What is Easter Monday all about?

Apr 17, 2017

It has religious significance, because it is the day after Christians believe the messiah returned to earth

It's Easter Monday, the last day of the holiday celebrations before work starts again.

Yesterday was perhaps the biggest day in the Christian calendar, when churchgoers celebrate Christ's resurrection.

Easter Sunday is the day when Jesus emerged from the tomb after his crucifixion, proving (for Christians) there is life beyond death.

But the day afterwards is not celebrated as a public holiday everywhere. In some places it is called Ball Monday.

It has religious significance, because it is the day after Christians believe the messiah returned to earth.

Jesus is believed to have stayed for 40 days, appearing to believers and giving ministry.

He healed the sick and proved to doubters that he was the son of God.

This is what helped to establish the church, it is believed. Christians believe he ascended to heaven after the 40 days.

The holiday is prominent mostly in Catholic circles. For those in the Eastern Orthodox Church, Easter Monday, also called Bright Monday or Renewal Monday, is the beginning of Bright Week.

Although there are ceremonies for the entire week following Easter, they are often condensed into Bright Monday.

In areas influenced by Roman Catholicism, Easter Monday is the beginning of the Easter Octave. It is common to douse people in water, representing the new life of baptism, and play games with Easter eggs.

The Bible makes no mention of Easter or Easter Monday. There is no requirement as a church to celebrate it, but there is prohibition either.

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