Easter

Easter Sunday is the greatest feast in the Christian calendar, commemorating the resurrection of Christ, when Jesus rose from the dead. Easter is a celebration of God's love overcoming darkness and the power of death. In some traditions, services begin the night before with the lighting of a new fire and the blessing of a large Easter candle. In many Protestant communities, Easter is celebrated at a sunrise service early on Easter morning. In the Catholic Church, there is a sprinkling of congregants with newly blessed Easter water as a sign of renewal of their baptismal commitment. Easter usually ends with festive celebrations with special foods and Easter delicacies. Orthodox Christians follow the Julian calendar and their Easter celebration occurs slightly later.