The events of the Resurrection are recounted in all four Gospels (Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20-21). They describe how some of Christ’s female disciples visited His tomb only to find it empty. Subsequently, angels visited these disciples and told them that Christ had risen. Later, Christ Himself appeared, first to Mary Magdalene and then to His other disciples.
While Easter Sunday is often presented alone, it is the culmination of two important Christian periods. Firstly, it follows Lent, the 40-day fasting time (which I wrote about last week for LUU!). Secondly, Easter is immediately after Holy Week.
To better understand Easter from a Christian perspective, it is helpful to discuss Holy Week briefly. In short, it commemorates the events of Jesus Christ’s final days. The week begins with Palm Sunday when Christ triumphantly enters Jerusalem on a donkey. The following key day is Holy Wednesday (or Spy Wednesday) when Judas Iscariot betrays Christ. Following that is Holy Thursday (or Maundy Thursday), when Christ and his disciples eat the Last Supper; after that is Holy Friday (or Good Friday), when Christ is crucified. Then, the week moves to Holy Saturday, commemorating Christ descending into Hell/ Hades to bring salvation to the souls there. Finally, Easter Sunday celebrates Christ’s coming back to life.
Although Christians celebrate many holidays yearly (such as Christmas), I would argue Easter is the most significant. Without Easter, the Christian worldview makes little sense. The Christians hope for a world to come and their joy in facing the trials and challenges of this present life – these all are pointless without Christ’s Resurrection.
Reflecting Easter’s importance, Christians worldwide engage in various commemorative activities. Some traditions (such as Catholic and Orthodox) will hold a midnight church service on the night of Saturday/Sunday. In contrast, others (especially Protestants) may have a sunrise church service on Sunday morning. Flowers (especially the Easter lily) are a key part of many traditions’ celebration of Easter, used to “flower the cross” and generally to decorate the church. It is also traditional for Christians to exchange Easter greetings (usually “Christ is Risen!” followed by “He has Risen Indeed!”). Various food traditions have developed around Easter, often involving lamb, or containing dairy. Eggs are also a habitual part of Easter celebrations as they symbolise Christ’s empty tomb.
Nowadays, most of us would likely associate Easter primarily with chocolate eggs, cute bunnies, and the rejuvenating feeling of springtime. These non-religious associations aren’t wrong. In fact, they often have Christian roots – for instance, the origins of the Easter Bunny lie in Lutheran Germany. Ultimately, we all share in the magic of Easter, whether we are religious or not. This magic lies in the promise within Easter for renewal and rejuvenation. Behind every modern Easter tradition lies the Resurrected Christ. This is the meaning of Easter Sunday: new life, new hope, new beginnings.
Written by Nikita Zychowicz (he/him).
