Today, Christian families around the world celebrate the auspicious festival of Easter – April 5, when we commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day after his crucifixion by the Romans around 30 AD. Widely associated with the Easter Bunny, pastel-colored eggs and baskets of chocolate, it is a significant festival and is observed as a public holiday in many countries.
This holiday follows the 40-day period of fasting, prayer and penance known as Lent, and is observed after the last day of Holy Week. This year, Holy Week began on March 29 with Palm Sunday, followed by Maundy Thursday on April 2, which coincides with the Last Supper, where Jesus dined with his disciples before his arrest. This year, Good Friday, April 3, commemorated the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. The events of this Holy Week culminate on Easter Sunday.
The Pope celebrates the first Easter
Pope Leo XIV will celebrate his first Easter Sunday as Pope today. The leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, who has emerged as a leading voice against war in the Middle East, will hold mass in St Peter’s Square from 8:30 GMT (14:00 IST) in front of thousands of worshippers, AFP reported. The US-born Pope will then deliver the traditional blessing at 10:00 GMT (15:30 IST).
During his Easter Vigil address on Saturday, the Pope called for a “new world of peace and unity” as he condemned the divisions created by “war, injustice and the isolation of people and nations”.
Easter Sunday unites faith, family and tradition and is a holiday that symbolizes hope, renewal and the triumph of life over death.
Easter, which is considered the cornerstone of the Christian faith, means victory over death and the promise of eternal life.
On Palm Sunday, Jesus entered Jerusalem to a cheering crowd, beginning the events of the Holy Week celebrations leading up to Easter.
Is Easter celebrated on the same day every year?
Unlike Christmas, the date of Easter changes every year and is determined by the lunar calendar. It is usually observed between late March and April on the first Sunday after the full moon after the vernal equinox. This year, Easter is celebrated on April 5, the first Sunday after the Easter full moon.
During this spiritual and cultural celebration, families and friends gather for meals, festive gatherings and traditions such as Easter egg hunts, while churches hold special services and early morning masses.
Beyond its rituals and traditions, Easter carries a universal message that transcends borders and religions. In a world burdened by war, loss and uncertainty, the message of Easter is powerful, symbolizing light over darkness, hope surviving despair and life triumphing over death.
