Easter : origins and traditions
This Sunday, April 21 will be celebrated the Christian Easter. It commemorates the resurrection of Jesus and is considered the most important holiday of Christianity. In France, the Monday following Easter Sunday is a holiday. But what are the origins of this holiday? How is it commemorated in France and other countries?
Among Christians, the first celebration of Easter dates back to the second century. It commemorates the Last Supper, the last meal of Christ with the 12 apostles, the Passion, the events relating to his death and the Resurrection. If Easter is written in the plural, it is to differ from the Passover Jewish holiday that celebrates the crossing of the Red Sea of the Jewish people. The plural can also evoke the three events mentioned above.
If in France, on Easter Monday, this is not the case everywhere. In countries with large Christian communities such as Brazil, Argentina, Mexico or even some parts of Spain, the holiday is Friday. This “holy” Friday is the day of the crucifixion of Christ. In France, church bells stop ringing from Thursday to Saturday. The traditional Sunday mass is one of the most important of the year
Popular Easter traditions vary by region. This is particularly the case for desserts, cooked for the occasion, in the Drôme, one prepares the brood crest, a dry cake in the form of shortbread perfumed with orange. In general, it is advisable to prepare a roast lamb on Sunday midday, after Easter Mass. In Italy, the CampanaredellaNonna bell-shaped, basket or fish, surmounted by an egg is a standard biscuit that is offered to loved ones. We also eat the Dove, a brioche covered with white icing and almonds. Finally, in Russia, kulich, a brioche made from butter and dried fruits and pashka, a preparation of white cheese and candied fruits.
The most popular dish for Easter is chocolate eggs. In the German imagination, they are brought by the Easter Bunny, the Osterhase. This tradition has received an important commercial reception. In the United States, the EasterBunny (the Easter Bunny) has returned to collective consciousness as the rabbit bringing chocolates in the form of eggs, bells, rabbits or fish to children.
In the Orthodox countries, eggs are exchanged and have a real symbolic value. The first painted egg is considered the guardian of his dwelling and is therefore kept safe. The eggs are painted and, once the wax is removed, patterns are created.