Grandeur of Easter
By Ama H. Vanniarachchy
Studies suggest that Easter, now a Christian religious festival celebrated by Christians around the world, has its origins in a Pagan Spring Festival held in honour of the Germanic Spring goddess Eostre. This was a festival celebrated during April – spring time – welcoming and honouring the spring and paying gratitude to Mother Nature. Ancestors of modern Europeans personified various forces of nature, which is a common trait of ancient people all around the globe. As such, spring, a season of happiness, sunshine, and abundance of flowers, fruits, and vegetables, was personified as a goddess – Eostre. In our last week’s article, we explained the Eastern or Sanskrit (Vedic) origins of this Pagan European Spring goddess Eostre. The festival held in her honour was known as Ostara.
In pre-Christian times, ancestors of modern Europeans gathered to honour Eostre and celebrated the vernal equinox as a celebration of happiness due to the return of sunshine, warmth, and fertility on Earth. This was also a celebration of the triumph of light over darkness as from this time onwards, the time of daylight increases and fills the Earth with light and warmth, resulting in the blossoming of flowers, vegetables, and fruits. As we have shown in our previous article, the hare and eggs were symbols of fertility, rebirth, and the continuation of light. Therefore, the hare and eggs were used to decorate the pagan European spring festival.
In some North European folklore, the hare or the rabbit accompanies Eostre or Ostara. In later times, Eostre’s hare became the famous Easter Bunny. The appearance of rabbits in the surroundings was considered as a message from Eostre and her blessings on earthlings.
Today, Easter is celebrated around the world with traits, rituals, customs, and practices unique to each region. In many parts of the world, Easter celebrations are heavily influenced by the religion and the cultural traits come along with respective faiths. Let us take a look at how Easter celebrations differ according to the religious faiths.
Christianity
Catholicism: The Easter Vigil is a significant ceremony where new members are often baptised into the faith. Holy Week, starting with Palm Sunday, includes processions, re-enactments of Jesus’ Passion, and the Stations of the Cross.
Eastern Orthodox: Easter, or Pascha, is the most significant religious holiday. It’s preceded by a period of fasting called Lent, and Holy Week is marked by various services, including the Matins of Holy Saturday, which culminates in the Paschal Vigil and the Resurrection service.
Protestantism: Practices vary among Protestant denominations, but many celebrate Easter with church services, hymns, and sermons focusing on the resurrection of Jesus.
Western secular traditions
In many Western countries, Easter is celebrated with secular traditions such as Easter egg hunts, decorating eggs, and the Easter Bunny bringing chocolates and candies. Some communities also have parades or festivals, often featuring colourful floats, music, and dancing.
Eastern Orthodox traditions
In countries with Eastern Orthodox populations, Easter is marked by a variety of customs, including special Easter foods like kulich (sweet bread) and paska (a rich, sweet cheese dessert). Traditional egg decorating techniques such as pysanka are also popular, with intricately designed eggs symbolising new life and the resurrection.
Ethnic and cultural traditions
Different countries and cultures have their own unique Easter traditions. For example, in Greece, the custom of ‘Anastasi’ involves attending a late-night church service followed by a feast of traditional foods. In Spain and some Latin American countries, Semana Santa (Holy Week) is observed with elaborate processions, religious re-enactments, and displays of art depicting the Passion of Christ.
Other religious traditions
In Judaism, Passover often coincides with Easter, and some Jewish communities may incorporate elements of Easter into their Passover celebrations.
Christian rituals and traditions practiced during Easter celebrations
Christian rituals and traditions practiced during Easter celebrations vary among different denominations and regions, but some common elements include;
Easter Vigil: Many Christian churches, especially Catholic and Eastern Orthodox, hold a special Easter Vigil service on the Saturday evening before Easter Sunday. This service often includes the lighting of the Paschal candle, readings from the Old Testament, baptismal ceremonies, and the celebration of the Eucharist.
Sunrise services: Some Christian communities hold outdoor sunrise services on Easter Sunday to commemorate the Resurrection of Jesus. These services often take place at dawn and include prayers, hymns, Scripture readings, and a message focused on the significance of Jesus rising from the dead.
Easter Sunday worship: Churches around the world hold Easter Sunday worship services to celebrate the Resurrection. These services typically include special music, hymns, prayers, Scripture readings, and a sermon centred on the Easter message of hope and redemption through Christ’s victory over death.
Holy Week observances: Leading up to Easter Sunday, Christians observe Holy Week, which commemorates the events of Jesus’ Passion, death, and Resurrection. This includes Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday (commemorating the Last Supper and Jesus’ washing of the disciples’ feet), Good Friday (commemorating Jesus’ crucifixion), and Holy Saturday (the day between Jesus’ death and Resurrection).
