Happy Easter, Happy Passover, Happy Holidays!
Introduction – Happy Holidays!
Happy Easter, Happy Passover, Happy Holidays from everyone here at Life Organised! May the next few days bring you peace, relaxation, tasty food and quality time with family and loved ones.
I thought I’d do something different this week and give you a short outline of Easter and Passover. So if you want to learn more about the two festivals this week, please read on.
What is Easter? – Introduction
Everyone knows that come spring, Christians or simply people in the Western world celebrate Easter. A festival where you get time off work and binge on chocolate eggs brought you curtsey of Mr Bunny.
Not many people, however, know about the origins of Easter or what actual religious event Christians celebrate. So below, I will give a brief outline of Easter.
What is Easter?
Easter is a Christian holiday celebrating Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead. It is observed on the first Sunday following the full moon after the vernal equinox. Every year it falls between March 22 and April 25.
Easter is typically preceded by 40 days of fasting, prayer, and reflection, known as Lent. While today many people don’t actually fast or pray, giving up something for Lent is still common. Alcohol or chocolate are popular things to give up.
Easter is one of the most significant holidays in the Christian faith, as it commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. According to the New Testament, Jesus was crucified and buried on a Friday, now known as Good Friday. Three days later, on Sunday, he rose from the dead, and this event is celebrated on Easter Sunday.
The Origins of Easter
Easter originally began long before the advent of Christianity as a pagan festival celebrating spring in the Northern Hemisphere, something that is known as the Spring equinox.
“The spring equinox is a day where the amount of dark and the amount of daylight is exactly identical, so you can tell that you’re emerging from winter because the daylight and the dark have come back into balance. (News)
The origins of Easter as we know it today can be traced back to the Jewish holiday of Passover, commemorating the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. According to the Bible, Jesus was in Jerusalem during Passover when he was arrested, tried, and sentenced to death by crucifixion. His resurrection, three days later, is seen as a fulfilment of Jewish prophecy and a sign of his divine nature.
How people celebrate Easter around the world
People celebrate Easter in many different ways around the world. In some countries, such as the United States, it is marked by the exchange of Easter eggs, which are filled with candy or small toys. Other traditions include the lighting of candles, the singing of hymns, and the sharing of special meals with family and friends.
Conclusion – What is Easter
In conclusion, Easter is a holiday that holds deep significance for Christians worldwide. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the central event in Christianity, and is observed with prayer, reflection, and joy. In addition, Easter is a time to come together with family and friends.
What is Passover? – Introduction
Passover is a Jewish holiday commemorating the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in ancient Egypt. It is one of the Jewish calendar’s most important and widely observed holidays. Passover lasts eight days and marks the beginning of the Jewish year. In this blog post, we will explore Passover’s history, customs, and significance.
Passover – The History
We can trace the origins of Passover back to the biblical story of Exodus, which recounts the Israelites’ enslavement in Egypt and their eventual escape to freedom. According to the story, Moses, a Hebrew raised in the Pharaoh’s palace, was called by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. After a series of plagues, the Pharaoh agreed to let the Israelites go. They left in haste, carrying only unleavened bread for sustenance.
As they fled, God parted the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to cross safely to the other side. The Egyptian army pursued them, but the sea closed on them, drowning the soldiers and ensuring the Israelites’ safety. This event, known as the parting of the Red Sea, is central to the Passover story and is celebrated during the holiday.
Passover – Customs
Jews mark Passover with several customs and rituals that symbolize the biblical story of the Israelites’ journey from slavery to freedom. One of the essential customs is the Seder, a festive meal held on the first two nights of Passover. It involves the retelling of the Exodus story, the consumption of symbolic foods, and the recitation of prayers and blessings.
During the Seder, participants eat matzah, a type of unleavened bread that symbolizes the Israelites’ hasty departure from Egypt. They also eat maror, or bitter herbs, to recall the bitterness of slavery, and charoset, a mixture of apples, nuts, and wine, to symbolize the mortar used by the enslaved Israelites to build structures for the Egyptians.
Another important custom is the removal of all chametz, or leavened bread, from home before Passover begins. This includes bread and other foods made with yeast, such as pasta and beer. The removal of chametz represents the Israelites’ haste in leaving Egypt, as they did not have time to let their bread rise.
Passover – Significance
Passover is a time for Jews to reflect on freedom, redemption, and liberation themes. It reminds them of the importance of standing up for what is right and just, even in the face of adversity. The Passover story also teaches the value of faith and perseverance, as the Israelites endured years of slavery before finally attaining their freedom.
In addition to its historical and religious significance, Passover is also a time for family and community. Many families come together to celebrate the Seder and share a festive meal. In addition, Passover provides an opportunity to connect with loved ones, strengthen ties within the community, and create lasting memories.
Passover – Conclusion
In conclusion, Passover is a holiday rich in history, customs, and significance. It commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt and serves as a reminder of the enduring values of freedom, faith, and perseverance. Whether celebrating with family or participating in community events, Passover provides a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the past, appreciate the present, and look forward to the future.
Conclusion
I hope the above has given you some idea of Easter and Passover, how people celebrate their customs and origins.
As an atheist, I won’t be celebrating, but I will take some time off work to chill and have gorgeous food with friends. So see you all refreshed next week. Happy Passover, Happy Easter, and Happy Holidays!
In the meantime, If you want decluttering tips, please check out my old blog posts here.
trabantbettina
Bettina Anna Trabant, Founder of Life Organised, your professional organising and decluttering service in East London. Eco-conscious minimalist and avid tea drinker,