FOR Christians, Easter Sunday commemorates the resurrection of Jesus, which is the cornerstone of their faith, as it demonstrates God’s power over death and the promise of eternal life. It is also a celebration of the triumph of good over evil, as Jesus’s death and resurrection is believed to have redeemed humanity and offered the possibility of salvation.
Easter Sunday is also a time of spiritual reflection and renewal, as Christians remember the sacrifice of Jesus and seek to live their lives in accordance with his teachings. Many churches hold special services and rituals during the Easter season, such as the lighting of candles, the singing of hymns, and the sharing of communion.
Beyond its religious significance, Easter Sunday is also a time of joy and celebration for many people around the world. In many cultures, it is a time of gathering with family and friends, enjoying festive meals, and participating in fun activities like egg hunts and parades.
In the CNMI, the Holy Week that culminates in Easter Sunday is observedwith prayers andMasses.
Many Christians also make sacrifices or give up certain pleasures or indulgences as a form of penance or spiritual discipline. This practice aims to help them focus on their faith and deepen their relationship with God.
Common Lenten sacrifices include giving up certain foods, such as sweets or meat, or abstaining from certain activities, such as watching TV or using social media. Some Christians also choose to take on additional spiritual practices during Lent, such as daily prayer or volunteering in their community.
On Good Friday on Saipan, devotees head to the island’s highest point, Mount Tapochao, where a 30-foot wooden cross is erected and prayers are led by a priest.
The origin of the word
The origin of the word Easter remains unknown, according to Britannica.com.
One theory suggests that the word Easter comes from the Old English word “ēastre,” which was the name of a pagan festival celebrating the arrival of spring and the goddess of fertility, Eostre. The festival involved the lighting of bonfires and the decoration of eggs, which were seen as a symbol of new life and rebirth.
When Christianity spread to the British Isles, missionaries likely chose to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ around the same time as the pagan festival of Eostre, in an effort to make Christianity more familiar and accessible to the local people. Over time, the Christian celebration became known as Easter, while the pagan festival fell out of practice.
Another theory suggests that the word Easter has its origins in the Greek word Pascha, which means “Passover.” According to this theory, the Christian celebration of Easter was originally connected to the Jewish festival of Passover, which commemorates the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in ancient Egypt.
Regardless of its origins, Easter allows us to renew our commitment to living a life of faith and devotion while embracing a message of hope, renewal, and the promise of new beginnings.
