Easter is the most important holiday in Christianity. It represents the victory of life over death, the transition from earthly life to heavenly life. This is the feast of the salvation and resurrection of Christ. It was at Easter that he became immortal, conquering death and opening the gates to paradise. In all the hymns and words of the saints, this day is called the feast of celebrations, the great day of renewal and resurrection, the most important holiday, surpassing all others in importance.
History of Easter
The celebration of Easter comes from the Old Testament. The name of this holiday has an origin associated with the exodus of the Jews from Egypt. According to the Bible, the Jews lived in brutal slavery to the Egyptians. Their pleas were answered. Egypt was hit by 10 Egyptian plagues, one of which was the defeat of the firstborn. The angel of God passed by every house, killing the firstborn in them, both among men and among cattle. Since this punishment was reserved only for Egyptian families, the Jews were told to take a 1-year-old lamb or kid that night, sacrifice it, and eat it without breaking a single bone. The animal's blood had to be applied to the door of the house. This sign warned the Angel that there was no need to kill the firstborn in this house. Subsequently, this day began to be called Passover, which means "passed"in Hebrew.
In the New Testament, the meaning of the holiday has changed. The Last Supper, described as the Passover meal, was followed by the crucifixion of Christ. Moreover, according to the events of the New Testament, he also avoided breaking the bones of the lower leg, as it was done to two robbers crucified next to each other. The Apostle Paul said that Christ was slain for us. That is, he replaced the lamb, becoming a sacrifice for salvation. Subsequently, the ritual of slaughtering was completely eliminated. Only the tradition of eating cooked meat on this night reminds us of it.
Traditions of Light Week among Slavs
The week that goes before Easter is called Holy Week. Then the next one-Light. It is traditionally considered in Slavic culture to be the rebirth and awakening of nature. At the same time, during the Light Week, various rites related to the matchmaking of young people began. The festivities of the young were celebrated on a wide scale: dances and games attracted almost all residents of cities and villages. Families went out with their children, and unmarried young people participated in games.
Easter traditions
Easter has its own traditions in different countries. In Russia, people prepare for the night service-collect food, paint eggs, bake or buy cakes. In the evening, a solemn service begins, after which the priest sprinkles holy water on those present and consecrates the products and cakes brought. After that, people disperse to have a meal at home, eating foods that are forbidden during the fast.
On the eve of Easter, all attention is focused on the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. It is there that the Holy Fire appears – a flame of divine origin, passed from hand to hand, from candle to candle, and people take it home and try to keep it until the next Easter..
On Easter Day, a children's holiday is held in parochial schools, organized by its students. Everyone can attend a theatrical performance with a reading of Orthodox verses praising the victory of life over death.