Liturgy and sacraments: Many churches incorporate special liturgical elements into their Easter services, such as the Exsultet (Easter Proclamation), special prayers, and the Eucharist (Communion). Sacraments such as Baptism and Confirmation are often celebrated during the Easter season as symbols of new life and rebirth in Christ.
Easter symbols
Christians often use symbols such as the cross, the empty tomb, the Paschal candle, and the lamb to represent the Resurrection and the victory of life over death. Additionally, Easter eggs and Easter lilies are common symbols of new life and rebirth associated with the Easter season.
Easter Food
No celebration or festival is complete without a delicious feast. Several mouth-watering dishes are prepared to celebrate Easter by devotees. The most popular Easter foods vary widely depending on cultural and regional traditions. Here are some popular Easter foods enjoyed by people around the world;
Easter Ham: In many Western countries, particularly in the United States, Canada, and parts of Europe, ham is a traditional Easter main dish. It’s often glazed with a sweet or savoury sauce and served with side dishes like scalloped potatoes, roasted vegetables, or dinner rolls.
Lamb: Lamb is a popular Easter dish in many cultures, symbolising Jesus as the ‘Lamb of God. It’s commonly roasted or grilled and served with herbs, garlic, or mint sauce. In some Eastern European countries, a whole roasted lamb may be the centrepiece of the Easter meal.
Easter Bread: Sweet, enriched breads are a common Easter treat in various cultures. Examples include Italian Easter bread (Pane di Pasqua), Greek Tsoureki, Polish Babka, and Russian Kulich. These breads are often decorated with colourful sprinkles, icing, or dyed eggs.
Easter eggs: Eggs are a universal symbol of new life and rebirth, making them a staple of Easter celebrations worldwide. Hard-boiled eggs may be dyed, painted, or decorated with various designs. In addition to being used as decorations, they’re often incorporated into Easter egg hunts or eaten as snacks during Easter gatherings.
Hot Cross Bun: Hot cross buns are spiced, sweet buns marked with a cross on top, symbolizing the Crucifixion. They are traditionally eaten on Good Friday but are also enjoyed throughout the Easter season in many countries.
Pascha Cheese: In Eastern European Orthodox traditions, Pascha cheese (Paskha) is a traditional Easter dessert made from cottage cheese or ricotta mixed with sugar, eggs, butter, and flavourings like vanilla or citrus zest. It’s typically moulded into a pyramid shape and decorated with almonds or candied fruit.
Easter pastries and desserts: Various pastries and desserts are enjoyed during Easter celebrations, including cakes, tarts, pies, and cookies. Examples include; Italian Easter Pie (Pizza Rustica), French Easter Cake (Gâteau de Pâques), and British Simnel Cake.
Spring vegetables: As Easter marks the arrival of spring in many parts of the world, fresh spring vegetables often feature prominently in Easter meals. Asparagus, peas, carrots, and spring greens are commonly served as side dishes or incorporated into salads, quiches, or vegetable casseroles.
Easter decorations
Easter decorations often reflect themes of rebirth, renewal, and springtime.
Easter eggs: Decorated eggs are perhaps the most iconic Easter decoration. They can be dyed, painted, or adorned with stickers, glitter, or other embellishments. Some cultures also practice the art of egg painting, such as Ukrainian pysanka or Polish pisanki, which involve intricate designs and patterns.
Easter baskets: Decorative baskets are commonly used to hold Easter eggs, candies, and small gifts. These baskets may be woven from straw, lined with fabric or paper, and embellished with ribbons, bows, or flowers.
Easter Bunny: The Easter Bunny, often depicted as a friendly rabbit delivering eggs and candies to children, is a popular symbol of Easter in many Western cultures. Stuffed bunnies, figurines, and other bunny-themed decorations are commonly used to adorn homes during Easter.
Easter wreaths: Wreaths made from spring flowers, foliage, or artificial materials are a festive way to decorate doors and entryways for Easter. These wreaths may feature pastel-coloured flowers, Easter eggs, ribbons, or other seasonal elements.
Spring flowers: Fresh flowers such as tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and lilies are commonly used to decorate homes and churches for Easter. Flower arrangements, bouquets, and potted plants bring a touch of springtime beauty and fragrance to Easter celebrations.
Easter garlands and banners: Garlands, banners, and bunting featuring Easter-themed motifs such as eggs, bunnies, chicks, and springtime flowers are popular decorations for mantels, walls, and party venues.
Easter centrepieces: Decorative centrepieces for Easter tables often incorporate elements like Easter eggs, flowers, candles, or figurines arranged in a festive display. These centrepieces add a decorative touch to Easter meals and gatherings.
Easter lights: String lights in pastel colours or shaped like Easter eggs, bunnies, or chicks can be used to add a whimsical touch to Easter decorations indoors or outdoors.
Easter tableware: Plates, cups, napkins, and tablecloths featuring Easter-themed designs or colours are commonly used to set a festive table for Easter meals and gatherings.
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