April 19th in Russia we are celebrating the Easter day! We are wishing you all a joyful Easter. May the miracle of Easter brightening your life with love, happiness and joy!
The Date of the Holiday
Easter holiday is celebrated on the first Sunday after the full moon following the vernal equinox, i.e. according to the lunar calendar, which is the oldest in the world. The origins of the holiday, which symbolizes the beginning of a new life-cycle, renewal, and spring, go deep into the millennia. There are different interpretations of this holiday in different religions.
Christian Meaning of the Holiday
Easter is a memory of and a tribute to Jesus Christ, who took the sacrificial death and then risen. Traditionally, Christians on this day say to each other: “Christ is risen!” And get the reply: “In truth, has risen!”
The Rituals of the Holiday
Believers come for a midnight service on the night from Saturday to Sunday, stay for the morning mass and participate in the procession. On this day people color boiled eggs, bake delicious Easter cakes, make cheese Passover. Believers try to sanctify these Easter dishes in the church. Also, the commemoration of the dead is common on this day. Interestingly, the majority of people in Russia take part in Easter rites, even if they do not consider themselves Christians. They also paint eggs, also commemorate the dead, but maybe just do not attend church service.
Passover Meal
Easter is typically preceded by a strict lent. Therefore, Easter eggs, Easter cake, and in some families cheese Passover became the decorations of the Easter dinner table. During the Sunday meal it was not common to have fun; rather it was a day of rest, of memories. Fun was delayed until the following Easter week celebrations. And all week there were church services.
Easter Week
It was during the Easter week when young people who have just finished a strict lent received new strength for festivities and games. All week there were gatherings, treats, music, dancing, fun games outdoors.