This weekend, the Catholic world celebrated the Resurrection of Christ, so most of Europe has already finished celebrating the spring feasts. We, however, have enjoyed Palm Sunday and we look forward to the weather improving in the following days, as we await to celebrate Easter in Romania.
In the Orthodox Christian calendar, Easter is one of the most important (if not the most important) annual celebration. Like most events and aspects pertaining to the Romanian spirituality, Easter is a combination of religion, rite and tradition. Romania boasts with some of the richest traditions and customs in Europe and the world.
Easter Sunday is preceded by the Great Lent, a period of 48 days of fasting (one of which is black fast, on Good Friday). The Holy Week or Passion Week is the last week before Easter. Every day reviews the seizing, persecution and crucifixion of Jesus. The Resurrection is celebrated in the night between Saturday and Sunday. The masses attended during the Holy Week are called “Denii” and follow special rituals.
Maybe the most dramatic of all masses is the one held on Good Friday, when believers pass under the table and bring flowers to church. Passing under the table is the symbol of descending onto the grave together with Christ and resurrecting together with Him.
On Easter Night, believers come to church to light candles when urged by the priest. The light of the candles symbolizes the light of Resurrection.
On Easter, it is customary for people to gather in family around the table to enjoy special dishes: lamb meat, dyed eggs (the most popular color being red, symbolizing the blood of Christ), drob and cookies.
The ultimate family celebration, Easter is a reason to rejoice, even more so because the second day of Easter, Monday, is a bank holiday and everybody loves an extended weekend.
Let’s be a little better and purer on Easter!