All you need to know about Easter

Before you sit down for a delicious brunch or gather the kids for some fun Easter crafts, take a moment to learn about this holiday's rich background, including its special foods, quirky superstitions and symbols.

Easter is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ in the Christian religion. Easter takes place on a Sunday, after the 40-day period called Lent. Lent is referred to as a time of fasting, but participants focus more on giving up one significant indulgence. 

Holy Week is the celebrated during the week leading up to Easter. It begins on Palm Sunday, continues on to Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and then finally, Easter Sunday.

It’s estimated that Americans spend $131, on average, every Easter.

“Easter” was named from the Anglo-Saxon goddess Eostre. At least, this is what author Bede stated in the book he wrote back in the eighth century. This goddess in particular was known for spring time celebrations and fertility. Some believe that Eostre (also sometimes spelled “Eastre”) also had a connection with two other big Easter items — hares and eggs.

This year Easter is celebrated on April 17, 2022. 

It has been observed that the Easter celebration has been marked since the 2nd century. Jesus Christ was one of the major figures of Christianity who got crucified by the Roman cavalry and died on Good Friday.

The day marks Jesus' victory over death. Easter eggs are thought of as the symbols of new life where, from the outside, they might seem dead, but from the inner side, they are full of life.

The day is celebrated with special church services at night with a candlelight procession, soft and melodious music with the ringing of the church bell.

The festival is considered the greatest feast of the church year.

The day is believed to be a day of happiness that shares the message of Jesus Christ overcoming death.

The symbols of this day are Easter eggs and the Easter bunny, as the traditions relate to the pre-Christian pagan culture.

People make Easter eggs made up of chocolate wrapped with coloured foils which are loved by people of all ages.

The day plays a significant role for the Christian community, considering it a 'Holy Week'. The holy week comprises Easter Triduum, also known as Paschal Triduum, Easter Triduum, Holy Triduum, or the three days in western Christianity.

The date for Easter is calculated based on the lunisolar calendar. Therefore, the dates kept on changing every year.

This year the day occurs on April 17, 2022.

Western nations observe western and eastern Christianity, called the Octave of Easter and Bright Week, which falls a day after Easter Sunday.