Easter is the sacred celebration of Christ's resurrection from the dead. Easter recalls the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is a joyous festival that coincides with the arrival of the spring season. The date of Easter varies from March 22 to April 25. Protestants and Roman Catholics observe Easter on the first Sunday after the Paschal full moon, the full moon following the vernal equinox. The English name "Easter" according to the Venerable Bede, comes from the Anglo-Saxon "Eostre", the goddess of fertility and birth. Easter abounds with symbolism. The rabbit, bunny, lamb, cross, lighted candles, eggs and chicks, are all seen as having importance in the celebration of Easter.
Importance of "The Great Fifty Days": The Great Fifty Days begins with Easter Sunday and concludes on the Day of Pentecost. (The word Pentecost actually comes from the Greek word for fifty.) During these fifty days several customs are often observed that assist in highlighting the festivity of the season.
-
The paschal candle is moved from its normal place near the baptismal font to a prominent place near the altar.
-
The liturgical color of white is used during the entire fifty days-longer than at any other time of the church year.
-
The "Alleluia," which is omitted during the penitential season of Lent, is restored to the liturgy as the premier expression of joy celebrating Jesus' resurrection.
The seven weeks that span the time between Jesus' resurrection and the sending of the Spirit are sometimes even called a "week of weeks."
