Easter has significance for many Christians as the holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The holiday is important for those of the Christian faith because it symbolizes freedom from their sins.
Eric Asp, a member of H2O Church at Kent State, said Easter is a celebration because it represents the sacrifice Jesus made.
“Easter is significant because it represents this culmination of God’s rescue plan,” Asp said. “According to the Bible, God sent Jesus to live a perfect life and then die to absolve humankind of their sins.”
The rituals for Easter begin well before the actual day, however. A key component of Easter is the season of Lent that occurs during the forty days before Easter.
Lent is typically marked by fasting, which Asp said can vary widely based on the person and what they believe.
H2O Church is a largely non-denominational church that is part of the Collegiate Church Network.
“Abstaining from certain kinds of foods, though some people give up their social media accounts for a couple months, and all of it’s meant to bring spiritual focus,” Asp said.
Despite the differences in denomination or practice during Lent, Asp said the meaning of fasting remains largely the same.
“What’s the common bond in them? It’s all meant to be a space of bringing spiritual focus to that most essential piece of what Jesus gave up so that we could regain a relationship with God and try to focus our thoughts through fasting,” Asp said.
The date of Easter Sunday does not follow a regular schedule. Easter Sunday falls on the first Sunday after the paschal moon, which is the first full moon to occur after the spring equinox.
The Easter season continues for fifty days after the initial Easter Sunday, ending with Pentecost. Christians believe this season represents the time Jesus spent on Earth after his resurrection, before ascending to heaven.
H2O Church tries to choose activities meant to get members thinking more about their relationship with God during Lent.
“Sometimes we have a special devotional that gives students a specific section of the Bible that they can read for each day in that seven week stretch leading up to the Easter holiday,” Asp said. “That helps to focus their thoughts on the significance of Jesus’ death and resurrection.”
Asp emphasized that H2O Church receives members from many different faith systems, but that the Easter season and fasting can provide a time of valuable reflection.
“I think it does feel good. Many Christians genuinely believe that spiritual discipline is a beneficial thing, a healthy way to live.” Asp said.
Andrew Bowie is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected].
