Easter is the oldest Christian festival,
as old as Christianity itself. The central tenet of Christianity is not the
birth of Jesus, but his resurrection. Easter is derived from this paschal mystery
and from the events of Good Friday.
The content of Easter was gradually analysed into historical events and each
began to be celebrated on a different day. As a result, Easter grew into a
Holy Week and came to have a preparatory season to precede and a festive season
to follow. Thus we have four distinct periods in connection with the observance
of Easter -Services are held in the afternoon.
In most churches one finds a bitter drink prepared from leaves, vinegar, etc.
for everyone to taste after the service, Holy Saturday is a day of mourning
and wailing. A total silence reigns in the church from morning to dusk. But
by ten at night the church is full, to observe the Easter Vigil. In the gloom,
which envelops the church, new fire is struck from flint and blessed. A big
candle is then consecrated and from it is lighted many candles indicating the
resurrection. Bells peal, music fills the air and light floods the hall. Halleluyah
is the joyous word of Easter wish. Easter Sunday is a quiet day and the celebration
is rather spiritual and inward rather than social showy. There will be a grand
dinner at homes and visits of relatives.
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