Easter is the demonstration of God that life is essentially spiritual and timeless. ~Charles M. Crowe

Easter Sunday commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is one of the most important Christian festivals and is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm.

The date of Easter changes each year and several other Christian festivals fix their dates by reference to Easter. There are many symbols associated with Easter- such as eggs , rabbits, chicks and lilies.

Time of Celebration
The third day after Good Friday.

Origin
On Good Friday, Jesus Christ was executed by crucifixion. His body was taken down from the cross and buried in a cave near Mount Cavalry, just outside Jerusalem.

On Sunday morning, the tomb was found empty, although the big stone blocking the entrance had been sealed and guards had been on strict vigilance. Neither the enemies nor the friends of Jesus could find his body.

Resurrection became a reality when Jesus appeared to them several times in different places, with his living body for them to see and touch. People therefore accepted, Jesus as the true Son of God and believed in his Resurrection.

However, the name Easter comes from Eostre- the ancient Greek goddess of Spring. Pagan celebrated festivals in her honor as they believed she brings with her the light of day. This festival marked the return of longer days and it also coincided with the vernal equinox which falls on March 21 every year. The Christian church changed the Pagan holiday into the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Later, it was decided that Easter would be celebrated on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox. For this reason, the date of the Easter holiday differ every year.

Celebrations
Christians make elaborate preparations to celebrate Easter which is the oldest of all Christian festivals. The festival marks the transition from night to day and from death to life. It symbolizes new beginnings and joys of the spring harvest season.

There are many symbols associated with Christian Easter Sunday such as eggs, rabbits, chicks, lilies, sunrise service and a new outfit of clothing. It is believed that Easter Eggs represent the beginning of life while rabbits and chicks represent the rebirth of the earth. Besides, the lily, specifically the White Lily, which is also known as the Easter Lily, is a symbol of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The very atmosphere turn joyous on Christmas and the mood of the people is upbeat. Churches are filled with flowers and there are special hymns and songs. People visit each other on the day and exchange pleasantries.