Easter, or Easter Sunday, also known as Pascha, Resurrection Sunday, is a Christian and cultural holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. It was described in the New Testament as being buried on the third day after his crucifixion created by the Romans at Calvary c. 30 AD. It culminates in the Passion of Jesus Christ, preceding Lent (or Great Lent) with 40 days of fasting, prayer, and repentance.
Easter Sunday 2024 Date
It is the single most significant holy day in Christianity. It commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a core belief for Christians around the world and central to their faith. Religious scholars say that it happened three days after the Romans crucified Jesus in about 30 AD. That is why Christians have the hope of a heavenly resurrection. Easter arrives on the first Sunday after the first full moon of March 21; for 2024, Easter Sunday will be celebrated on Sunday, March 31, 2024
History of Easter Sunday
Easter has its origins in antiquity as a pagan celebration of the spring equinox. Within Christianity, this day commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, usually around the Jewish Passover. However, as the Gospel of Christ spread, the early Christians stopped participating in Jewish customs, eventually associating their commemorations with the pagan spring festival, which eventually recognized Passover as the "day of resurrection." According to the oldest evidenced commemoration, Passover dates back to the 2nd century, which was most probably prior to Jesus' resurrection.
Modern Easter Traditions
Currently, Easter traditions are a mixture of Christian teachings and traditional pagan holidays, but we tend to see more of them in the latter days. Easter decorations like bread, bunnies, and sweets all have pagan origins.
Original meaning of Easter Sunday
The “Easter” name of the holiday seems to go back to the pre-Christian English goddess Eostre, who was celebrated in early spring. The reference to this deity comes from the writings of the Venerable Bede, a British monk who lived in the late seventh and early eighth centuries.
Spiritual meaning of Easter Sunday
It commemorates the resurrection and ascension of Jesus — and celebrating this holiday can teach Christians more about faith than bunnies. Easter falls at the end of Holy Week, and right after Good Friday, which commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus.
Why is Easter Sunday determined by the moon?
According to the Bible, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ occurred at the time of the Jewish Passover celebrated on the first Full Moon after the vernal equinox. The Christians soon celebrated the Passover on different dates.
Why do we celebrate Easter Sunday with eggs?
The eggs symbolize new life and rebirth, and this ancient custom is believed to have become a symbol of Easter Sunday celebrations. During medieval times, eating eggs was strictly forbidden during Lent (40 days before Easter), so having an egg on Easter Sunday was an amazing treat.
Truth about Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday is celebrated by Christians as a joyful holiday because it symbolizes the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the revelation of God’s plan of salvation for all mankind. To commemorate the Resurrection of Jesus, Easter also celebrates the victory over death and the hope of redemption.
The Easter Bunny
Another popular Easter treat is the Easter Bunny. Rabbits, like eggs, have long been associated with springtime and fertility. The Easter Rabbit is a custom that derived from the pagan festival of Eostre, associated with a northern goddess associated with rabbits and hares. Usually depicted as a giant white rabbit in costume, the modern "Easter Bunny" brings eggs and treats for the kids to enjoy each Easter.
Easter Sunday Celebrations
Many Christians around the world celebrate Easter Sunday with special church services, music, candle lighting, flowers, and the ringing of church bells. Easter processions have also become part of which take place in some countries such as the Philippines and Spain. Many Christians see Easter as the highest holiday of the Church year.
How to celebrate Easter Sunday
There are plenty of ideas for celebrating Easter. Below we've added 5 best ways to celebrate Easter Sunday:
1. Watch an Easter movie
One of the best ways to end the holiday is to relax and enjoy your favorite Easter movies. If you haven’t, some of my suggestions include
- It’s the Easter Beagle
- Jesus Christ Superstar
- Ben-Hur
- Charlie Brown!
2. Look for an Easter egg hunt
The Easter egg hunt is a great activity that can be done right in your home or yard. It’s also a great way to introduce your kids and continue an old tradition or start a new one.
3. Easter Brunch
Easter Brunch is just a popular Easter tradition, and you can certainly continue during it. If you are an avid cook, you may want to consider making one or more of your favorite Easter dishes, such as ham, lamb, or eggs.
4. Hold Easter gathering
Getting together with extended family can be a great option to celebrate the day. Even if it’s temporary, it would be nice to see your loved ones and keep up the tradition. And, you’ll be given a chance to show off your Easter outfit!
5. Put on an Easter outfit
The best part of Easter Sunday is seeing all the amazing costumes that people wear. Start the day by going to your closet and selecting that beautiful dress, suit, or hat that you have been meaning to wear. It can help you feel more connected to Easter, traditions, and a sense of normalcy in the season.
Happy Easter Sunday 2024 Wishes, Messages
Passing Easter Sunday without wishing your loved ones is not the best idea. So, don't miss the opportunity to send best wishes to your friends and family through these Easter wishes and messages:
- Learning about somebody as special as you increase a little extra joyfulness to Easter.
- Wishing you the best for Easter and the season ahead and I'm missing you on this special day!
- Easter Sunday is here and I'm hoping you have a sunny, funny, and memorable Easter.
- Easter is a great moment to enjoy all of the meaningful blessings. Friends, family, Jesus, and, of course, chocolate with tasty bunnies.
- Easter brings joy, Easter brings happiness, Easter brings fun, Easter brings endless blessings, love, and the freshness of spring. Happy Easter Sunday!
Happy Easter Sunday 2024 Status, Captions
Share these cute Easter statuses and captions on social media to add much happiness:
- Hoping for the hope and beauty of spring and the promise of brighter days for you. Happy Easter!
- Happy Easter to you! I hope you are bounded by flowers, chocolate, and family.
- It’s such an amazing time, and I wish you all the best on Easter and always.
- Happy Easter Sunday! May this day be as beautiful and sweet as you are!
- Have a jolly, peaceful, and entertaining Easter filled with chocolate, jelly beans, and marshmallows.
- May this Easter Sunday inspire us with renewed hope, joy, prosperity, and abundance!
Happy Easter Sunday 2024 SMS
Here is a collection of Happy Easter Short Messages (SMS) for you to share with your loved ones:
- It’s such a hopeful and exciting time to remember a special person like you. Happy Easter Sunday!
- Sending sweet thoughts and prayers for a happy Easter!
- Nothing matters but happiness blooming all year round in your life this Easter and always!
- Wishing you a blue sky with sunshine and a holder full of chocolates this Easter Sunday!
- Much love and affection to you and your family this Easter holiday season. Happy Easter to you!
- Hope this year's Easter brings as many smiles as it does others.
Easter Sunday Quotes 2024
We have added the best and cute Easter Quotes below to make your Easter Sunday beautiful and special:
"Twas Easter-Sunday. The full-blossomed trees filled all the air with fragrance and with joy." — Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
"Unless there is Good Friday in your life, there can be no Easter Sunday." — Fulton J. Sheen
"Easter tells us that life is to be interpreted not simply in terms of things but in terms of ideals." — Charles M. Crowe
"The resurrection is at the core of our beliefs as Christians. Without it, our faith is meaningless." — Joseph B. Wirthlin
“People come together with their families to celebrate Easter. What better way to celebrate than to spend a few hours going on the journey of Christ's life.” — Roma Downey
“The resurrection gives my life meaning and direction and the opportunity to start over no matter what my circumstances.” — Robert Flatt
Easter Sunday or simply Easter, Latin Pascha, Greek Pascha, celebration of the Christian church, which commemorates the Crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day. Thank you for reading the article. We are wishing you and all the people around the world a great Easter.