home by name Congratulations on the catholic holy easter. How do Catholics celebrate Easter? How Catholics Celebrate Easter

Congratulations on the catholic holy easter. How do Catholics celebrate Easter? How Catholics Celebrate Easter

Catholic Easter or the Resurrection of Christ is the oldest Christian holiday, the most important holiday of the liturgical year, established in honor of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is a movable holiday - its date in each year is calculated according to the lunisolar calendar.

In 2016, the Holy Resurrection of Christ is celebrated by Catholics on March 27.

The word "Passover" comes from the Hebrew "Pesach" and literally translates as "passing by", meaning deliverance, the transition from death to life. The celebration of Easter among the Jews was established by the prophet Moses in honor of the exodus of the Jews from Egypt. The last gospel events take place on the days of the Jewish Passover. In the New Testament Church, Easter is celebrated in memory of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Last Supper, the suffering and death of Christ took place on the eve of the Resurrection of Christ, and on the first day of the week after the first day of Jewish Passover, the Lord rose from the dead.

After Pentecost (the Day of the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles), Christians began to celebrate the first liturgies, similar in form to the Jewish Easter, as well as the sacrament of the Eucharist established by Jesus Christ. The liturgies were celebrated as the Last Supper - Pascha of suffering, associated with the death of the Cross and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Initially, the death and resurrection of Christ were celebrated weekly: Friday was a day of fasting and mourning in remembrance of his suffering, and Sunday was a day of joy.

In the churches of Asia Minor, especially by Jewish Christians, in the 1st century the holiday was celebrated annually along with the Jewish Passover - the 14th day of the spring month of Nisan, since both Jews and Christians expected the coming of the Messiah on this day. Some churches moved the celebration to the first Sunday after the Jewish Passover, because Jesus Christ was executed on the day of Passover and resurrected according to the Gospels on the day after Saturday.

In the II century, the holiday was celebrated annually in all churches. It follows from the writings of Christian writers that initially the suffering and death of Christ were celebrated as "Easter of the Cross" with a special fast, which coincided with the Jewish Passover, the fast lasted until Sunday night. After it, the Resurrection of Christ was celebrated as Easter of Joy or "Easter Sunday".

In 325, the First Ecumenical Council of Bishops in Nicea forbade the celebration of Easter "before the spring equinox together with the Jews."

In the 4th century, Easter and Sunday were already combined both in the West and in the East. In the 5th century, the name Easter became generally accepted to refer to the actual feast of the Resurrection of Christ.

In the 8th century, Rome adopted the Eastern Paschalia. In 1583, in the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Gregory XIII introduced a new Paschal, called the Gregorian. As a result of the change in Paschalia, the whole calendar has changed. Currently, the date of Catholic Easter is determined from the ratio of the lunar and solar calendars. Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the spring full moon. The spring full moon is the first full moon after the spring equinox.

Catholic Easter is often celebrated earlier than Jewish or on the same day, and sometimes precedes Orthodox Easter by more than a month. Every few years there is a coincidence of Easter among different Christian denominations. Orthodox and Catholic Easter coincided in 2001, 2004, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2014. Orthodox and Catholic Easter will also coincide in 2017. Always when the days coincided, Easter was celebrated in April.

On Easter, as the most important holiday of the church year, a particularly solemn service is celebrated. Since ancient times, the tradition of Easter services at night has developed in the church.

Starting from Easter night and the next forty days until the holiday of Easter, it is customary to celebrate Christ - to greet each other with the words: "Christ is Risen!" - "Truly Risen!", while kissing three times. This custom dates back to apostolic times. The Easter fire is of great importance in worship. It symbolizes the Light of God, enlightening all nations after Christ's Resurrection.

In Catholic worship, a large bonfire is lit on the temple grounds, from which, before the start of the Easter service, Easter is lit - a special Easter candle, the fire from which is distributed to all believers, after which the service begins. This candle is lit at all services of the Easter week.

In the Roman Catholic Church, the procession is performed on the Divine Liturgy on Easter Eve after the Liturgy.

