Easter: Difference between revisions
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'''Easter''' is one the principal feast days of [[Christianity]]. It is a [[movable feast]], taking place sometime between March 22nd and April 25th. On Easter Sunday, Christians celebrate the [[resurrection of Jesus|resurrection]] of [[Jesus Christ]]. | '''Easter''' is one the principal feast days of [[Christianity]]. It is a [[movable feast]], taking place sometime between March 22nd and April 25th. On Easter Sunday, Christians celebrate the [[resurrection of Jesus|resurrection]] of [[Jesus Christ]]. The [[word (language)|word]] is thought to derive from the [[Old English]] name of a [[Germanic deities|Germanic]] [[god|goddess]]; in other [[language (general)|languages]], the name is usually derived from a [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]] word from which the English ''[[Passover]]'' also has its origins. | ||
Beginning with the period of prayer and fasting known as [[Lent]], the Easter season culminates in [[Easter Week]], which observes Christ's final [[passion (religion)|passion]]. [[Palm Sunday]] commemorates Christ's entry into Jerusalem to celebrate the [[Judaism|Jewish]] festival of [[Passover]]. [[Maundy Thursday]] commemorates The [[Last Supper]], [[Good Friday]], his [[crucifixion]], and Easter Sunday the Christian belief that, on the third day, Jesus rose from the dead. | Beginning with the period of prayer and fasting known as [[Lent]], the Easter season culminates in [[Easter Week]], which observes Christ's final [[passion (religion)|passion]]. [[Palm Sunday]] commemorates Christ's entry into Jerusalem to celebrate the [[Judaism|Jewish]] festival of [[Passover]]. [[Maundy Thursday]] commemorates The [[Last Supper]], [[Good Friday]], his [[crucifixion]], and Easter Sunday the Christian belief that, on the third day, Jesus rose from the dead. | ||
==Etymology== | ==Etymology== | ||
Like many [[English language|English]] | Like many [[English language|English]] words for the days and seasons, and unlike the words used for Easter in the [[Romance language]]s, the word ''Easter'' derives from an Old English word,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=easter&searchmode=none |title=Easter |accessdate=2009-04-10 |format= |work=Online Etymology Dictionary }}</ref> reflecting the [[paganism|pagan]] origins of some traditions now associated with Easter, such as [[egg rolling]]. | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{reflist|2}} | {{reflist|2}} | ||
Revision as of 23:12, 6 January 2011
Easter is one the principal feast days of Christianity. It is a movable feast, taking place sometime between March 22nd and April 25th. On Easter Sunday, Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The word is thought to derive from the Old English name of a Germanic goddess; in other languages, the name is usually derived from a Hebrew word from which the English Passover also has its origins.
Beginning with the period of prayer and fasting known as Lent, the Easter season culminates in Easter Week, which observes Christ's final passion. Palm Sunday commemorates Christ's entry into Jerusalem to celebrate the Jewish festival of Passover. Maundy Thursday commemorates The Last Supper, Good Friday, his crucifixion, and Easter Sunday the Christian belief that, on the third day, Jesus rose from the dead.
Etymology
Like many English words for the days and seasons, and unlike the words used for Easter in the Romance languages, the word Easter derives from an Old English word,[1] reflecting the pagan origins of some traditions now associated with Easter, such as egg rolling.