Easter is the most significant celebration in Christianity, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ. However, many people do not realise that the roots of this sacred Christian holiday lie in the Jewish festival of Passover. Historically and theologically, Easter is deeply linked to Jewish traditions, the early Christian community, and later doctrinal decisions of the Church.
Jewish Roots of Easter
Jesus Christ was crucified during the Jewish Passover, a festival that commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. This timing was not coincidental. Early Christians, most of whom were Jewish, saw Jesus as the new “Passover Lamb” whose sacrifice brought spiritual deliverance. The story of the Exodus became a powerful symbol of salvation through Christ.
Early Christian Observance
Initially, Christians remembered Jesus’ resurrection every Sunday, calling it “the Lord’s Day.” This weekly observance reflected the Jewish Sabbath rhythm. Over time, believers began holding a yearly commemoration, especially during the time of Passover, to honour Christ’s death and resurrection in a more formal way.
Formalisation of Easter
By the second century, a structured Easter celebration had begun to emerge. Historical evidence, including early Christian writings such as the Paschal homily from the mid-2nd century, shows that the Church was beginning to set aside a special annual celebration.
The Council of Nicaea and the Date of Easter
A major turning point came in 325 AD at the Council of Nicaea, convened by Emperor Constantine. The council agreed that Easter would be celebrated on the first Sunday after the full moon following the spring equinox. This decision ensured that Easter would no longer be directly tied to the Jewish calendar but would still reflect its original connection to Passover.
Evolution of Easter Traditions
Over the centuries, many customs have grown around Easter. These include the decoration of eggs, which symbolise new life, and the Easter Bunny, a later addition with roots in pre-Christian springtime festivals. Though not directly biblical, these traditions have become cultural expressions of joy and renewal.
The Christian Celebration of Easter
In the Christian calendar, Easter follows Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and penance. This sacred time prepares believers for Holy Week, which includes:
Maundy Thursday – Commemorates Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples.
Good Friday – Marks the crucifixion and death of Christ.
Holy Saturday – Reflects on the time Jesus lay in the tomb.
The celebration of Easter begins with the Easter Vigil, a powerful liturgical event that starts on the evening of Holy Saturday and continues into Easter Sunday morning. In the Catholic Church, this vigil became standardised in 1955, with the Easter Mass held after midnight.
The Paschal candle is lit to symbolise Christ as the light overcoming darkness. The vigil includes Old Testament readings, the celebration of baptisms, confirmations, and finally, the joyful Easter Mass. In the Orthodox Church, the vigil remains a central part of Easter. However, many Protestant churches do not place much emphasis on it.
Historically, baptisms were performed during Easter, especially in the 4th century when adult converts were initiated once a year. Today, in Roman Catholic tradition, water blessed during the vigil is considered sacred and is taken home by the faithful for spiritual protection.
Easter stands as both a deeply spiritual and historic event. From its Passover roots to its modern expressions of faith, the celebration carries profound meaning for Christians worldwide. While customs may vary, the core message remains the same: Jesus Christ is risen, and through Him, humanity is offered new life.