The Easter Monday is the first Monday after Good Friday and is falling on the 18th of April. It is followed as a holiday in most provinces of Canada. Furthermore, as an optional holiday in some parts of Canada and its territories. It is regarded as the holiest and the most medieval of all the Christian traditions throughout the world. The festival starts with Easter celebrations. Further, commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ after his death that happened on Good Friday. The Easter in Canada, similar to many other Christian countries is a highly religious occasion. An occasion that is celebrated with great joy, pleasure and fanfare. It is indeed a massive celebration for the Christians just like Christmas. In addition to this, its significance is worthwhile enough for the Christians of Canada. The North American nation, just like its neighbour nation USA is a highly Christian dominated country, with people coming as migrants mostly are those from other religions. These includes Islam, Hinduism, Jainism and even Christianity. Apart from these most of the country Canada is Christian dominated. On top of this, its a country with churches saturated in almost every town and city in Canada.
The Canadians on this sacred day spend much of their time attending the church masses. Most importantly, engaging themselves in family gatherings. The Easter eggs form the major part of the Eastern traditions in Canada. Likewise, they are used in many other Christian following countries.
ALSO READ: BRITISH COLUMBIA & ITS TOP TOURISM DESTINATIONS FOR HOLIDAY MAKERS
THE SYMBOLS OF EASTER AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE:
In the vast Christian world in almost all parts of Europe & parts of Asia. Furthermore, most parts of Central, North and South America, there are many symbols that are used as symbols of Easter celebrations. These Easter celebrations vary from Easter eggs to the Easter bunny. In addition to these two, a couple of different symbols used in various other parts of the global world. As well as Easter parades have been a tradition since the ancient times of the Christian following.
Most of these symbols are used to show affection with the prophet of Christianity Jesus Christ. Hence, as well as symbol of new life and transformation. However, the customs & some Easter celebrations, tend to vary geographically according to the Easter traditions and the historical significance.
EASTER EGGS:
The Easter eggs are a symbol for the celebrations of Easter. Likewise, they are also a symbol in Canada. This is a tradition that originates from Medieval Europe when the eggs were forbidden during Lent season. Eggs were used as an Easter meal as well as gifts for the kids and the servants. Also, believed to be a symbol of new life as well as fertility through the ages. Some consider it as a transformation phase from one life to another. Ironically, this belief has been coming from ancient cultures. These ancient and medieval cultures includes Egyptian culture, or Ancient Egyptians. Also, the Persians and the Romans who used eggs during their spring festival. There are a large number of traditions and practices that revolves around the Easter eggs. Finally, they are used in symbolic ways, i.e. decorated and painted.
THE EASTER BUNNY:
The Easter bunny is part of the most popular symbols that are used on Easter as a symbol of Easter celebrations. The Hares and Rabbits have long been seen as symbols of fertility, i.e. a new life. However, the inclusion of hare in the many symbols of Easter Celebrations originally started from Germany. As part of the myth, the German immigrants to United States, more precisely Pennsylvania were the ones who spread the tradition in United States, and later it spread in Canada. Cakes were also baked and are still a traditional dish in the shape of hares. Apart from this, there are many Christians who have pioneered the practice of making chocolate bunnies and eggs.
EASTER CARDS:
The Easter cards as a symbol of celebrations first arrived in Victorian times in England. This is when a stationer added a greeting to a drawing of rabbit. According to the American greetings, the Easter is now in current times known as the fourth most popular holiday for sending cards. This is behind Christmas, Valentine’s Day and the Mother’s Day.
VARIOUS TRADITIONS FROM REST OF THE WORLD:
The Orthodox Christians in the Middle East in the early ages as well as in Greece painted the eggs in bright red to symbolise it with the blood of Jesus Christ. Germans used green eggs as gifts on Holy Thursday. Hence, as well as hung hollow eggs on trees. On the other side of the border, the Austrians placed the tiny plants around the egg. Later, then boiled them. As soon as plants were removed, white patterns were created.
ALSO READ: TRAVELLING TO CANADA AS A TOURIST IN 2021- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
THE EASTER PARADES:
The early Christians in the medieval times wore white robes all through the Easter week to indicate new lives. This was their usual practice after their baptisms. Furthermore, those who were already baptised were the ones who wore new clothing. This attire was used as a symbol of their sharing their new life with Jesus Christ.