As lent comes to an end and marks the onset of Easter, it’s time to celebrate and bring home the Easter bunny! This fifty-day season symbolizes hope and joy, a time to believe in the power of God.
Easter is an important festival for the Christian community. It begins on the Sunday that follows Good Friday, the day when Lord Jesus was crucified. Easter Sunday is believed to be the day when a group of his followers first noticed that the tomb where he was buried was actually empty, and concluded that he had been resurrected. Some believe that it was a voluntary act on part of Jesus, the saviour of humanity, which depicts the triumph of good over evil.
Easter is celebrated the world over not only by Christians but several other communities. In Britain, extravagant parades are held to celebrate Jesus’ return to life, followed by dance performances by specially invited Morris dancers. In smaller towns, pancake races are held. Carnivals are held in the United States where kids play the famous egg roll game. Easter celebrations in France are characterized by bells and fish. The French Easter fish is called Poisson d’Avril which means “April Fish”. In Germany, Easter is called Ostern. Locals gather to witness the Easter fire, which is burnt to symbolize the end of winter and bad omen. In India, Easter is celebrated by Christians and non-Christians alike. Gifts are exchanged over sparkling wine and dinner. Party-lovers dance the night away at dance balls. In Brazil, the world-famous Rio Carnival in Rio de Janeiro precedes the Easter celebration. Like in many other countries, worshippers in Brazil go on procession walks carrying statues of Mary and Christ. They relish on Pacoca, a special Easter delicacy made of crushed nuts.
But the most popular rituals of Easter are chocolate bunnies, candied eggs and appetizing meals. While kids rummage the backyard for exciting egg hunts, grown-ups can go for a sumptuous Easter brunch with family and friends. After all, Easter season, like many others, is a great reason to catch up and celebrate the sheer joy of life.
Happy Easter!
(To know more about Easter celebrations in your city, click on inset links)
Tags: brunch, easter, easter-eggs
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