Easter Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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Easter
[หiหstษr ]
Definition
holiday
Easter is the most important and oldest festival of the Christian Church, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
Synonyms
Pascha, Resurrection Sunday.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| Easter |
Commonly used in everyday conversation, marketing, and popular culture to refer to the Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Can also refer to the general festive period including egg hunts and other secular activities.
|
| Resurrection Sunday |
Formally used within Christian religious settings, sermons, or by individuals wanting to emphasize the religious aspect of the holiday over the secular customs. It is a term that highlights the focus on Jesus' resurrection.
|
| Pascha |
Used mainly within Orthodox Christian communities and in theological contexts to specifically refer to the celebration of Jesus' resurrection. It carries a more traditional and religious tone.
|
Examples of usage
- We celebrate Easter with family and friends.
- The Easter bunny is a popular symbol of the holiday.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The name 'Easter' is believed to come from Eostre, a pagan goddess of spring and fertility.
- The celebration has roots in Jewish Passover, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus three days after his crucifixion.
Cultural Practices
- In many countries, people dye eggs, which symbolize new life, a practice that dates back centuries.
- The Easter Bunny, a popular character, is thought to have been brought to America by German immigrants in the 1700s.
Religious Significance
- For Christians, Easter is one of the most important holidays, symbolizing hope and salvation.
- It is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox, making the date vary each year.
Global Celebrations
- In Australia, some communities celebrate with a 'bilby', a native animal, instead of the Easter Bunny, to promote wildlife conservation.
- In many Eastern Orthodox countries, Easter is marked with unique foods like lamb and special baked goods, reflecting local traditions.
Symbolism
- Eggs are a key symbol of Easter, representing new life, and are often used during the festivities in various art and games.
- The cross is an essential symbol of the holiday, embodying hope, sacrifice, and the promise of new beginnings.
Origin of 'Easter'
The word 'Easter' has its roots in Old English 'ฤastre' or 'ฤostre', a pagan festival celebrating spring and fertility. The Christian holiday of Easter likely adopted its name from this pre-Christian celebration, integrating it into the religious observance of Jesus' resurrection. Over time, Easter has become a significant cultural and religious holiday worldwide, marked by various traditions and symbols.