Happy Easter

Easter is a Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the New Testament of the bible, this event is said to have occurred 3 days after Jesus was crucified in roughly 30AD.

The holiday concludes the ‘Passion of the Christ’, a series of events that begin with Lent and ends with the Holy Week. During Lent, worshippers may give up a treat as an act of sacrifice. 

The Holy Week includes:
•    Maundy Thursday, a celebration of Jesus’ last supper with his 12 disciples
•    Good Friday, when the crucifixion is commemorated
•    Easter Sunday

Easter falls on different dates each year. In the Gregorian calendar, this will be on a Sunday between 22 March and 25 April. In the Julian calendar, it falls on a Sunday between 4 April and 8 May each year.

History of the day

The resurrection of Jesus is essentially the foundation upon which the Christian religions are built. Easter is perhaps the most significant date in the Christian calendar.

According to the New Testament, Jesus was arrested by the Roman authorities. This was essentially because he claimed to be the Son of God.

He was sentenced to death by Pontius Pilate, the Roman prefect in the province of Judea from A.D. 26 to 36. Jesus’ death by crucifixion, marked by the Christian holiday Good Friday, and his resurrection 3 days later, are said to prove that he was the living Son of God.

In varying ways, all four of the gospels in the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) state that those who believe in Jesus’ death and resurrection are given ‘the gift of eternal life’. This is taken to mean that those of faith will be welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven upon their earthly death.

In wider society

Nowadays, Easter is also known for Easter egg hunts and chocolate. Eggs are said to celebrate new life and this imagery is said to have roots in certain pagan traditions. Easter egg hunts take place all over the world and are a popular tradition for many families in Bracknell Forest.

We’d like to wish residents a happy Easter and give a special thanks to those working over the long weekend. Whenever you can, we hope you find the time to rest and relax.