As a Christian holiday, Easter is one of the most important events in the Christian calendar. It is a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who, according to Christian belief, rose from the dead after being crucified and buried.

Easter falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox, which usually occurs between March 22 and April 25. This year, Easter falls on April 12, 2020.

The Meaning of Easter

The meaning of Easter is rooted in the story of Jesus Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. According to the Bible, Jesus was arrested, tried, and condemned to death by crucifixion by the Roman authorities. After his death, he was buried in a tomb, which was sealed with a large stone.

On the third day after his burial, Jesus rose from the dead, and appeared to his disciples. This event is known as the resurrection, and it is the central event of the Christian faith. It is believed that the resurrection of Jesus is proof of his divine nature, and that it brings salvation to all who believe in him.

The Celebrations of Easter

The celebrations of Easter vary from country to country and from region to region. In many countries, it is a time for family gatherings, feasting, and gift-giving. In some countries, such as the United States and Canada, Easter is associated with the Easter Bunny and chocolate eggs and other sweets.

In many Christian churches, Easter Sunday is celebrated with special services, including the lighting of the Paschal Candle, the singing of hymns, and the reading of the Gospel accounts of the resurrection.

In the Philippines, the celebrations of Easter are particularly elaborate. The country is predominantly Catholic, and Easter is celebrated with an intense mixture of devotion and festivity. Many towns and cities hold processions, which reenact the story of the Passion and Death of Jesus, and many people engage in acts of penitence, such as self-flagellation and walking barefoot over sharp stones.

The Vocabulary of Easter

There are many words associated with the celebrations of Easter. Here are some of the most important:

Easter - the Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ

Resurrection - the act of rising from the dead

Crucifixion - the execution of a person by nailing them to a cross

Good Friday - the Friday before Easter, which commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus

Easter Bunny - a symbol of Easter in many countries, often depicted as a rabbit delivering chocolate eggs

Chocolate eggs - a popular Easter candy, often made of chocolate and shaped like an egg

Paschal Candle - a white candle used in Christian churches at Easter, often decorated with the letters "Alpha" and "Omega" to represent Christ

Procession - a religious parade, often involving the carrying of crosses or other religious symbols

Easter is a time of joy and celebration for Christians around the world. It is a time to remember the sacrifice that Jesus Christ made for all humanity, and to celebrate his resurrection and our salvation. Whether you celebrate with your family, attend church services, or simply enjoy the spring weather, may the spirit of Easter bring you peace and happiness.