MINSK, 5 April (BelTA) – Today Catholics celebrate Easter, the bright resurrection of Christ.
“The Feast of Feasts and the Celebration of Celebrations” – this is how the feast of the resurrection of the Son of God, Jesus Christ, is described. The Lord’s resurrection is a holiday of incomparable significance for the entire Christian world, bringing people the message of salvation and the hope of eternal life.
In the Roman Catholic Church, from the evening of Holy Thursday through the evening of Easter Sunday itself, the most important and solemn liturgy of the entire year takes place. During these days, the Church commemorates the Passion of Jesus, his martyrdom, and his resurrection.
On the evening of Holy Saturday, all Catholic churches hold the Easter Vigil. Bonfires are lit in front of the churches, from which the Paschal candle (a large candle symbolizing the resurrection of Jesus Christ) is ignited. From the Paschal candle, all the candles in the church are lit. During the service, nine biblical readings from the Old and New Testaments are recited, followed by a procession.
During Holy Saturday and after the Easter service, churches bless Easter breads (kulich), cottage cheese paskhas, eggs, and everything prepared for the festive table. Sunday morning begins with the blessing of fire and water. Easter foods are sprinkled with holy water, and the holy fire is carried into homes, where special Easter candles are lit to purify the house. After the service, children and young people go from house to house with songs and greetings. Dyed eggs are exchanged among relatives and friends; godparents give them to their godchildren, and young women give them to their beloveds.
Dyed eggs are a symbol of Easter. According to tradition, Mary Magdalene presented an egg to Emperor Tiberius as a symbol of Christ’s resurrection. When the emperor declared that a man could no more rise from the dead than the egg could turn red, the egg immediately turned red, confirming her testimony. Although eggs are dyed in many colors, red, which is the color of life and victory, is traditional.
Catholics celebrate the holiday with their families. Tables are decorated with candles and bouquets. Throughout Easter Week, the faithful attend services in churches, and street performances on religious themes continue.
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