Easter is the holiday above all holidays, always falling on the first Sunday after the full moon following the spring equinox, between March 22 and May 8. It is the center of the entire liturgical year and the first holiday celebrated since apostolic times. The importance of Jesus’ resurrection for the Christian faith is evident in the fact that early Christians began commemorating it not only on Easter but also every first day of the week, calling it “the Lord’s Day.”
The apostles considered Jesus’ resurrection the foundation of our faith because it serves as the clearest testament to Christ’s divinity. At the same time, it is a confirmation of our own resurrection into eternal life.
As the central feast of the liturgical year, Easter is celebrated for fifty days, until Pentecost. To truly celebrate and understand Easter, one must spiritually renew themselves—dying to sin and rising to a life of grace. That is why St. Paul reminds us:
“Take out all the old yeast so that you will be a new batch of dough without yeast, which you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. So let us celebrate this feast, but not with the bread that has the old yeast—the yeast of sin and wickedness. Let us celebrate this feast with the bread that has no yeast—the bread of goodness and truth. ” (1 Corinthians 5:7-8)
Christ is Risen! May God’s words remain with you:
“And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13)
Easter Traditions: Easter Eggs
Among Christians worldwide, giving decorated eggs is a common Easter custom. The egg symbolizes the renewal of life and nature, while the red color represents joy and celebration for both the giver and receiver.
One of the most popular egg-dyeing techniques involves boiling eggs with onion skins, creating beautiful natural tones. To prevent eggs from cracking while cooking, remove them from the fridge early to reach room temperature. Wash them in warm water and boil slowly for about an hour with a pinch of salt. After cooking, transfer them into cold water with a little vinegar (one or two tablespoons). Slow boiling and salt help prevent cracks, and even if an egg cracks, it is still perfectly safe to eat as it is naturally dyed.
Easter Morning Among Orthodox Christians
The tradition of splashing water on Easter morning, as well as on Lazarus Saturday, dates back to pre-Christian times. According to ethnologists, water infused with red eggs, basil, cornelian cherry, nettle, and geranium was used for ritual washing to transfer the renewed energy of nature to people.
Easter is the greatest Christian holiday because it marks Christ’s victory over death. On this day, Jesus Christ rose from the dead, conquering death and granting eternal life to all. As church bells ring on Easter morning, hymns are sung in celebration:
“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!”
