The profound meaning of Easter for Christians

Easter is one of the most important holidays for Christians. It commemorates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the heart of the Christian faith. It is synonymous with hope, new life and salvation for humanity.

Key points to remember:

• Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday
• It has its roots in the Jewish Passover (Pesach)
• The meaning of Easter for Christians lies in hope and redemption
• The symbols (lamb, cross, candle) express faith in eternal life

1. From Passover to Easter: the history and origins of the holiday

The Easter holiday originates from the Jewish Passover, called Pessah. This celebration, whose name means ‘passage,’ commemorates the founding event in the history of Israel: the miraculous liberation of the Hebrew people from slavery in Egypt, a passage from bondage to freedom. Jesus, as a Jew, celebrated this Passover with his disciples at the Last Supper. By sharing bread and wine, he gave a new and definitive meaning to Passover, instituting the sacrament of the Christian Eucharist.

2. The Resurrection of Jesus: the heart of Easter and the Christian faith

The central message of Easter is the victory of life over death. Jesus, crucified on Good Friday, rose again on the third day.

When is the day of Jesus' Resurrection?

The Resurrection of Jesus is celebrated on Easter Sunday (or Paschal Sunday). Historically and theologically, it occurred on the third day after his crucifixion, which took place on a Friday (Good Friday).

Unlike Christmas, the date of Easter is variable. It is set according to the lunar calendar and is celebrated on the first Sunday after the full moon following the spring equinox (i.e. no earlier than 22 March and no later than 25 April).

What is the message of Easter?

The central message and cornerstone of the Christian faith is the Resurrection of Christ. After his crucifixion on Good Friday, Jesus did not remain in the tomb. On the contrary, Easter Sunday marks the miraculous and seminal event when he rose from the dead, thus fulfilling the Scriptures. This act validates all of his teaching and sacrifice. Victory over death: the profound meaning of Easter

The message of Easter is thus one of hope and redemption. Thanks to the risen Christ, death is not the end, but a passage. This promise offers humanity forgiveness of sins and access to eternal life for all believers. The Resurrection of Christ is the foundation of faith, but its celebration unfolds through a rich palette of gestures and objects. To transmit and live this message, the Church has developed a series of rituals and symbols. The Resurrection of Christ is the foundation of faith, but its celebration unfolds through a rich palette of gestures and objects. To transmit and live this message, the Church has developed a series of rituals and symbols.

The Resurrection of Christ is the foundation of faith, but its celebration unfolds through a rich palette of gestures and objects. To convey and experience this victory over death with the depth it deserves, the Catholic religion offers many rites and symbols to experience Easter in depth.

Three things Christians do at Easter

• Attend Resurrection Mass
• Receive the sacraments (baptism, confirmation, Eucharist)
• Express their faith in eternal life

The symbolism of the Easter season

For 50 days, the Church celebrates Easter joy. Symbols such as the lamb, the cross and the Easter candle embody Christ's victory.

To accompany this celebration, discover our selection of religious items to celebrate Easter:

• Silver and coloured Last Supper frame: a symbol of Jesus' last meal with his disciples.
• Scene of the Descent from the Cross: a poignant piece illustrating Christ's sacrifice.
• Bronze cross depicting the Last Supper: perfect for spiritual meditation.
• Olive wood cross with medals: symbol of peace and living faith.
• Alpha and Omega candle: representation of the light of the risen Christ.
• Wooden frame of the Last Supper on a mosaic background
• Cross of the Glorious Christ
• My companion towards Easter
• Way of the Cross
• Easter rosary made of stones
• Byzantine cross in gilded wood

4. Easter, the most important feast: hope and fundamental values

Why is Easter the most important Christian feast?

The Resurrection is much more than a simple return to life; it is the definitive victory of life over death and of good over sin. This is why Easter is considered the most important Christian holiday: as Saint Paul wrote, ‘If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain’ (1 Cor 15:14).

The promise of eternal life and redemption

The Resurrection is not only the fulfilment of the Scriptures; it is the founding act through which Christ's sacrifice on the cross takes on its full meaning. Through this triumph over death, humanity is offered total forgiveness of sins and the certainty of eternal life. This universal promise of redemption is available to all who believe, making Easter the starting point of an unshakeable hope that transcends earthly existence.

Easter Prayer

Dear God,

During this Easter season, we thank you for your unconditional love for us.

We are grateful for the sacrifice your son Jesus made for us on the cross.

His death atoned for our sins and offered us eternal life.

Today, we ask you to give us the strength to continue to follow your example and live according to your teachings.

We pray that you will guide us on the path of faith, love and kindness.

We thank you for all the blessings you have bestowed upon us and pray that you continue to grant us your grace and mercy.

Help us to be faithful witnesses of your love and power, and to share this good news with others.

We pray that this Easter season will inspire us to live in peace, hope and joy.

May this celebration remind us that eternal life is offered to us through the resurrection of Jesus.

We pray this in Jesus' name.

Amen.

5. Frequently asked questions to understand Easter

What is the true meaning of Easter for Christians?

Easter symbolises the victory of life over death, the hope and salvation offered by the Resurrection of Jesus.

What is the difference between Passover (Jewish) and Easter (Christian)?

The Jewish Passover (Pesach) celebrates the exodus of an entire people from Egypt, while the Christian Easter commemorates Christ's last supper, his crucifixion and celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus.

When is Easter?

In 2026, Easter will be celebrated on 5 April.

Why does the date of Easter change every year?

It was the Council of Nicaea in 325 that made the celebration of Easter coincide with the spring equinox. Thus, the date depends on the lunar calendar: the first Sunday following the full moon after the spring equinox. It is this link to the lunar cycle that also connects it to the Jewish Passover (Pesach).