All the highest clergy of the Roman Catholic Church, including 30 cardinals, gather for worship in the Vatican, which is around the world. After the service, the pontiff performs the rite of baptism of newly converted Catholics.

At the solemn Easter mass from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, the pontiff announces the good news of the resurrection of Christ to the thousands of believers who came to the square. Congratulations to believers are pronounced in 63 languages, including Russian.

During Great Saturday and after the Paschal service, Easter cakes, Easter cottage cheese, eggs and everything that is prepared for the festive table for breaking the fast after Great Lent are consecrated in churches. Believers give Easter eggs to each other as a symbol of the miraculous birth - the Resurrection of Christ. According to Tradition, when Mary Magdalene presented an egg as a gift to Emperor Tiberius as a symbol of the Resurrection of Christ, the emperor, having doubts, said that just as an egg does not turn red from white, so the dead do not rise. The egg immediately turned red. Although eggs are dyed in different colors, red is traditional, as the color of life and victory over death.

They try to finish preparing the Easter table on Maundy Thursday (the last Thursday before Easter), so that nothing distracts from the services of Good Friday (the last Friday before Easter), the day of the removal of the Holy Shroud and prayer.

In Italy, a "dove" is baked on Easter, in Eastern Poland on Easter morning they eat okroshka, which is poured with water and vinegar, as a symbol of the Friday suffering of Christ on the Cross, in Ecuador - fanseca - a soup of 12 types of cereals (they symbolize the 12 apostles), cod, peanuts and milk. And in England, Easter hot cross buns are always cut with a cross on top before baking. In Portugal, on Sunday, the priest goes from house to house, spreading Easter blessings, and is treated to blue and pink dragees, chocolate eggs and cookies.

In the West, it is believed that Easter eggs are brought by a rabbit. The rabbit as a cult character and attribute of Easter is known to Western Christians as early as the 16th-17th centuries. In Germany, Easter is a religious holiday closely intertwined with ancient pagan ideas about the coming of spring.

The German name for Easter, Ostern, as well as the English name Easter, most likely comes from the name of the Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring and fertility Ostera (Eostre), whose companion was a hare. According to legend, the goddess of spring turned the bird into a hare, but he continued to lay eggs. Another explanation for this phenomenon is simpler - when children went to collect eggs from the chicken coop on Easter morning, they often found rabbits nearby.

All over Europe, housewives put colorful eggs, chocolate bunnies, and toy chickens in wicker baskets on young grass. These baskets are kept on the table by the door for the whole Easter week.

The material was prepared on the basis of information from RIA Novosti and open sources

What is the difference between Orthodox Easter and Catholic

Easter is the main and most ancient religious holiday among Christians of all directions. The name Easter is taken from the Jewish holiday of Passover, but their essence is fundamentally different. For Jews, Passover is a celebration of the exodus from Egyptian slavery. Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Therefore, Christian Easter has a second name - Christ's resurrection. There are no fundamental differences in the celebration of Easter between Orthodox Christians and Catholics. There are discrepancies in some details and local traditions, which are closely intertwined with ancient pagan rites. The main difference is the date of the holiday itself. Here and there, Easter is preceded by Great Lent and Holy Week.
Initially, Orthodox and Catholics were guided by one rule: Easter falls on the first Sunday after the first spring full moon and is calculated many years ahead according to the so-called Paschals - Easter calendars. Why Orthodox Christians and Catholics began to celebrate Easter at different times is a whole historical investigation. The purpose of this article is to show the differences in the celebration of Easter by ordinary believers.

