Apr 05 2023 News The MPA would like to wish all of our members a Happy Easter 0 shares An Easter celebration follows (Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday) six weeks of customary fasting or abstaining from something of your choice which is known as ‘Lent’. It is a significant period for all Christians worldwide to ready their minds and heart to the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. What is Easter? Easter falls on Sunday 9th April 2023 and is celebrated by Christians worldwide. It commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after Jesus was crucified by Romans in roughly 30AD. The Friday before Easter Sunday is known as Good Friday, the day Jesus was executed and crucified. A special Good Friday service in churches is given where Christians remember Jesus’s suffering and death on the crucifix. Celebration of Easter Easter celebrates the belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is stated in the New Testament of the Bible that Jesus was resurrected three days after being crucified by the Romans. Easter today has been commercialised with Easter eggs and bunnies, but it originates from pagan tradition as symbols of spring and rebirth. However, the egg has more significance in that Christians believe the hard outer shell is the tomb in which Jesus’ body was kept after his death and the cracking of the egg signifies his resurrection. https://www.chaseoaks.org/blog/easter-eggs-what-is-the-history-behind-this-tradition/ Traditional Easter Foods Foods often served during Easter family gatherings may include, hot cross buns (symbolises the crucifixion), chocolate eggs (symbolises new life, rebirth and fertility), roast lamb, Easter bunny bakes, vegetables and simnel cake (a traditional recipe which goes back to the Middle Ages). Easter Church Service Easter church services begin on Holy Saturday the day before Easter Sunday and are known as an Easter vigil. On Easter Sunday, the churches are decorated with flowers, colours of white and gold and a real party feel with elevating music welcomes churchgoers. Please see below for links, blogs & further information. https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/history-of-easter https://www.churchofengland.org/our-faith/what-we-believe/lent-holy-week-and-easter/easter-day https://www.whyeaster.com/customs/about-easter For further information, please contact Helen in the DEI team: Helen Choudhury Head of Diversity, Equality and Inclusion MPA Champion for Menopause Mental Health First Aider [email protected] PREVIOUS POST NEXT POST