Easter is a Christian holiday that celebrates the rebirth of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the Paschal full moon, which usually falls between March 31 and April 25. It is one of the most important events in the Christian calendar and is celebrated worldwide. Easter in Canada 2024 will fall on Sunday, April 9. The holiday marks the end of the Lent season, 40 days of fasting, prayer, and penance.
The origins of Easter Sunday can be traced back to ancient pagan festivals that celebrated the arrival of spring. According to the Christian faith, Jesus was crucified and buried to save humanity on the Friday before Passover and rose from the dead on the third day, apprehended as Easter Sunday. In addition to its religious importance, Easter has become a secular holiday celebrated by people of all faiths. It is a time to spend with family and friends and to enjoy the renewal and hope that comes with the arrival of spring.
Easter 2024 is a time of joy and celebration for Christians worldwide. Many traditions have developed around the holiday, including the gifting of Easter eggs, which symbolise new life and the resurrection of Jesus. Easter also marks the end of the winter season and the beginning of spring. Many countries celebrate it with religious services, parades, and family gatherings. It is also a time for exchanging gifts, especially chocolate eggs and bunnies, which have become holiday symbols.
Where Did the Word “Easter” Come From?
The name “Easter” emanated from the Old English word “ēastre,” which was the name of a pagan festival honouring the goddess of spring. Venerable Bede, a monk, explained in the 8th century that it might have been derived from Eostre or Eostrae, the Anglo-Saxon pre-Christian goddess of fertility.
As Christianity spread throughout the world, the celebration of Easter was adapted and incorporated into the Christian faith. Easter is an English word with remnants that parallel the German word Ostern.
Easter Sunday Customs
Easter is a holiday with various customs and traditions practised in Catholic households. These customs mainly comprise the following-
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Easter Bunnies
The Easter bunny’s tradition originates in German folklore, where the “Osterhase” or Easter hare was believed to bring eggs and other gifts to children. Today, many children participate in Easter egg hunts, searching for hidden eggs or other treats.
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Easter Parade
Easter parades are also a popular tradition in many communities. These parades often feature floats, marching bands, and other festive displays. In some areas, people wear new clothes or bonnets for Easter celebrations.
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Painting Easter Eggs
Painting eggs is a tradition followed during the 40 days of Easter sunday. This is an activity that helps to engage in a fun session of painting and drawing. These easter eggs are later used as decorations.
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Easter Egg Hunt
Organising a treasure hunt for the family’s kids on Easter 2024 is another exciting tradition that a family can follow. Eggs must be hidden around the yard or the house for the children to find.
What Is the Golden Number?
The Golden Number is a system used to specify Easter in the Western Christian calendar. It is based on a 19-year cycle and is used to decide the date of a full moon that occurs on or after March 21, which is used to calculate the date for this Christian festival. The Golden Number refers to a number from 1 to 19 assigned to each year in the cycle, and it helps to determine the date of Easter Sunday. The system has been used for centuries and is still used today in calculating Easter dates in the Christian calendar.
Easter Dinner Ideas
Dinner is a traditional meal on Easter Sunday, typically featuring ham, lamb, other meats, and side dishes like potatoes and vegetables. The meal illustrates the end of Lent and the festivity of Jesus’ resurrection. Some easter dinner ideas are listed below-
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- Easter Salad with Berries
- Chicken Roast
- Glazed Easter Ham or Ham with Pineapple Sauce
- Cross Buns
- Mashed potatoes or Potato Salad
- Creamy Deviled Eggs
- Spring Asparagus or Asparagus Pastry
- Easter Egg Cup Cakes
- Citrus Carrots
- Rhubarb and Rosemary Flatbread
- Key Lime Pie
- Cheddar Biscuits
- Ham, Mac and Cheese
- Carrot Cake
Easter Decoration Ideas
Easter Sunday is an exciting time for people, especially for children of the family who get gifts and are usually involved in Easter Egg hunts made part of the easter decorations at Christian homes. These hunts let kids find exciting gifts and treats.
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Easter Eggs
Painting eggs is an Easter Sunday tradition that must be included in the festival celebration. This is a fun way to engage the whole family in a group activity. Gather some paints, coloured paper or confetti and decorate the eggs. Make sure to make them colourful and attractive by adding patterns and designs.
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Easter Egg Tree
The eggs you and your family made will be handy with this easter decoration. Place a sturdy, thick branch in a vase, or hang one over your dining room table. Gently hang the decorated easter eggs with twine and add some flower and bunny cutouts to complete your easter 2024 tree.
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Rabbit Cut-outs
Gather some magazines or even newspapers for this easter decoration idea. Make use of the waste sheets and cut out some bunny shapes. Make plenty that can help make a garland. Attach these cutouts to twine and paste a tiny pom-pom at the back of each to signify a tail. Hang this garland anywhere around the house.
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Easter Decoration Wreath
Gather all the easter eggs with silver wire on the wreath structure. Attach eggs of all colours and sizes, and add mistletoe or eucalyptus leaves to give a chic look. Hang this beautiful easter decoration on your main door and welcome your guests with a huge smile and spectacular decor.
You May Also Read :
| Celebrate Canada Day | Canada Day |
| Guide To Civic Holiday in Canada | Civic Holiday in Canada |
| History of Good Friday | Good Friday |
| Traditions of Eid Al Adha | Eid Al Adha |
| Know About Shrove Tuesday | Shrove Tuesday |
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
Easter is determined by summing the first Sunday after the full moon on or after the spring equinox.
The two most common dates for Easter are either March 31 or April 19.
In Canada, the concept of Easter Monday was brought by the Europeans. Easter Monday is a national holiday which falls on the next day of easter sunday in Canada. It is also a leave for federal employees.
Jehovah's is a religion that does not support many Christian festivals, which include Christmas and Easter.
Yes, in many countries, Easter Monday is considered a public holiday. Is Easter Always in March or April?
What Is the Most Common Easter Date?
Why does Canada have Easter Monday?
What religion does not support Easter?
Is Easter Monday a public holiday in Canada?
