Easter is the most important Christian holiday, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Orthodoxy and other Christian traditions, the feast is observed in different ways and often on different dates due to the use of the old and new calendars.
The feast of the resurrection is celebrated each year on a different date, making it one of the so called movable feasts. The date of Easter is determined as the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox. Orthodox Easter usually falls between April 4 and May 8.
Easter Eggs
The main symbol of Easter is the egg. In the past, eggs were traditionally dyed only in red. This custom is believed to originate from Mary Magdalene, who, according to tradition, presented red eggs to the Roman Emperor Tiberius when she proclaimed that Christ had risen.
Although Good Friday is the saddest day for Christians, Easter is considered the most joyful holiday, right after Christmas.
On Easter Sunday, as well as on Easter Monday and Tuesday, Orthodox Christians greet each other with “Christ is risen,” and the response is “Truly He is risen.”
Easter customs are especially enjoyed by children, and traditions vary across regions. Some families dye eggs on Holy Thursday, others on Good Friday or Holy Saturday. While some use only red dye or natural coloring like onion skins, others decorate eggs in many colors and patterns.
The housewife traditionally leads the preparation. Before dyeing the eggs, she may make the sign of the cross, say a prayer, and add a small amount of blessed water to the pot. The first egg is always dyed red and is known as the “guardian egg.” It is kept in the home until the following year.
According to different customs, the previous year’s guardian egg may be placed in a barn, buried in the ground, or placed in an anthill. In urban areas, it is usually buried.
In some beliefs, the red color represents the divine nature of Christ, while blue represents the human nature, so eggs are sometimes decorated in both colors.
On Holy Saturday, families prepare food for Easter. On Easter morning, it is customary to wake up early. A bowl of water is prepared for washing, often containing the guardian egg, basil, and geranium.
In many places, all family members attend the Easter liturgy. After returning home, they break their fast by eating Easter eggs. A popular tradition is tapping eggs together to see whose egg will remain unbroken.
If Easter falls before another major holiday, Gjurgjovden, in some regions lamb is not eaten.
For Easter, special bread called pogacha is prepared, often decorated with braids and shaped spaces where eggs are placed. In many areas, a sweet bread known as kozinak is also made.
In some homes, sweets and eggs are hidden for children to find after breakfast.
Today, especially in cities, homes are decorated with modern ornaments such as decorative eggs and festive items from stores, while in rural areas, decorations are often made with fresh flowers.
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