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Definition of Easter
1 Meaning of Easter
A word that comes from the Hebrew pesah (step) and refers to the stage of sacrifice for the immunity of the people. It is the most solemn religious feast of the Hebrews, who held half of the Moon of March, in memory of freedom from the bondage of Egypt and in which the Paschal lamb himself.In the Catholic Church, it is the feast of the resurrection of the Lord, which was established in Apostolic times, and which will be preceded by a week of introduction (Holy week) and followed by an octave. The Council of Nicaea (325) ordered its celebration on the Sunday following the March 20 after full moon, between March 22 and April 25. In its evolution has assimilated symbols and non-Christian rites of converts peoples: fire of Easter, eggs, Easter, etc.
Easter symbolizes a moment of reflection, forgiveness and understanding in man, where his status as a sinner is redeemed, thanks to the sacrifice that God perform by giving his only son to death and subsequent resurrection.
On the other hand, there is an island in the Pacific Ocean called Isla de Pascua (also named Rapa Nui), which belongs to Chile and attached to the province of Valparaiso. In it, the original that we can observe, are monumental statues (up to 10 meters), carved in volcanic stone, found in various parts of the island.
The strangest thing is that it is not known who were the authors of these sculptures and the meaning of them, although it is likely that you case of representations of ancestors. There are also small carvings in wood: figures of men and women, of emaciated appearance, made with much schematic. They were also carved wood, representations of bird-men.
2. Definition of Easter
The concept of Easter has an extensive etymological tour: Hebrew became the Greek language, and then to latin to become pascŭa. He is the name of a festival that had Hebrew origin and that, at present, is the most important celebration of Catholicism.During Easter, which means the completion of Easter, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is celebrated. The date of Easter is variable and is located between March 22 and April 25.
The various stages culminating in the Easter begin lent, which are forty days of penance in preparation to Holy week. This week, meanwhile, begins with the Domingo de Ramos (commemorates the entry of Christ into Jerusalem), Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday (Christ announces the imminent betrayal of Judas), Holy Wednesday (concrete such treason), Maundy Thursday (the last supper takes place), good Friday (crucifixion and burial of Jesus), Holy Saturday (vigil) andFinally, the Sunday of Easter (the Resurrection).
Beyond religion, Easter brings associated with other linked to the Pagan traditions. As the date of Easter coincides with the spring, held fertility through egg symbolizing the fertility. In many countries, therefore, people eat chocolate eggs which include, in its interior, candies and toys for children.
It should be noted that, according to the Real Academia Española (RAE), Easter is written with capital letter initial when referring to the period that begins with the Nativity of Christ and arrives, even Kings.
