The word "Easter" is found in several languages at once - Greek, Latin and Hebrew. And it is translated from all absolutely the same - "passing by." Orthodox people are more familiar with this word as the name of one of the most important holidays in religion. And few people know why the feast of the Resurrection of the Lord is called Easter.
If you study the oldest manuscripts and sources, you can understand that Easter was celebrated long before the Nativity of Christ. Easter is considered a traditional holiday of the Israelites. Indeed, for them at one time there was a tradition to celebrate this day in the family circle. Typically, the main celebration began at midnight, on the day of the new moon.
Why did this day receive such a name? Because the sacrifice was called Easter. She was definitely brought on this day. For this they took small lambs or goats. According to legend, this was necessary for heavenly grace to descend on the whole flock as a whole. The sacrifice had to be done very carefully - it was impossible to break a single bone of the animal. Afterwards, the doors and windows were smeared with his blood, and the meat was eaten at the family table.
Since God's son also sacrificed his life for all people, so that the grace of his Father descended on them, by analogy the holiday was called Easter. That is why the Easter holiday in its modern sense is considered the most important. After all, it is believed that it was on this day that humanity was cleansed from all its sins and blessed.
In order to match the solemnity of the moment and at least a little to join God's grace, believers observe a strict 48-day fast before Easter. This helps them cleanse themselves of bad thoughts, as well as free their bodies from bad influences.
According to a tradition that has already developed for millennia, Orthodox Christians celebrate Easter at night. This happens from Saturday to Sunday. After the service, the whole family should gather for a rich feast. The only difference from the celebration of the ancient Jews is that there is now no ritual sacrifice.
Also on this day, all believers should especially show their virtue. Even in tsarist Russia on Easter, prisoners were forgiven - however, only those who committed non-criminal crimes. On the part of ordinary parishioners, helping the disadvantaged and the poor is considered a manifestation of virtue.
