devil. Some Christians fast in remembrance of Jesus’ actions, but many more instead give up something they enjoy eating or drinking, such as chocolate or alcohol, to show their dedication to God and to challenge themselves to resist temptation as Jesus did. During Lent, some Christians spend extra time at church reading the Bible, praying or doing good works.
Holy Week is the week leading up to Jesus’ 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.. There are special services held in churches across Holy Week to commemorate its important events:
- Palm Sunday – On this day, the four gospelThe teachings of Jesus and the apostles. state that Jesus entered Jerusalem 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 on Palm Sunday to commemorate this event.
- Maundy Thursday – This was the day that Jesus shared 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. with his discipleA person who follows and learns from someone else.. After this, he was arrested 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 was the day of 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. These events are commemorated with a day of fasting and church services are held close to the time of day when Jesus died. CatholicA group of Christians who accept the Pope in Rome as their leader. Christians hold a procession called the Stations of the Cross, which re-enacts Jesus’ journey carrying his cross to his crucifixion.
- Easter Sunday – This was the day of Jesus’ resurrection. Churches hold vigilStaying awake to keep watch over the sick, to pray or protest during hours usually given to sleep. on the Saturday evening before services the following Sunday. For Christians, Easter Sunday is a day of joy to celebrate what God has done for humanity.
Question
What event is commemorated on Easter Sunday?
Jesus’ resurrection is commemorated on Easter Sunday. In fact, because the resurrection happened on a Sunday, many Christians treat every Sunday as a special day for worshipping and spending time with family.
