The original meaning of Easter is “rebirth, new life, and resurrection.” It is a Christian celebration of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ around 33 AD on the third day after His crucifixion, death, and burial. “Easter” can be traced back to the German “Ostern” or England goddess “Eostre,” celebrated in spring. From the Old Testament, the commemoration of Easter is an annual remembrance of the fulfilment of God’s promise first in Genesis 3:15 that He will send a saviour to salvage humankind. This promise was fulfilled by Jesus Christ’s resurrection, signifying man’s defeat of death and hope for a better life in Heaven after earthly sufferings.
The 2024 Easter will be celebrated on Sunday 31 March. Easter is observed after the 40 days of Lent, including fasting, prayer, and penance. We refer to the week directly preceding Easter as Holy Week, which marks the last week of Easter observance. This week, Christians observe the Easter Triduum comprising Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. The Sunday after Holy Saturday is the Easter day.
In Canada, we celebrate Easter with a church service in the morning marked by the ringing of bells and the lighting of an Easter candle. In addition, most churches celebrate Easter with solemn Christian music and often exchange flowers and gifts. More interestingly, we spend Easter with family gatherings, sharing foods, Easter egg hunts in the backyard, and exchanging bunnies and chocolate eggs.
Easter is on different dates because it traditionally depends on the moon’s movement in the Jewish calendar. This reliance on lunar cycles has Easter on different days and dates, but it’s always on the first full moon after the spring equinox. Scientifically, Easter will always fall on different dates; 17 April 2022, 9 April 2023, 31 March 2024, etc., due to the earth revolution. Meanwhile, all Christians celebrate Easter on the same day except a split between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches.
You can buy and share chocolate eggs, bunnies, cakes, drinks, beverages, and fruits. Others may prefer buying artwork and gifts such as clothes, shoes, and cosmetics for their family and friends. In Canada, you can find more affordable candies and toys for kids. You may order bracelets, chargers, cameras, bicycles, gift cards for teens, wines, plate sets, ball eggs, kitchen apron, or beverages for adults.
Walmart, Steve Madden, Staples, Adidas, and Banana republic have amazing sales on Easter weekend across their stores in Canada. Other stores with Easter sales in Canada include Ardene, Costco, Aritzia, IKEA, and Penningtons, with affordable sales. Their discounts range between 20 - 50% and might increase this year. You can start early to place an order.
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