Due to the current circumstances with COVID-19, celebrations may look different this year as people adapt their traditional food and gatherings so they can observe these important holidays while physical distancing.
To help increase awareness of religious diversity, the Wellness and Inclusion Team at my department is doing a "Did you know?" series. This series features information on various religious and secular celebrations throughout the year.
Easter (April 10-13, 2020)
Did you know?
Some of our colleagues will be celebrating Easter this spring.
· Easter is both a Christian and a secular (non-religious) celebration. While there are different ways of celebrating across various denominations and within different families, Easter is widely recognized as a celebration of new life and rebirth.
Easter as a religious celebration
· Easter (Resurrection Sunday or "Pascha") is central to the Christian faith. It commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (the Son of God) who conquered sin and reconciled humanity with God. Because of His sacrifice, all who believe and follow Jesus and His teachings will have eternal life.
· In preparation for Easter, some Christians observe the 40-day season of Lent. This is primarily a time of penance, abstinence and/or fasting culminating with the celebration of Easter. The Lenten season reflects the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert fasting and praying before beginning his public ministry.
· During the week before Easter, including Good Friday, Christians commemorate the events surrounding the death and resurrection. On Easter Sunday, Christians attend church to celebrate the resurrection and often gather with family and friends for a celebratory feast.
Easter as a non-religious celebration
· Easter as a non-religious holiday celebrates spring, fertility, nature and new birth. It features the Easter Bunny who hides chocolates in homes, fields and other areas for children to find during an annual Easter egg hunt.
· Common Easter traditions include spending time with family and the community, sharing meals, decorating eggs and eating chocolate.
We wish all who celebrate a happy Easter!
