We would like to wish all staff and students who are celebrating Easter a joyful occasion and hope everyone has a restful break over the bank holiday weekend! Easter usually falls in March or April, during the first Sunday after the first full moon of spring. This year, Good Friday is on 3 April, Easter Sunday is on 5 April, and Easter Monday is on 6 April.
Easter is the principal Christian festival celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, occurring three days after his crucifixion on Good Friday. According to the Bible, after Jesus was crucified (most likely on a Friday), his tomb was found empty on Sunday by his followers, who then saw him resurrected. Easter also marks the culmination of Lent (a 40-day period of fasting and reflection), signifying the forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life.
Easter is celebrated with special church services, vigils, and the lighting of the Easter candle. Popular secular traditions include decorating and eating chocolate eggs, symbolising new life, as well as the Easter bunny and spring festivals.
This year, Canterbury Cathedral are presenting A Concert of Music for Holy Week by Candlelight, which is a paid event that takes place at 7:30pm on Good Friday, 3 April. They have several other events during the Easter weekend which can be found on their website. Rochester Cathedral also have a number of services you can attend.
Whatever your plans are over the Easter Weekend, we wish you a peaceful and happy time!