Why do we celebrate Easter?

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Easter is one of the most important celebrations of Christianity, and its celebration has deep religious and cultural roots. Easter is celebrated in honor of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which took place on the third day after his crucifixion. This celebration symbolizes the victory over death and sin and the beginning of a new life.

The religious significance of Easter

Easter is a central holiday of the Christian faith, as it celebrates Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. This event is a cornerstone of Christianity, as it proves that Jesus is the Son of God and gives hope of eternal life to all believers. The time of Easter is determined by the vernal equinox and the full moon, and it takes place between March and April.

Customs of celebrating Easter

There are many traditions and customs associated with the celebration of Easter, which vary in different cultures and countries. In Finland, Easter is associated with, among other things, the following customs:

  • Virpomining: Children dress up as witches and go around from house to house, wishing for luck and health with willow branches.
  • Easter eggs: Easter eggs symbolize new life and resurrection. They can be chocolate eggs or decorated eggs.
  • Easter dishes: The Easter table traditionally includes lamb, mother and pasha. The lamb symbolizes Christ, who was sacrificed for the sins of mankind.
  • Easter bonfires: In some areas of Finland, Easter bonfires are burned, which symbolize the victory of light over darkness.

History of Easter

Easter has its roots in the Jewish Passover, Pesach, which commemorates the liberation of the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt. Christians adopted this holiday and gave it a new meaning with the resurrection of Jesus. The timing of Easter and the traditions surrounding it have evolved over the centuries and have been influenced by both pagan and Christian customs.

The meaning of Easter today

Nowadays, Easter is not only a religious holiday, but also a family celebration, when people get together to spend time with their loved ones. Easter also offers an opportunity for silence and self-reflection, as well as a reminder of life’s constant renewal and hope.

You can read more information about Easter, for example, on Wikipedia or from the website of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.

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