Easter is a Christian feast and holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day after his crucifixion at Calvary as described in the New Testament.
Easter is preceded by Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and penance. The last week of Lent is called Holy Week, and it contains Maundy Thursday, commemorating Maundy and the Last Supper, as well as Good Friday, commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus.
Easter occurs on different Sundays each spring. The First Council of Nicaea (A.D. 325) established the date of Easter as the first Sunday after the full moon following the northern hemisphere's vernal equinox. The date of Easter therefore varies between March 22 and April 25.
Easter customs vary across the Christian world, but decorating Easter eggs is a common motif. In the Western world, customs such as egg hunting and the Easter Bunny extend from the church, and are often secular.
Many Americans follow the tradition of coloring hard-boiled eggs and giving baskets of candy. The Easter Bunny is popular in American culture. On Easter Monday, the President of the United States holds an annual Easter egg roll on the White House lawn for young children. New York City holds an annual Easter parade on Easter Sunday.
Easter is preceded by Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and penance. The last week of Lent is called Holy Week, and it contains Maundy Thursday, commemorating Maundy and the Last Supper, as well as Good Friday, commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus.
Easter occurs on different Sundays each spring. The First Council of Nicaea (A.D. 325) established the date of Easter as the first Sunday after the full moon following the northern hemisphere's vernal equinox. The date of Easter therefore varies between March 22 and April 25.
Easter customs vary across the Christian world, but decorating Easter eggs is a common motif. In the Western world, customs such as egg hunting and the Easter Bunny extend from the church, and are often secular.
In the United States, Easter Sunday is a flag day but has not been a federal and state holiday due to falling on a Sunday, which is already a non working day for federal and state employees.
Historically, schools have given extended spring breaks of one to two weeks around the Easter holiday, but this practice has been declining in favor of fixed one-week recesses around Washington's Birthday and in late April.
Many Americans follow the tradition of coloring hard-boiled eggs and giving baskets of candy. The Easter Bunny is popular in American culture. On Easter Monday, the President of the United States holds an annual Easter egg roll on the White House lawn for young children. New York City holds an annual Easter parade on Easter Sunday.
The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!
YES! He is risen indeed!
ReplyDeleteWishing you and your Momma
a Blessed Easter!
HUGS... Mama Lisa