Easter in the Christian Calendar
Easter follows Lent, a 40-day period (excluding Sundays) traditionally marked by penance and fasting.
Holy Week
Immediately before Easter is Holy Week, which includes:
- Maundy Thursday: Commemoration of Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples
- Good Friday: The day of Jesus’ Crucifixion
- Holy Saturday: The transition period between Crucifixion and Resurrection
The Easter Vigil
The Easter celebration begins with the Great Vigil, originally held between sunset on Holy Saturday and sunrise on Easter Sunday. Over time, Western churches moved this observance to Saturday evening, then Saturday afternoon, and eventually Sunday morning.
In 1955, the Roman Catholic Church fixed the vigil time at 10 p.m., enabling Easter Mass to start after midnight. The vigil remains a significant liturgical event in Orthodox traditions but is less observed in Protestant churches.
Historical Development
By the 4th century, the Easter Vigil was well established with diverse liturgical practices.
"Easter follows Lent, the period of 40 days (not counting Sundays) before Easter, which traditionally is observed by acts of penance and fasting."
Author’s summary: Easter marks the culmination of Lent, highlighted by Holy Week events and the Easter Vigil, whose timing and significance vary across Christian traditions.