Easter is an important holiday for believers of all faiths. This event is preceded by the descent of the Holy Fire in the city of Jerusalem. To see the miracle with their own eyes, many pilgrims come to the Eternal City from all over the world.
Celebration date
The day on which Orthodox Easter is celebrated is constantly shifting. This happens for the reason that the event is interconnected with the lunar cycle and the day of the vernal equinox. For a long time, the calculation of the holiday was carried out by the Bishop of Alexandria. Now the data is taken from Paschal. In 2020, this event will be celebrated by Orthodox Christians on April 19. And if Easter is celebrated by Catholics, Orthodox Christians, and Jews, then the traditions of holding holiday celebrations are slightly different. First of all, the difference lies in the date of the holiday.
This holiday carries a deep spiritual meaning. Believers glorify the victory of life over death.
Easter traditions
This great holiday of all believers is associated with many traditions that are strictly observed for a long time. These include:
- Waiting for the descent of the Holy Fire.
- Festive Worship.
- Termination of fasting.
- Easter meal, which includes a certain set of dishes.
The most important events of Easter take place at night. At this time, a festive service is held in all churches. All priests change their everyday clothes for festive ones. The temple is completely transformed. Festive chants are heard throughout the night.Easter candles are burning in the hands of numerous believers. Everyone glorifies Christ and his sacrifice.
Festive Worship
The scenario according to which the service takes place is defined and has not changed for a long time. The rules for its implementation were developed by the first Christians. The service begins exactly at midnight, when the clergy come to the closed Royal Doors and begin to sing the stichera: “Thy Resurrection, O Christ the Savior, the angels sing in heaven, and grant us on earth with a pure heart to glorify Thee.” She is the one who begins the Easter service.
Feast
At the end of the service, all family members gather at the table. It is not customary to invite guests at this time, but it is not prohibited. First there is a prayer. Then each person present receives a colored egg. At this time, you cannot think about bad things and be sad.
The holiday menu should include:
- Cottage cheese Easter.
- Easter cakes.
- Painted eggs.
- Meat rolls.
There is no fish on the table on this day. There is no direct ban on fish dishes, but it so happens that preference is given to meat prepared in different ways.
Easter cakes are baked from yeast dough with various additions of raisins, candied fruits, and nuts.
As for Easter cottage cheese, its shape is strictly defined - a pyramid, which symbolically resembles the shape of the Holy Sepulcher.
Dyed eggs are prepared in advance. They are painted long before the start of the holiday on Maundy Thursday.
There is no direct ban on drinking alcoholic beverages, but it is recommended to drink red wine. It is forbidden to bring yourself to a state of severe alcohol intoxication.
According to my observations, the main joy of the holiday, in descending order, is: breaking the fast. Finally, you can eat what you thought and talked about during Lent. Then the descent of the Holy Fire in Jerusalem. This means the little god is postponing her anger for another year, and for another year you can live as you want. Then the joy of Christ's resurrection. How those who celebrate have a share in the future resurrection is not clear. But colored eggs, Easter cakes and congratulations create an atmosphere of participation in this event, which gives rise to bright joy.