Easter

Introduction & Top Questions
The Resurrection: Biblical accounts and significance
The date of Easter and its controversies
Origin of the word “Easter”
Liturgical observances
Easter customs

References & Edit History Quick Facts & Related Topics

Images, Videos & Interactives

Juan de Flandes: Christ Appearing to His Mother

Painting by Titian showing Christ standing and holding a staff as Saint Mary Magdalene kneels before him, reaching out, with a landscape and buildings in the background.

Caravaggio: The Incredulity of Saint Thomas

Pascal Adolphe Jean Dagnan-Bouveret: Christ and the Disciples at Emmaus

The significance of Easter in Christianity

At a Glance

Christ as Ruler, with the Apostles and Evangelists (represented by the beasts). The female figures are believed to be either Santa Pudenziana and Santa Praxedes or symbols of the Jewish and Gentile churches. Mosaic in the apse of Santa Pudenziana, Rome,A

Pop Quiz: 19 Things to Know About Christianity

Easter summary

Related Questions

How did Pope Francis change participation in the Maundy Thursday foot-washing ritual in 2016?
How does Easter commemorate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ?
How does Maundy Thursday commemorate the Last Supper?
How does an Easter sunrise service connect with the Gospel accounts of the Resurrection?
How is the Easter Vigil observed after sundown on Holy Saturday?
How is the Easter lamb connected to Jewish Passover and Christian symbolism?
How is the Passion narrative used in Good Friday worship?
How is the Resurrection connected to Christian beliefs about salvation and eternal life?
How long does the Easter season continue after Easter Sunday?
What does Holy Saturday commemorate in Christian tradition?
When can Easter fall in the Western Christian calendar?
When did the official White House Easter Bunny first appear at the Easter Egg Roll?
Which events are commemorated on Holy Monday and Holy Tuesday?
Which events of Jesus’ final days are remembered during Holy Week?
Which foods traditionally marked the end of the Lenten fast at Easter?
Why are Easter eggs traditionally painted red in Eastern Orthodox Christianity?
Why are Palm Sunday palms sometimes burned to make ashes for Ash Wednesday?
Why are candles and new fire used during the Easter Vigil?
Why are fasting and penance traditionally observed on Good Friday?
Why did German children make nests for the Easter hare?
Why did Jesus ride a donkey into Jerusalem according to the Gospel accounts?
Why did early Christians fast before Easter?
Why do Christians celebrate Easter as the principal festival of the church?
Why do many churches bless and carry palm branches on Palm Sunday?
Why do some Christian churches perform foot-washing rituals on Maundy Thursday?
Why do some Protestant churches hold Easter sunrise services?
Why does Holy Week begin with Palm Sunday?
Why is Easter celebrated after Lent?
Why is Holy Wednesday also called Spy Wednesday?
What is Easter?
Is Easter a federal holiday?
Why is Easter celebrated?
When is Easter?
Why is Easter called Easter?
What is Diwali?
How is Diwali related to the Ramayana?
Do Sikhs celebrate Diwali?
Do Jains celebrate Diwali?
How is Diwali celebrated?

Easter

holiday

Also known as: Pascha

Written by

E.P. SandersAll

Fact-checked by

Britannica Editors

Last updated

Nov. 3, 2026 •History

Easter, principal festival of the Christian church, which celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day after his Crucifixion. The Resurrection is a central doctrine of Christianity and forms the basis of salvation and the hope of eternal life. As its feast, Easter is a joyful affirmation of the belief that through Christ’s conquering of death all Christians will subsequently share in his victory over “sin, death, and the Devil.” Although still predominantly a religious...

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