Easter’s Rich History

Although most Christians note the value of Jesus’ birth, it is His crucifixion and resurrection at Easter that saved humanity’s sins. Although the Sunday in which Easter is observed changes from year to year – it is the first Sunday after the first full moon after the vernal equinox – the days and weeks leading up to Easter, known as the Easter season, remain the same throughout the years. The Diocese of Orlando would like to introduce Easter’s background to allow its parishioners to feel the full, rich history of this inspiring season. Our Lakeland Catholic schools lead students through the full meaning of Easter with lessons and special Mass celebrations.Jesus traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate the Jewish festival of Passover, when the Israelites escaped Egypt in search of the Promised Land. Therefore, Passover and Easter are securely bound.Fat TuesdayThe day before the Easter season is a day of revelry. Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, is a holiday of imbibing in rich food and drink before 40 days of fasting leading up to Easter.Ash WednesdayFat Tuesday gives way to Ash Wednesday, in which believers have their foreheads marked with a cross of ashes. The ashes signify our humble beginnings, as the priest intones, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” From Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday, Catholics are expected to spend time in prayer, repentance, and generosity to others. This 40-day period references Jesus’ 40 days in the desert when he was tempted, but overcame His temptations. Catholics are asked to do the same.FridaysBecause Jesus died on a Friday, Catholics refrain from eating meat on Fridays during Lent to bring us into closer communion with our Savior. In the past, Catholics abstained from eating meat every Friday during the year, but the rule was changed in 1966 when Pope Paul VI granted Catholics the ability to consume meat on all Fridays outside the Easter season.Palm SundayPalm Sunday, or Passion Sunday, is the Sunday before Easter. Parishioners re-enact Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem by congregating outside the church with palm fronds, since Jesus’ path into the city was covered in palm fronds. Palm Sunday is usually a time of celebration, but Christians understand the underlying current of unrest since the same people who ushered Jesus into Jerusalem will soon hand him over to be crucified.Holy ThursdayHoly Thursday celebrates Jesus’ teaching of humility as He gently washed the feet of his disciples at their last meal together. The meal is memorialized with Jesus proclaiming the bread as his body and the wine as his blood. We observe this meal during Eucharist at every Mass.Good FridayGood Friday is a somber meeting. Jesus is tried and found guilty by the crowd that loved him less than a week ago. His passage from the Garden of Gethsemane to Mount Olive is marked as the Stations of the Cross, and parishioners are led through the Stations on Good Friday, either with a living rendition or by praying at each Station around the church. In memorial to Jesus’ death, no Eucharist is given, crosses are covered in black during the day, and all religious effigies are cloaked. The Holy Water is removed and Tabernacle is emptied.Holy SaturdayHoly Saturday is the day Jesus rested in his tomb. No communion is served during daytime Holy Saturday services. Many churches do not conduct Saturday morning Mass to signify a time of rest and repose. Holy Saturday is traditionally a day of reflection and anticipation for Easter Sunday.As Easter services resume, the Easter vigil or Easter Sunday service is a time of new beginnings, joy, and happiness. The Diocese of Orlando invites all parishioners and their friends to celebrate Jesus’ rebirth and all days leading up to this greatest of miracles. Contact your local church for Mass and celebration times, and call 407-246-4800 to determine how our Lakeland County schools will participate in the Easter season. Our blogs share information on the Catholic faith and the history of many of our holy days.