HOW THE ORTHODOX PEOPLE CELEBRATE EASTER IN Rus'
First, Easter is always celebrated on Sunday. This comes from the very definition of the holiday - Christ's Sunday (from the dead). By the way, in the pre-Christian era, the Slavs called this day “week” = “do not do” - just rest!
The practice of christening. All who meet each other on this day greet each other with the words “Christ is Risen!” "Truly Risen!" At the same time, the younger in position are the first to greet the elders. The custom of dyeing eggs. According to legend, this custom dates back to the times of ancient Rome, when Mary Magdalene presented an egg as a gift to Emperor Tiberius as a symbol of the Resurrection of Christ. The emperor did not believe it and literally said that "just as an egg does not turn red from white, so the dead do not rise." And the egg immediately turned red. Therefore, Easter eggs were originally painted red, then they began to be painted in a variety of ways. And even painted artistically. Such eggs are called "pisanki". Easter cookies. This is a ceremonial food. This festive bread had to be consecrated, either in church or by inviting the priest home. After that, treat each other with festive Easter cakes and colored eggs. Easter Annunciation. Throughout Holy Week before Easter, the bells on the bell towers are silent as a sign of grief over the sufferings of Jesus Christ. And on Easter they start the Easter chime. Throughout the Easter week, anyone who wishes is allowed to climb the bell tower and ring the bells.

FESTIVE TABLE FOR EASTER
Easter Sunday marks the end of Lent and the beginning of breaking the fast - eat anything, have fun, get drunk, communicate with the opposite sex as much as you like. "Clinking" Easter eggs. Beating eggs for Easter is a favorite competition for children and adults. The winner is the one in whose hands the egg remains intact after the collision. Egg rolling. Board game-like fun. Various objects are placed on the surface. Then they roll the egg. Whose egg touches what object - that object gets it.

HOW CATHOLICS CELEBRATE EASTER
Easter evangelism, Easter cakes, a festive table, colored eggs - all this is also present in the Catholic celebration of Easter. A notable difference is the Easter Bunny or Easter Bunny.
This is a purely Western Catholic tradition. The roots go back to the ancient worship of a hare or a rabbit as a symbol of fertility (everyone knows the fertility of these little animals). Edible Easter bunnies and rabbits are baked from dough, made from chocolate, marmalade, anything. Very often, an Easter egg is baked or hidden in such an edible hare.
Souvenir Easter hares are made of clay, plastic, fabric, wood, etc., and installed on fireplaces, bedside tables and other prominent places and celebrate as if together with the owners. The Easter Bunny is a very popular character! Easter egg hunt. In many Western countries, there is a belief that Easter gifts and Easter eggs do not come by themselves, but must be found. Parents hide them somewhere in the house, and children find them with pleasure.

BRIEFS FOR MEMORY
The celebration of Easter by the Orthodox always happens either together or later than the Catholic, never before. They consecrate Easter eggs and Easter cakes, give each other. Christened. They clink eggs. Blagovest sounds on the bell towers. A plentiful festive table and booze. The celebration of Easter among Catholics Always happens together or before the Orthodox. Blagovest, eggs, Easter cakes - like the Orthodox. Obligatory Easter Bunny or Bunny, both edible and souvenir. There is no custom of christening.

Catholic Easter has something in common with the Orthodox, but it also has significant differences. The main similarity of Easter between Catholics and Orthodox is in tradition. The difference is that Catholics have a lot of fun with their use. One of them is baking an egg in. Many Orthodox have not even heard that there is a special Easter bunny. This animal has gained popularity as a symbol of fertility. Children have fun at Easter looking for eggs and rabbits. It is believed that the figurine of this animal brings good luck and prosperity.

Another difference between Easter for Catholics and Orthodox is the calendar. Catholics celebrate according to the Orthodox - according to the Gregorian. Only once in all the time did the dates of the celebration converge. This happened in 2011. Someone perceived such an event as a signal that all Christians should live in peace and love. Catholic Easter is celebrated in much the same way in different countries. This, however, does not exclude some national differences. For example, in England, Easter traditions are slightly different than in Poland, the Czech Republic or Greece. By the way, in Orthodox Greece this holiday is celebrated in a Catholic way.

