By Ernest Disney-Britton
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| "Mary Magdalene on Easter Morning" by Tony Melendez |
- Significance: The day commemorates, and celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day following his crucifixion on Good Friday.
- Observances: The Easter festival is kept in many different ways by Christians. The traditional, liturgical observation of Easter, as practised among Roman Catholics and some Lutherans and Anglicans begins on the night of Holy Saturday with the Easter Vigil beginning in total darkness of the night before, and with the blessing of the Easter fire.
- Length: One day.
- Date: It is not always held on the same date. Easter can therefore come as early as March 22 or as late as April 25. In 325 AD the church council of Nicaea decided that it should be celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after the vernal equinox of March 21.
- Customs: The custom of giving eggs at Easter time has been traced back to Egyptians, Persians, Gauls, Greeks and Romans, to whom the egg was a symbol of life. The traditional act of painting eggs is called Pysanka. Within the African American community, Easter is a big day for new clothes. Candy is a relatively recent Easter tradition. Chocolate eggs, the most popular Easter candy, were first made in Europe in the early 1800s. Prior to candy, hot cross buns and pretzels where the Easter treat. (View A&O Easter Traditions)
- Symbols: The white lily, the symbol of the resurrection, is the special Easter flower. Note the lily placed by Mary Magdalene (above). Also, the newly baptized wear white garments, white being the liturgical color of Easter and signifying light, purity, and joy.
- Interfaith Links: Easter has its roots in the Jewish feast of Passover and is a moveable celebration day. It is also linked to Pagan traditions, such as the celebrations of the Saxon goddess Eostre.
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