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Deccan Herald » Festivals>>Easter
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 On Easter, Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, as it is told in the Bible. This holy day celebrates the triumph of life
over death. The term "Easter" was first used when Christianity was introduced by the Saxons. Prior to this time the Saxons had held an annual
feast in honor of the ancient Teutonic goddess of spring, Eostre. The name was transferred to the Christian observance of Christ's
resurrection.
The resurrection of Christ occurred at the time of the Jewish feast of Passover (called "Pesach" in Hebrew). In the early years of
Christianity, Jewish Christians observed resurrection and Passover together on the 14th day of Nisan, the Jewish month roughly
corresponding with April. However, Gentile Christians celebrated the resurrection every Sunday with a special emphasis on the
Sunday closest to Nisan 14. To settle this difference, at the Nicene Council in 325 A.D., churchmen fixed the date of Easter on the first Sunday following the
Paschal full moon.
The celebration of Easter is the celebration of the triumph of life over death.
Dedicated to the honor of Christ who gave his life for the sins of His loved
ones, it is a great festival to the Christians all over the world. It is joyous
because it was on Easter He had shown himself.
In many parts of Europe, huge bonfires are lighted on hilltops and in
churchyards on Easter Eve. They are sometimes called Judas fires, because
effigies of Judas Iscariot are frequently burned in them. The Easter bonfires
predate Christianity and were originally intended to celebrate the arrival of
spring. The burning effigy once symbolized winter. Easter is celebrated by
exchange of Easter Eggs and other nifty gifts. Gift range may vary from anything
between money, clothes, chocolate or go on holidays together. Some people make
Easter bonnets or baskets, which have things like daffodils in them or mini
eggs.
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