Easter is the celebration of reincarnation of Jesus Christ from the dead, followed by the 40 days of Lenten season which begins on Ash Wednesday and covers a period of approximately six weeks before Easter Sunday. The week preceding Easter is called HOLY WEEK, it contains the days of Easter Triduum (The three days) which includes the “MAUNDY THURSDAY” Also known as Holy Thursday commemorating the Last Supper the Christ has with his disciples and its preceding foot washing, “GOOD FRIDAY” commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ and “EASTER SUNDAY” the reincarnation of Jesus Christ.
There is a vigil service held in churches after the nightfall on Holy Saturday, or before the dawn on Easter Sunday, in celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus. The ceremony of darkness and light is held at the beginning of the Easter Vigil Mass. The paschal candle, whose lighting symbolizes the resurrection of Christ from the dead, is lit from the new Easter fire. The solemn procession to the altar with the Paschal candle is formed. Once everyone has processed in, the Exultant is intoned.
According to the New Testament the resurrection of Jesus, which Easter celebrates, is a foundation of the Christian faith. The resurrection established Jesus as the powerful Son of God and is cited as proof that God will judge the world in righteousness. God has given Christians “a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead”. Christians, through faith in the working of God are spiritually resurrected with Jesus so that they may walk in a new way of life.
The significance of holy cross in Christian religion is due to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ who carried the wooden cross on his shoulder to the place where he was crucified by the Roman soldiers on Good Friday. They nailed Jesus mercilessly on the wooden cross which resulted in his death. This is the reason why the cross is an important sign for Christians today. There are crosses in churches and many Christians wear a cross on a chain.
The Celebration
Easter celebration in India dates back to the pre-Independence period, when British people ruled the country. Even though the Christian population in India constitutes a minuscule 3.5% of the total populace, Easter is celebrated with great fanfare and religious vigor. The festival is as important as the ceremonious occasions of other religions predominant in the country. Exchange of gifts, church services and extravagant carnivals are part of the festivities of Easter in India.
Goa, a Portugal colony in the pre-Independent India, is one of the best Easter holiday destinations in India. In this small western State of India, street plays, songs, dances are staged during the festive occasion of Easter. Colorful carnivals are a part of the festivities in Goa. People at the Christian households bake lip smacking Easter cakes for their loved ones. If it is not possible to bake a cake for the festival, they would at least purchase one from the stores, so that they satisfy the taste buds of children. The exchange of colorful lanterns is one of the traditions of Easter in India. The Holy Cross is also exchanged by friends and relatives, once the church service is over. Due to the diversity in the lifestyle and culture in India, the tastes vary from region to region. Therefore, you can find a lot of variety in the traditional recipes cooked for Easter, in the country. You can also try some of the following recipes yourself this Easter and satisfy your taste buds.
EASTER BONUS RECIPES
[su_highlight background=”#1c67eb” color=”#fafcfc”]HOT CROSS BUNS[/su_highlight]
[su_highlight background=”#1c67eb” color=”#fafcfc”]GOAN BEBINCA[/su_highlight]
