Easter: what is its true origin and meaning

Easter is one of the most important dates of Christianity and has several important symbols.

THE Easter It is one of the most important occasions of the Christian calendar and brings several symbols that refer to Jesus Christ. The date is also a reason to carry out various religious activities, such as theatrical presentations and processions.

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The origin of Easter is secular and the celebration has inspirations of Judaism and pagan beliefs. The date on which it is celebrated was set during an ecclesiastical meeting, in which it was also created for the performance, another occasion with different meanings that refer to the trajectory of Jesus.

What is the origin of Easter?

Easter originates in different celebrations, religious and pagan, made by various peoples at the same time. One of the origins is Jewish and refers to the liberation of the Jewish people, slavery in ancient Egypt for years.

This moment is called by the Jews “Pessach”, which means passage in Hebrew. The reference is the passage of the angel of death through Egypt, which culminated in the liberation of the Jews and in its crossing in Israel.

In the case of Christian Easter, the Jewish celebration has been adapted to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, according to the biblical texts after his crucifixion. This moment, according to old writings, would have occurred simultaneously with Pessach.

For Christians, the resurrection occurred at Easter is intended as the demonstration that Jesus was the Son of God, while his sacrifice symbolizes the redemption of the sins of humanity.

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Finally, the pagan peoples celebrated the spring equinox in the northern hemisphere, when there was the transition from winter to spring, the most favorable season for sowing and the generation of food. Civilization loved the goddess Eostern (or Ostara), which is present in the English term for Easter, “Easter”.

In the pagan celebrations, the rabbits symbolize the fertility represented by the goddess Eostern. The eggs also symbolize the emergence of a new life in nature, which has also been linked to the new life of Jesus after the resurrection in Christian Easter.

During the Council of Niceia, in 325 AD, the Catholic Church defined that the Easter date would consider the spring equinox in the northern hemisphere, as well as the phases of the moon. With this, the Easter date is mobile and can change every year.

What is the meaning of Easter?

Easter can have different origins for Jews, Christians and pagan peoples of antiquity. However, its meaning has always been related to a moment of celebration by events that represent the Renaissance and renewal.

In Christianity, sacrifices, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ are important events that show their importance for religion. Easter is one of the last days of celebration, which begins with Ramos Sunday of the previous week.

Following, during the so -called Holy Week, the important facts of the last moments of Jesus before his crucifixion and resurrection are remembered by Christians, through various religious events, such as the works of the Passion of Christ, the processions and the masses:

• Holy Thursday, in which the last dinner between Jesus and the disciples is remembered and when the ritual of washing the foot is held;
• Holy Friday, which refers to torture and condemnation to the death of Christ;
• Alleluia on Saturday, the day after the crucifixion, when events such as Judas’ training occur, which symbolizes the punishment to the traitor of Christ;
• Easter Sunday, a date that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus.

It is also common for Christian and Catholic families to organize private events during Holy Week, such as lunches and moments for the exchange of Easter eggs and gifts.

When is Easter celebrated?

Easter day is celebrated between March and April, in particular between March 22 and April 25th. Its celebration occurs, according to the council of Niceia, the first Sunday after the full moon after the moment of the spring equinox in the northern hemisphere (in the southern hemisphere, the autumn equinox).

In 2025, Easter Sunday was celebrated on April 20. The period is exactly a month after the start of the spring equinox in the northern hemisphere, which took place on March 20.

Why is it celebrated on this date?

Easter is celebrated between March and April due to the transition between winter and spring in the northern hemisphere, considered by the Catholic Church to define the Easter date from the celebrations of the ancient civilizations.

The choice also influences Lent and Carnival, which also have mobile on the calendar

Typical Easter dishes

In addition to religious traditions and meaning for Christians and Jews, Easter is also an important moment for family events and friends. On these occasions, typical dishes are offered that refer to some symbolisms of the date.

• Read also: 7 Easter egg recipes easy to prepare

Cod in brás

Cod is a popular Easter ingredient, as it is common for some families to avoid the consumption of red meat in holy week or even through Lent.

For cod in Brás, it is necessary to prepare the grated fish, accompanied by potato straw, fried onion, scrambled egg, chopped parsley, olives and olive oil.

COD hidden

Cod Hid is another recipe option for Easter Sunday that takes traditional fish. The recipe is also a way to vary the presentation of COD, served and destroyed.

Easter

Easter dessert can go beyond traditional chocolate eggs, since Colomba Pascal is another success of the occasion. Ingredients such as hazelnut, condensed milk and dark chocolate are tasty differentials of the recipe.

For further curiosities about special dates and prepare unique and memorable dishes for the family and friends, browse the tasting!

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.