There have been articles on Labor Day, 9/11, Halloween, Hanukkah, Thanksgiving, Christmas, MLK Day, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day and Passover in The Torch, but there has yet to be an article acknowledging Easter in the last six years.
There have been special issues for the Torch for other holidays, as well—for example a Halloween issue, Christmas issue and Valentine’s issue.
Christmas wouldn’t exist without Easter; Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ (three days after his death) and if Christ had never died and been resurrected, Christians wouldn’t celebrate his birth.
The period of time before Easter is known as Lent. It is 40 days from Ash Wednesday to Good Friday (the day Jesus was crucified), where Christians fast by not eating meat on Ash Wednesday or any Friday until Easter.
Often a time known for self-reflection, Christians give something up or add something additional to make themselves better people during Lent.
“Lent is a favorable season for opening the doors to all those in need and recognizing in them the face of Christ,” Pope Francis said from the Vatican. “Each of us meets people like this every day. Each life that we encounter is a gift deserving acceptance, respect and love.”
Holy Week leads up to Easter, where Palm Sunday celebrates when Christ entered Jerusalem. Holy Thursday celebrates the “Last Supper” with Jesus’ disciples for Passover. Good Friday celebrates Christ’s crucifixion.
Easter is often celebrated with a Christian service, Easter egg hunts, Easter baskets and the Easter bunny.
Symbolically, an Easter egg represents the rebirth or resurrection of Jesus from the tomb. Easter baskets symbolize new life—after Eostre, the goddess of spring, would carry a basket around with eggs for fertility. The legend says that the Easter bunny represents new life through laying, decorating and hiding eggs.
People may also color hard boiled eggs, fill plastic Easter eggs or Easter baskets with candy and/ or chocolate.
Wittenberg gives students and faculty off on Good Friday for the Easter holiday weekend, unlike Labor Day and MLK Day.
In celebration of Holy week, there will be Weekday Chapel with communion on Holy Thursday/ Maundy from 11:30 a.m. to 11:50 a.m; a prayer service with the Seven Last Words on Good Friday at noon; and an Easter Festival Service Sunday at 11 a.m.
If you’re staying on campus for the holiday, there is also an Easter brunch after the service; you can make your reservation at https://wittcampusministry.wufoo.com/forms/r1x92qlg0urtfcm/.
