The season of Lent and Easter

Spring is eagerly anticipated, as many people look forward to enjoying the great outdoors once more. Spring is also a special time of year for practicing Christians. Beginning on Ash Wednesday and lasting 40 weekdays until the arrival of Easter Sunday, the Lenten season is a very important time of year for Christians. During Lent, Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, self-denial, and spiritual discipline. While the Bible does not reference Lent, the practice of observing Lent has become a standard.

The following focuses on each of the special days of this church season as they pertain to Western Christianity (Eastern Orthodox churches observe Lent somewhat differently).

Ash Wednesday: The Day of Ashes commemorates the repentance of sin. On Ash Wednesday, Christians have ashes placed on their foreheads in the shape of a cross in recognition of their need to repent. Many churches host Ash Wednesday services, and those who receive the ashes are not only reminded of their mortality and sinfulness, but also of the opportunity for absolution. Christians typically fast on Ash Wednesday, though some simply abstain from eating meat.

Palm Sunday: On what is now called “Palm Sunday,” Jesus Christ rode a donkey into Jerusalem while villagers welcomed him and waved palm branches. This is mentioned in each of the Biblical Gospels and occurs a week before His subsequent resurrection. Jesus possibly rode a donkey rather than a horse as a sign of peace, as a war-waging king might ride a horse. The “Passion of the Christ” is typically read during Palm Sunday masses.

Holy Thursday: is sometimes referred to as “Covenant Thursday,” “Maundy Thursday” or “Thursday of Mysteries.” Holy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the apostles. According to Catholic News Agency, Holy Thursday might be one of the most important, complex and profound days of celebration in the Catholic Church. Holy Thursday celebrates the institution of the Eucharist as the true body and blood of Jesus Christ and the institution of the sacrament of the priesthood.

Good Friday: commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Jesus was condemned by his peers as King Herod and Pontius Pilate had found him not guilty of his crimes. But crowds were enraged, and Pilate reluctantly ordered his crucifixion rather than face a mass riot.

Holy Saturday marks the final day of the Triduum, or the three days preceding Easter Sunday. Scripture states that Holy Saturday was when Jesus’ body was placed in the tomb.

Easter Sunday: A festive and celebratory day for Christians, Easter Sunday is a time for sharing the good news of Jesus’ resurrection. His body is discovered missing from the tomb, and Jesus appears to his followers again showing proof that He is alive. Typically, Easter Sunday is one of the most well-attended Sunday services for Christians. It also is a day to spend with family, and many families share large meals to mark the end of the Lenten season. 

Clever Alternatives to Traditional Dyed Easter Eggs

Easter is a time when Christian families gather to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Religious customs abound on Easter, but a number of secular traditions have emerged as well. Perhaps the most popular secular tradition associated with Easter is the coloring of Easter eggs.
Easter egg dyeing kits emerge in early spring. Consumers have a variety of alternatives to these kits at their disposal. There are some people who desire more environmentally friendly Easter eggs, so here are some creative and greener ideas for coloring eggs this year.

• Wooden eggs: Visit a craft store and purchase wooden eggs that can be painted and decorated however you desire. The wooden eggs will be durable and can be stored away for use each and every year. Because they are made of wood, a naturally recyclable material, they are easy on the environment.
• Consider natural dyes. Use different food items to create all-natural dyes for the eggs. Tea, fruit and vegetable juices -- even packaged drink mixes -- can be used to tint Easter eggs in various colors. Because you're controlling the materials you use, you can ensure they are safe to use.
• Experiment with papier mache. This ancient paper crafting technique uses recycled paper and a paste to create a hardened mold. Turn excess scraps of paper into delightful eggs put on display for the holiday.
• Purchase corn starch eggs. Corn starch is used in everything from packing materials to children's craft products. Corn starch can be molded into solid forms or foam-type consistencies. Egg kits are sold with this green material. When Easter is over, the corn starch eggs can be put out for composting. Foam-type eggs may be dissolved with water.
• Make edible eggs. Traditional Easter eggs can be wasteful if the eggs are boiled and used entirely for display. Rather, make eggs that will be enjoyed and are not at risk of spoiling too soon after being on display. Gelatin-dessert eggs is one way to use the eggs after Easter, and creative people can try crafting eggs out of meringue as well.
• Dough eggs: Have the children get out their favorite modeling dough and craft multi-colored eggs as a fun, rainy-day project. Those who want the eggs to last can purchase actual clay from the craft store or whip up their own medium at home. After drying, the eggs should be ready to paint.
• Drained eggs: Those interested in using the yolks and albumen from the eggs for cooking can poke small holes into the eggs and drain them. Then the remaining eggshells can be decorated and put on display. 

The Meaning of Good Friday

Good Friday is a Christian holiday that is celebrated every year on the Friday preceding Easter Sunday. Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary, the location outside of Jerusalem’s walls where the crucifixion took place.

Though Good Friday is considered a holiday and is a legal holiday in many countries across the globe, the commemoration is not characterized by the festive atmosphere many holidays inspire. In fact, in the fourth century, the Apostolic Constitutions described Good Friday as a day of mourning and prayer. In addition, many Christians fast on Good Friday, eating only one full meal and two smaller meals that do not add up to a full meal.

Christians believe that commemorating the death of Christ helps to remind them of the sacrifices that Christ made and the human sin that contributed to his death.

The observance of Good Friday has existed for centuries. According to Catholic Online, the Catholic Church does not celebrate Mass on Good Friday, though church services held on Good Friday correspond to the divisions of a traditional Mass. These services include the Liturgy of the Word, during which the Passion of Jesus Christ is read; the intercessory prayers for all people, including non-Christians; the Veneration of the Cross, during which the crucifix is unveiled to the congregation; and the Holy Communion. During these services, the church organ and bells are silent.

Good Friday is one of the holiest days of the year for Christians across the globe. This year Good Friday is celebrated on March the 25! Today!