The British celebrate Easter in the family circle. Among the special treats, special buns with the image of a cross should be noted. In England, in addition to the general one, each county has its own special amusements and entertainments. Competitions are often held on this holiday. Catholic Easter in Italy is one of the most important holidays in the country. After all, Italy is the birthplace of the Catholic faith. There is a solemn procession on Easter. Believers move from the Colosseum to the very Palatine Hill. The holiday here is also special because the Pope personally congratulates the faithful. It takes place at the church of St. Peter. Probably, every Catholic believer should at least once celebrate this event in Rome. As for the dishes, each has its own special treats.

In America, Easter is celebrated in a special way. It is known that in this country there are many Catholics from various states. The only thing that unites all believers is that the holiday here is considered traditionally family. Catholic Easter in the United States is not complete without such fun as rolling eggs. In all other respects, a representative of each nationality usually follows the traditions of his native country. The main celebration takes place on the square in front of the White House.

Catholic Easter differs from Orthodox Easter in that the fast preceding it is less rigid. It takes place twice a week on certain days. The holiday begins with the consecration of water and fire in temples. Then comes the solemn service. Catholics have a very interesting ritual, thanks to which the last week before the holiday was called "ash". This name is not accidental, because believers in this period as a sign of grief. The ashes are used not simply, but from under the willows left over from last year. The branches are burned, and the ashes are kept for this occasion. The action takes place on Wednesday.

The Catholics celebrate Easter with a lot of fun. Both adults and children look forward to it. Children expect delicious gifts and fun. Adults also do not mind playing and competing. Among the gifts, various baskets with rabbits and eggs are usually presented. Houses are richly decorated, and tables are set as magnificently as on Christmas or New Year. Easter symbolizes not only the resurrection of Christ, but the arrival of spring. People put on smart clothes to celebrate the holiday as it should be. After all, Easter day signals the onset of the warm season. It is the boundary between winter and spring.

It is celebrated according to the Gregorian calendar, so quite often it falls on the wrong day when Orthodox Christians celebrate this holiday. In 2015, Catholics will remember the resurrection of Jesus Christ on April 5th.

Easter is the central Christian holiday, equally revered by all churches. Like the Orthodox, Catholics observe the 40-day Great Lent and break their fast only on Easter morning.
The holiday begins with a visit to worship. Even at night, believers gather in temples to praise Jesus and his miraculous resurrection.

The main symbol of the holiday is considered to be fire, which personifies the divine light. Therefore, large bonfires are lit in the courtyards of Catholic churches, and Easter is kindled inside - special candles from which fire is distributed to all parishioners. Candles lit from Easter must be carried home - it is believed that their warmth and light cleanse the house and bring grace into it.

In general, different countries have their own national traditions of celebrating Easter, which, however, in any case, are based on a religious component. For example, in Spain and Italy on this day, costumed processions are necessarily held, in which both ordinary citizens and representatives of the clergy and monastics take part.

People carry candles and crosses, images of saints and whole sculptural compositions, and in the course of the action they play whole performances, depicting scenes from the life of Christ and his entourage. Each city has its own traditions of holding the Easter procession, but everywhere this event is city-wide.

Catholics also love Easter fairs, which sell all kinds of sweets and decor items. Here you can also buy colorfully painted eggs - the main symbol of the holiday.

Fairs are brightly decorated with various compositions symbolizing renewal and joy. It also hosts all kinds of entertainment events: exhibitions, theatrical performances, fun programs for children. The most famous Easter fairs are organized in Vienna and Prague - these cities are rightfully proud of their customs of holding this traditional Easter holiday.

For Catholics, as for the Orthodox, Easter is a family holiday, which is characterized by an obligatory meal, delicious treats, visits from relatives and the exchange of colored eggs. Houses are decorated with flower arrangements, garlands, beautiful green wreaths that hang on the front doors, and candles.

Children are especially looking forward to Easter, because on this day they are waiting for traditional gifts from the Easter bunny. This wonderful tradition has ancient roots and is widespread in many countries. The homeland of the Easter Bunny is considered to be Germany - this is where this character appeared.

On the eve of the holiday, parents collect gift baskets for children with sweets, small souvenirs and colored eggs and hide them so that in the morning the kids will find the prepared one, which, according to legend, the Easter rabbit left for them. Easter morning is marked by joyful fuss and childlike joy from found gifts.

