The origin of Easter is Old Testament.In the Jewish tradition, Pesach is marked by the slaughter of a lamb, which was eaten in memory of the times of exodus from Egypt. It is possible that this holiday existed even in the Domoisean times, but finally acquired its significance after the Jews were expelled by Pharaoh and left their homes in a hurry. The Jews were saved, helped by wondrous divine interventions, because the people could die in the barren desert, persecuted by hordes of enemies, but this did not happen. The haste of escape was reflected in another Jewish festival. Unleavened bread was celebrated the day after the Passover. The meaning of this holiday was that the sons and daughters of Israel carried with them into exile the not-too-thick dough.
Thus, the origin of Easter is associated withdeliverance from painful bodily death and bondage. It was traditionally celebrated by the Jews in the family circle, at night, during the full moon at the spring equinox. Astronomical determination of the date of Easter prescribes it to be celebrated on the fourteenth day of the month of Nisan, before the captivity, called Aviv.
The Passover ritual has been modified for centuries.acquired new features. After the introduction of Deuteronomy, he ceased to be a family and began to be celebrated in the temple. The lamb was slaughtered on the altar, and its blood was stained with not the door-postsholes and tent canopies, but the altar. The main actors in the rite of sacrifice are the Levites and the priests. Easter was the main holiday in which all Jews had to take part. Claiming the divine origin of Easter, the Hebrew priests strengthened their position in public life and contributed to the formation of the statehood of Israel.
Christians around the world celebrate the ResurrectionLord as the day of his spiritual salvation. On Good Friday, Jesus, who gave the world the New Commandment, was executed, and on the night of Saturday, on the first day of the week, was resurrected. The sacrifice made by the son of God became redemptive. As a holiday, Easter has acquired a new meaning. Jesus took part in the Judaic rite of Passover, called the Last Supper. However, instead of the traditional praise of Hallel, he utters very different words. Instead, the lamb offers to taste His flesh and blood. This was the first Eucharist. From this time on, the believers take communion, offering a bloodless sacrifice.
Saint Seraphim of Sarov has welcomed all yearof the people he meets on Easter: “Christ is risen, my joy!” However, he made it clear that the Resurrection of the Lord is not immediate, it is eternal, and there is no end to it.
