Easter Day is embraced as a beautiful celebration of renewal, hope, and victory over death. As the second most significant Christian festival after Christmas—Easter serves as a powerful reminder that even after darkness, light will always return.
While many think of Easter as a single Sunday celebration, it is in fact the culmination of a longer liturgical season. It begins with Lent, a 40-day period of reflection, fasting, and spiritual preparation. The Easter holiday includes the Holy Week, which leads up to Easter Sunday and holds profound significance for Christians around the world.
In the Philippines, Easter Day is not only a sacred religious event. People celebrate it as a joyful cultural event rooted in deep tradition and community spirit. As Easter 2025 is coming on April 20, let’s have a deeper look at the meaning of Easter and the tradition celebrated by Christian in Philippines.
What Is Easter? Why Do We Celebrate It?
Christians trace the origins of Easter Day to the second century, when they first celebrated Jesus Christ’s resurrection. Initially observed during Passover, Easter later became a separate holiday, falling on the first Sunday after the full moon following the vernal equinox. The Council of Nicaea officially established this date in AD 325.
The word ‘Easter’ comes from ‘Eostre,’ an ancient pagan goddess of fertility and spring. As Christianity spread, the resurrection of Christ became the focal point of spring celebrations, symbolizing life’s triumph over death.
Easter Sunday is the main event, but it’s preceded by Holy Week, a time to reflect on Jesus’ final days and sacrifice.
When is Easter celebrated in Christianity?
Christians celebrate Easter on the first Sunday after the full moon following the spring equinox, so the date changes each year. It usually falls between March 22 and April 25. In 2025, Easter Sunday will fall on April 20.
What is the original meaning of Easter?
Easter is one of the most important celebrations in Christianity. It commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, symbolizing hope, renewal, and new life. The word “Easter” may have older, pre-Christian roots, but for Christians, it’s a deeply meaningful time of spiritual reflection and joy.
Why is Jesus’ death called Easter?
Easter specifically refers to the resurrection of Jesus, not just His death. Christians remember His crucifixion on Good Friday, while they celebrate His resurrection on Easter Sunday. This event represents victory over sin and death, a central belief in Christianity.
How long is Easter celebrated, and what is Holy Week?
In Christianity, Easter isn’t just a single day—it’s part of a sacred season. The celebration begins with Holy Week, which starts on Palm Sunday and leads up to Easter Sunday. This week includes important days like Maundy Thursday (honoring the Last Supper), Good Friday (commemorating the crucifixion), and Holy Saturday. Easter Sunday marks the resurrection of Jesus, and for many Christians, the Easter season continues for 50 days, ending with Pentecost. It’s a time of deep reflection, renewal, and hope.
What Are The 7 Days of Holy Week?
Holy Week in the Catholic tradition is a sacred journey that walks believers through the final days of Jesus’ life. It is the week before Easter and the last week of Lent. Here are the seven key days:
1. Palm Sunday – Commemorates Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
2. Fig Monday – Jesus clears the temple and continues teaching.
3. Holy Tuesday – Focuses on Jesus’ teachings and the foretelling of His death.
4. Spy Wednesday (Holy Wednesday)– Recalls Judas’ betrayal.
5. Maundy Thursday – Celebrates the Last Supper and the institution of the Eucharist.
6. Good Friday – The most significant day of Holy Week. Marks Jesus’ crucifixion and death.
7. Black Saturday – The day that commemorates Jesus’ burial
This week is the most significant seven days on the Liturgical Calendar that leads up to the joy of Easter Sunday.
Holy Weeks Traditions and Processions in Philippines
Filipino culture is full with varied customs that show a strong feeling of community, shared values, and spirituality. Here, we breakdowns some of the most important traditions practice throughout the Holy Weeks.
The Pabasa ng Pasyon
It is a traditional devotion involving continuous singing and reciting of Jesus’ Passion, performed “a cappella” or with musical instruments, focusing on three consecutive days and nights.
Palm Sunday Procession
In order to commemorate Palm Sunday, churches now hold processions that recreate Jesus’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. First, they start outdoors and make their way inside for Mass, when the palm branches are blessed. Afterwards, these hallowed palms are burned to produce ashes for Ash Wednesday the following year.
Holy Wednesday Procession
Most churches in Philippines held The Lenten Procession twice a week, including on Holy Wednesday. Saint Augustine Church in Baliwag, Bulacan, hosted which the parade is among the largest in the country with total number of 111 floats. The dioramas of the parade are beautifully decorated depicting Jesus’ Passion and death are beautifully decorated.
Cenaculo or Senakulo
Filipino Senakulo, a play about Jesus’ life, is a cultural expression and religious event, performed on stage or street during Holy Week. It involves costumed actors, bloody scenes, and serves as a reflection and prayer opportunity.
Via Crucis
The Via Crucis, also known as the Way of the Cross, is a Christian tradition where devotees walk through 14 stations, each representing a significant event in Jesus’ life, to honor his sacrifice, repent for sins, and pray for loved ones, typically held in churches with station symbols.
Visita Iglesia
As part of the Lenten custom known as “Visita Iglesia,” Filipino Catholics make the sacred vow to visit churches on Maundy Thursday or Good Friday. Some go to fourteen churches to correspond with the Stations of the Cross, or seven churches to symbolize the Seven Last Words. There is no set prayer schedule, and some people choose to walk barefoot in order to feel the agony of Christ. Also, most people drive with friends and family to churches.
Fasting and Abstenince
Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59 must fast and abstain and eat one full meal or smaller portions on Good Friday . For those 14 and up, abstinence is mandatory, and the “paschal fast,” which commemorates the suffering and death of Jesus Christ, can last until the Easter Vigil.
Pagtuton or Pagsalubong
Pagtunton, also known as Pagsalubong, is a ceremonial procession that commemorates the encounter between Mary and the Resurrected Christ. Pious Catholics get up early to take part in bringing statues of Christ and Mary. There are statues of saints lining both of the procession’s routes. The occasion represents the triumph of life over death, the joy of Christ’s resurrection, and the transformation of sorrow into joy.
Easter Day Egg Hunts
In the Philippines, Easter egg hunts are a joyous custom that include activities with Western influences following Mass. Children are brought by their families to take part in vibrant egg hunts that are filled with toys, candies, or other prizes that represent fresh starts and happiness. Some also celebrating Easter by putting some decorations at home to create a more lively atmosphere.
The tradition of hunting for Easter eggs combines pagan and Christian symbolism. Eggs, once a symbol of fertility and new life, came to represent Jesus’ resurrection. The egg hunt likely evolved from the custom of decorating and gifting eggs, symbolizing rebirth. Over time, it became a fun, family activity where children search for hidden eggs, often filled with treats.
For those who are celebrating Easter, may every heart be inspired to begin again with courage, grace, and unwavering faith to embrace renewal, cherish life, and live with hope.
“Maligayang Pasko ng Pagkabuhay!”
“Merry Easter!”
