In the Christian calendar, Easter Sunday is commemorated right after the end of Lent. Lent is the period of 40 days fasting and prayers which takes place before Easter.
Easter or ‘Pascha’ in Latin is a special Christian festival that commemorates the crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christon on the third day.
The week before the festival is celebrated is known as the Holy Week.
Easter is actually commemorated on Sunday thus the day of resurrection.
This means it is celebrated after the Holy Week has been observed.
The Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday signifying the entrance of Christ into Jerusalem.
it continues on Maundy Thursday which signifies Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples.
It is followed by Good Friday thus the day of the crucifixion of Jesus.
The Saturday after Good Friday is known as Holy Saturday signifying Jesus’ transition from crucifixion to resurrection.
Finally, Easter is commemorated on Sunday which is believed to be the third day on which Christ was resurrected.
Is Easter Sunday a public holiday in New Zealand?
In New Zealand, Easter Sunday is not a public holiday.
Instead, Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays.
