Easter Sunday and Easter Monday are two very important days to Christianity and the many denominations, as those who observe believe this to be the time Jesus resurrected from the dead following his crucifixion. This weekend also marks the end of the holy six-week period of Lent, when Christians sacrifice an indulgence to replicate Jesus’ time spent fasting in the wilderness for 40 days.
The four-day Easter weekend commemorates the resurrection and ascension of Jesus and for many, it symbolises redemption for humankind, forgiveness, and opportunity.
Amongst the Easter eggs and hot cross buns, special church services will be taking place across the globe to celebrate the holy time.
In the run-up to the Easter weekend, Christians celebrate Holy Week, which sees a number of observances starting on Palm Sunday, which represents the day Jesus triumphantly arrived in Jerusalem to crowds waving palm branches.
Next, it’s Holy Wednesday, which acknowledges Judas’s plan to deceive Jesus. Then Maundy Thursday, commemorating Jesus’s last supper with the apostles.
READ MORE: Jesus’ crucifixion site questioned: ‘Scripture uses different words’
Good Friday follows, which is the day Jesus is believed to have been executed by crucifixion. Christians use this as a day of mourning despite its name, where they remember Jesus’ suffering.
However, it’s also said to also mark the culmination of “God’s plan to save his people from sins”, according to Christianity.com.
Finally comes Easter Sunday, which takes place on April 17 this year. But what happened on this day and what does it mean?
What happened to Jesus on Easter Sunday?
After the crucifixion, scriptures say that Jesus’ body was removed from the cross and placed in a guarded tomb.
Easter Monday, which is a bank holiday for those in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and takes place on April 18 this year.
Why does the date of Easter change each year?
Easter dates vary so much because they actually depend on the Moon.
The holiday coincides with the first Sunday after the Paschal Full Moon, which is the first Full Moon after the Spring Equinox.
The dates of Easter can take place anytime between March 22 and April 22.