Such children's holidays are held in parks and city squares. Here, too, eggs are hidden, which the kids should look for. The winner of the impromptu competition is the child who has collected the most favorite treats.

The rabbit is such a popular character during the holidays that its image can be found everywhere: on postcards, boxes of chocolates, tablecloths and other items. Another unchanging tradition is to make chocolate rabbits, which are sold on every corner and are a must in gift baskets for children.

Treats for the festive table are prepared in large quantities so that all the guests have enough.

In Italy, at Easter they always bake lamb and serve it with artichokes. Here it is customary to make traditional pastries for the holiday, which is called "colomba". Colomba is a lemon cake with almond icing, a kind of Easter cake.

In the UK, such ritual pastries are raisin buns, which are decorated with cross-shaped notches.

In Austria they bake randling - a yeast cake stuffed with nuts, cinnamon and raisins.

And in Spain, a special pastry with almonds and honey, called pestinhos, is served at the festive table.

In France, omelettes and other egg dishes are prepared, and baked chicken is always served at the table.

And in this country there is an unusual tradition: here at Easter it is customary to ring small bells. This melodic sound during the holidays can be heard in this country from all sides.
These are the wonderful traditions of celebrating Easter observed by Catholics. Each of them is a beautiful reminder of a bright day, which is honored and loved in many countries of the world.

- the oldest Christian holiday, the most important holiday of the liturgical year, established in honor of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is a movable holiday - its date in each year is calculated according to the lunisolar calendar.

In 2018, Holy Sunday of Christ is celebrated by Catholics on April 1st.

In the New Testament Church, Easter is celebrated to commemorate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Last Supper, the suffering and death of Christ took place on the eve of the Resurrection of Christ, and on the first day of the week after the first day of Jewish Passover, the Lord rose from the dead.

Initially, the death and resurrection of Christ were celebrated weekly: Friday was a day of fasting and mourning in remembrance of his suffering, and Sunday was a day of joy.

In 325, the First Ecumenical Council of Bishops in Nicea forbade the celebration of Easter "before the spring equinox together with the Jews."

Catholic Easter is often celebrated earlier than Jewish or on the same day, and sometimes precedes Orthodox Easter by more than a month.

On Easter, as the most important holiday of the church year, a particularly solemn service is celebrated. It was formed in the first centuries of Christianity as baptismal. Most of the catechumens after the preparatory fast were baptized on this special day. Since ancient times, the tradition of Easter services at night has developed in the church.

The Easter fire is of great importance in worship. It symbolizes the Light of God, enlightening all nations after Christ's Resurrection.

In Catholic worship, a large bonfire is lit on the temple grounds, from which, before the start of the Easter service, Paschal is lit - a special Easter candle, the fire from which is distributed to all believers.
Paschal is brought into a dark temple to the ancient hymn Exsultet ("Let them rejoice"). This hymn informs the believers of the resurrection of Christ, and the believers alternately light their candles from Paschal.

In the Roman Catholic Church, the procession takes place on the Liturgy of Easter Eve after the Liturgy.

Starting from Easter night and the next forty days (until Easter is given away), it is customary to celebrate Christ, that is, to greet each other with the words: "Christ is Risen!" - "Truly Risen!", while kissing three times. This custom has been going on since apostolic times.

On Easter Sunday, after a solemn Easter mass, from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, the Pope of Rome announces the good news of the resurrection of Christ to thousands of believers who have come to the square.

The Pontiff with the traditional message and blessing of Urbi et Orbi ("To the City and the World"). Congratulations to believers are pronounced in many languages.

Preparation of the Easter table (the last Thursday before Easter), so that nothing distracts from the services of Good Friday (the last Friday before Easter), the day of the removal of the Holy Shroud and prayer.

Before Easter, Catholics decorate the house with colored napkins and flowers.

Every country has its own Easter traditions. In many countries, confectionery figurines of Easter bunnies are popular.

The material was prepared on the basis of information from RIA Novosti and open sources