"Easter Sunday" is traditionally spelled as [ˈiːstər ˈsʌndi]. The word "Easter" derives from the Old English "ēastre" which refers to the pagan goddess of spring. The pronunciation of "Easter" is often [ˈiːstər] but can also be pronounced as [ˈɛstər]. "Sunday" is spelled as [ˈsʌndi] and is derived from the Old English "Sunnandæg," which means "day of the sun." Easter Sunday is an important Christian holiday that is celebrated to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Easter Sunday is an annual religious holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, as described in the New Testament of the Bible. It is observed by Christians worldwide, usually falling on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox. Easter Sunday holds great significance in Christian theology, representing the culmination of Holy Week, which includes the commemoration of Jesus' crucifixion on Good Friday.
The celebration of Easter Sunday is marked by various traditions and customs, both religious and secular. For Christians, it is a day of joy and hope, symbolizing the victory of life over death and the salvation of humanity through Jesus' resurrection. Churches hold special worship services, often filled with joyful hymns and readings from the Bible. The color white, symbolizing purity and new life, is commonly associated with Easter Sunday.
Other popular Easter traditions include the exchange of Easter eggs, which symbolize new life, rebirth, and the empty tomb of Jesus. Various countries and cultures have developed their own unique customs surrounding Easter Sunday, such as egg rolling, egg decorating, Easter parades, and the Easter Bunny, who is believed to bring gifts and hide eggs for children.
While Easter Sunday primarily holds religious significance for Christians, many people also view it as a time of celebration, gathering with family and friends, and engaging in festive activities. It serves as a reminder of hope, renewal, and the promise of eternal life in Christian faith.
The word "Easter" has its origins in Old English, where it was known as "Ēastre" or "Ēostre". The etymology of this word can be traced back to the Germanic goddess Ēostre, also spelled Eostre or Ostara. Ēostre was a pagan goddess associated with spring and fertility, and her festival was celebrated around the vernal equinox.
As Christianity spread across Europe, many pagan traditions and festivals were gradually assimilated into Christian holidays. In the case of Ēostre, her festival merged with the Christian celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which took place on the Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox. This Christian holiday became known in English as Easter Sunday, with the word "Easter" being derived from the Old English name for the pagan goddess.