Happy Easter Easter Traditions and Celebrations of Hope

Easter is the principal festival of the Christian church year to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day after his crucifixion.

Celebrated as a joyous festival, it also represents the fulfilment of the prophecies of the Old Testament and the revelation of God’s plan for all humankind. In commemorating Jesus Christ's resurrection, it also celebrates the defeat of death and the hope of salvation.

Over time, Easter has accumulated many traditions some of which evolved from folk customs. The use of Easter eggs was first recorded in the 13th century. The association of a rabbit or bunny with Easter arose in Europe in the 17th century where the rabbit would lay colourful eggs as gifts to children who were good. Legend has it the symbol of the rabbit stems from an ancient pagan tradition and the festival of Eostre which honoured the goddess of fertility and spring. The goddess’s animal symbol was a rabbit. Eggs also have a historical tie with the symbol of new life.

Eventually crossing from Europe into America, the custom spread, and it is now associated with one of Christianity’s most important celebrations of birth and renewal.

Special Dates

Ash Wednesday, Wednesday 22nd February, marked the beginning of the Easter season and of Lent. Lent is a 40-day period during which Christians remember the events leading up to and including the death of Jesus Christ, whose life and teachings are the foundation of Christianity.

Palm Sunday is traditionally celebrated the Sunday before Easter and is the first day of the Holy Week. This day commemorates Jesus Christ being welcomed by people waving palm branches and laying them at his feet on his triumphal arrival into Jerusalem.

Maundy Thursday, the Thursday before Easter, takes place on Thursday 6th April for 2023. Christians see this a special and solemn service commemorating the Washing of the Feet (Maundy) and the Last Supper of Jesus with the Apostles. The night of Maundy Thursday is also the night on which Jesus was be- trayed by Judas in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Good Friday, the day before Easter, is normally a day of sadness and mourning. It is the day Christians commemorate the death of Jesus Christ and his crucifixion by the Romans at Cavalry c. 30 AD. It can also be known as Black Friday, Holy Friday and Great Friday.

Easter Sunday, also known as Resurrection Sunday, occurs Sunday 9th April. The day is one of the most festive events among Christians worldwide as it celebrates the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, which occurred on the third day after his death by crucifixion at Calvary.

Easter Monday, the day after Jesus’ resurrection, is often noted as a day of celebration and fun traditions.

Easter Today Easter customs and traditions vary around the world and today continue to be an important season on the annual calendar. From public holidays to reduced trading and processions, parades, and festivals being held, rituals are also performed, can- dles lit, and prayers are spoken. Along with Christmas, it can also record the highest annual church service attendance. However one chooses to spend Easter this year, whether relaxing or painting colourful eggs, take a moment to appreciate the history behind the Christian Festival. It can signify the fragility of life, of hope, the celebration of rebirth and renewal, and for so many, it represents the foundations of their faith.

The Foundry John Street, 10am www.oasisfamilychurch.org.nz

Come

Easter is certainly a time to bring people together, and many will want to also include a local church service as part of their Easter traditions.

Good Friday 7th April 10am – 5pm

Holy Trinity Anglican Church

Corner of Nelson Square and Wairau Road

Stations of the Cross

Open all day for reflection

Easter Sunday 9th April 7.00am

Combined Picton Churches Sunrise Service

On the compass, Picton Foreshore 10.00am

Holy Trinity Anglican Church

Corner of Nelson Square & Wairau Road

Family Service with Video and Easter eggs for the children

Tea….coffee….hot cross buns to follow

St Peters Anglican Church Havelock

Good Friday - Service 9.30am

The community and the Havelock Catholic Church is warmly welcomed to share the celebrations. Rev. Richard Ellena will be hosting this special service. Share in song and dedicated readings to mark the occasion.

Easter Sunday – Full service with communion 9.30am

Led by Rev. Kevin Topp and Rev. Richard Ellena Everyone is welcome.

All enquires at 03 574 2486