What is Easter?

Easter is a very significant holiday in Christianity, which falls on Sunday, April 4th this year. Easter is known as a ‘moveable feast’, which means that it falls on a different day each year. In Western Christianity, which follows the Gregorian calendar, Easter will always fall on a Sunday between March 22nd and April 25th. In Eastern Orthodox Christianity, which follows the Julian Calendar, Easter (commonly known as Orthodox or Greek Easter) always falls on a Sunday between April 4th and May 8th.

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Easter marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which was said to have happened three days after Jesus was crucified in about 30 A.D. There are a few other important dates leading up to Easter that is included in Easter celebrations:

Lent: the 40 days before Easter that consist of fasting, sacrifice, and prayer

Holy week :the week before Easter Sunday, where Christians recall the days leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion

Palm Sunday: This day is celebrated as the arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem, and occurs exactly a week before Easter

Good Friday: This day commemorates when Jesus was crucified

And finally Easter Sunday. Easter has been practised for centuries, even dating back to pagan times, and continues to be an important holiday for Canadians and many communities around the world! It is celebrated by those who are religious through attending Church or Mass, an Easter dinner traditionally serving lamb, as well as prayer, gift-giving, and other community events such as parades and festivals.

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Although Easter has great religious and cultural significance, Easter celebrations have become a regular holiday in the West, and many people observe traditions without these religious aspects. There are many non-religious celebrations that include decorating Easter eggs (which symbolize fertility and rebirth), as well as Easter egg hunts, where eggs are hidden and children have to find them! The Easter Bunny - who is akin to Santa Claus at Christmas - has also become a notable character in Easter celebrations, and delivers chocolate eggs to children in an Easter basket. Easter is also celebrated with the first day of spring, and symbolizes new beginnings!

People from all backgrounds celebrate Easter in Canada, and its traditions are embraced by many immigrants who wish to join in on the festivities! If you would like to send money to your family overseas for Easter, sign up for Remitbee!

Happy Easter!