Why do we celebrate Easter?

Easter is a feast for the whole family. In addition to coloring Easter eggs and easter eggs, we look forward to delicious Easter recipes and take us gladly to make time for Easter decoration itself. But what is celebrated? Easter is the most important festival in Christianity. The Christians celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, In addition, Easter celebrates the Easter End of Lent, All dates for Easter 2019 and 2020 are here? S: When is Easter?

Origins of Easter

The origin of the term "Easter" is not clear. The oldest name for Easter dates back to the 8th century. Under "Eostro" understood "dawn". Another theory says that the name of the pagan spring festival comes. Even before pre-Christian times, the festival in honor of the Germanic fertility goddess Ostara was considered. The pagan spring festival marked the beginning of spring.

Religious origin

The origins of the Christian Easter are in the Jewish Paschal festival, The so-called Passover or Passover feast recalls the exodus of the people of Israel from Egypt and thus the liberation from slavery. From this tradition, the Christian Easter has developed. Although the festivals are slightly delayed in time and also different rites are practiced, so many parallels can be found.

Easter holidays: When do we celebrate something?

The Holy Week or "silent week" begins on the last Sunday before Easter, Palm Sunday, and denotes the last week of the Passion time or Lent. It includes Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday.

Holy Thursday

The beginning of the Easter story is the day of the Last Supper, Holy Thursday (no public holiday). That night, according to the Bible, Jesus sat one last time with his twelve disciples. On the eve of his arrest, he celebrated with them the Passover feast and knew that he was betrayed by Judas and will die. He washed the disciples' feet as a sign of charity and went to the Mount of Olives after the evening to pray. There he was arrested by Roman soldiers.

Good Friday

According to biblical tradition, Jesus was sentenced to death on Good Friday and crucified on the hill Golgotha. This day is also called the "quiet Friday" and is not only public holiday, but there are also restrictions on public events (such as ban on dancing), as it is thought of the crucifixion.

Holy Saturday

This day is spent in silence and thought of the serenity of Christ. Even the church bells are quiet. It is not until the Easter Eve from Holy Saturday to Easter Sunday that worship takes place. It is not a public holiday.

Easter Sunday

The culmination of the Easter story: On Easter Sunday, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. On this day many Easter customs take place, like the egg hunt and the Easter fire. But also the Easter Bunny and the Easter Lamb have a very special meaning. The following "Easter Joy" lasts 50 days to and including Pentecost.

Easter Monday

According to the Gospel of Luke, two disciples who were on their way to Emmaus saw a stranger whom they later recognized as Jesus Christ. From this story developed the custom of the Emmaus Gang (also called Easter Walk).

At Easter, there are other symbols and traditions: Even the Easter Bunny and the Easter Lamb have a very special origin and meaning. And what you are looking for with the Easter eggs, the Easter fire and the Easter water is on you, you will learn here: Easter customs.

Easter is simply a colorful family celebration. We have many creative ideas and craft instructions for your Easter decoration. Painted eggs, a DIY bunny and much more. Check out our Pinterest pin board.