If you’re like me, you may have been caught off guard with the early date of Easter this year. In Turkey, we don’t have the reminders in the store windows or on the radio like we do back home.
One of my favorite songs that I used to go around singing at Easter time when I was a child goes something like this: “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.” I would prance around holding up my right index finger as though it was a candle. To many of us, Easter is about light and hope. When I was a kid, though, I needed to add chocolate eggs and Easter egg hunts to that!
Easter is celebrated around the world this weekend with religious services, festive family meals, Easter bunnies, Easter egg hunts and exchanges of gifts. One thing is for sure: Easter always falls on a Sunday. But which one? It’s confusing. Sometimes it’s in March and other times in April. You can always be sure it will be sometime between late March and late April, following the cycle of the moon.
For Turks abroad: Watch out, it’s a legal holiday in many countries with predominantly Christian traditions. Banks and government offices will definitely be closed for Good Friday and the Monday after Easter. Retailers? Well, it’s a long weekend for some!
Although it is a religious holiday, how individuals choose to celebrate varies: Some go to church and may attend extra church services in remembrance of the death and resurrection of Jesus. Others may choose to celebrate Easter with lots of chocolate bunnies and eggs, egg hunts, etc. Perhaps you do both.
If you are a Turk abroad where Easter is celebrated, your guests will be impressed if you know a little about the holiday.
Here is a Basic 101course on Easter:
What is the meaning of Easter?
Easter is one of the most important events in the Christian calendar. It symbolizes liberation and peace. It’s especially meaningful for a person like me who is disturbed by the injustice and negativity in the world. Individuals who celebrate Easter reflect on eternal life and the hope we have. The main thrust is that Jesus knew his time had come. In a world of trouble he intended to bring peace and hope. He was to be crucified and, in doing so, he overcame death.
Jesus said: “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.”
Blessed Angela of Foligna, a 14th century mother and wife who later became a prominent mystical writer, wrote: “The first step that the soul must take when it enters the way of love, through which it desires to reach God, is to know God in truth. ... To know God in truth is to know him as he is in himself, to understand his worth, beauty, sweetness, sublimity, power and goodness and the supreme Good inherent in him who is the supreme Good.”
What are the special days and their significance?
Palm Sunday: The Sunday before Easter, when Jesus entered Jerusalem triumphantly
Good Friday: The day Jesus was crucified on the cross
Holy Saturday: The final day of Holy Week
Easter Sunday: The day of Christ’s resurrection, now a traditional day for baptism
Feast of the Ascension: The day marking Christ’s ascension to Heaven
Pentecost: Seven weeks after Easter Sunday, celebrating the visitation of Christ to more than 100 followers
What are the Symbols of Easter?
Many images are associated with Easter, from both Christianity and popular culture.
Light: Candles are used in religious rituals at Easter to symbolize the resurrection of Christ, as light coming out of darkness.
Eggs: As symbols of fertility, eggs have been used throughout time to represent new life. Today, we celebrate Easter with colorful, chocolate eggs.
Rabbits: The Easter Bunny represents fertility and new life.
Lambs: In addition to being symbols of new life, baby lambs are associated with Jesus as symbols of sacrifice. Jesus gave his life so that our sins would be forgiven.
Chicks: Fluffy baby chickens are common symbols of Easter, connected with eggs and representing new life.
The cross: It reminds us of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.
Easter lilies: These white flowers are used to decorate churches and homes; they symbolize the purity of new life.
Global peace and hope begins with me and you. It is a personal choice we make hour by hour.
Here’s to a new beginning!
