What is Easter Sunday?
Easter Sunday is an essential Christian holiday commemorating Jesus Christ's resurrection. It is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon of spring, which usually falls between March 22 and April 25. Easter Sunday is a time for families to gather, attend church services, and participate in traditions such as Easter egg hunts and feasting on special foods like hot cross buns and ham.
Easter 2023 will be celebrated on Sunday, April 9.
Whether you are a devout Christian or simply enjoy the festivities of the season, Easter Sunday is a time to come together and celebrate the joy and renewal of spring.
The Origin Story of Easter Sunday
According to the Bible, Jesus was crucified on a Friday, now known as Good Friday. He was buried in a tomb with a large stone over the entrance.
On the third day, a Sunday, Mary Magdalene and other women went to the tomb to anoint Jesus' body with spices. When they arrived, they found that the stone had been rolled away and the tomb was empty. Suddenly, two angels appeared and told them that Jesus had risen from the dead.
Mary Magdalene then saw Jesus standing in front of her. At first, she did not recognize him, but then he spoke to her, and she realized who he was. Jesus appeared to his disciples several times after his resurrection, showing them the wounds on his hands and feet.
The resurrection of Jesus is considered the central event in Christianity, as it confirms the belief that Jesus was the son of God and that he had power over death. Easter Sunday is a joyous day, with church services, family gatherings, and Easter egg hunts. It is a time to reflect on the significance of Jesus' resurrection and the hope it brings to Christians worldwide.
What do People do on Easter Sunday?
People worldwide celebrate Easter Sunday in various ways, depending on their religious and cultural traditions. Here are some everyday activities that people do on Easter Sunday:
- Attend church services: Many Christians attend special church services on Easter Sunday to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. These services often include hymns, prayers, and readings from the Bible.
- Easter egg hunts: Easter egg hunts are a popular tradition on Easter Sunday. Children search for eggs hidden in their homes or outdoors, often filled with candy or small toys.
- Family gatherings: Easter Sunday is a time for families to gather and enjoy a meal. Traditional Easter foods include ham, lamb, hot cross buns, and Easter eggs.
- Decorating eggs: Decorating eggs is a popular activity on Easter Sunday. People dye or paint eggs in various colors and designs.
- Giving gifts: Giving gifts, such as chocolate bunnies or Easter baskets filled with treats, is a common tradition on Easter Sunday.
- Participating in parades: In some communities, Easter parades are held to celebrate the holiday. People dress up in festive outfits and march through the streets.
- Donating to charity: Some people choose to donate to charity on Easter Sunday as a way to give back to their community.