Celebrating Spring: Exploring Passover, Easter, and Ramadan Traditions
Whether you observe Passover, Easter, or Ramadan, the upcoming holidays are a time of deep meaning and spiritual significance. Each holiday offers a unique opportunity to connect with one's faith, honor ancient traditions, and come together with loved ones in celebration. Don’t have a lot of knowledge around one or several of these springtime holidays? Here are some information and resources to help expand your understanding.
Passover
The Biblical story of Passover, also known as Pesach, starts with the Israelites being trapped in slavery in Egypt. Moses went to Pharoah asking to let his people go, but Pharoah hardened his heart and said no. God sent 10 plagues before Pharoah finally agreed. The Israelites knew they didn't have much time before he might change his mind and left in such a big hurry that they didn't wait for their bread to rise, leaving with unleavened bread (aka Matzah) instead. The Egyptians chased the Israelites and God sent another miracle, the parting of the Red sea, to allow the Israelites to escape for good.
Jewish people celebrate the holiday in various ways. It starts off with cleaning and preparation to remove any leavened bread or other products made from grain that has risen (chametz) from their homes. Next is the centerpiece of the holiday which is the Seder. This is a special dinner that takes place on the first two nights where families and friends gather and read from the Haggadah to tell the story of the Exodus from Egypt. The Seder includes the recitation of special blessings, the eating of symbolic foods (such as matzah, bitter herbs, and charoset), and the singing of traditional songs.
Finally, Jewish people typically abstain from eating chametz and instead eat matzah, an unleavened bread made from flour and water for the duration of the holiday which lasts for eight days.
Easter
For Christians and Christ-followers, Easter is one of the most joyous days of the year! This holiday commemorates the truth and power of the gospel: that God’s holy and perfect son, Jesus Christ, came to Earth to live among us, teach us, and forgive us for our sins through his death on the cross and resurrection from the dead, three days later. The word ‘gospel’ in Greek is euaneglion, which means ‘good news,’ and is the spirit and hope of this spring holiday – this Resurrection Day.
Now, people around the world celebrate the prophetic arrival of Christ, the kingdom of God, and the salvation of their souls because of Jesus’ sacrifice. Celebrations vary, but Easter is often spent with friends and family, feasting on good food, and spending time in prayer and thanksgiving.
The relation of Easter to bunnies and eggs is a curious story: in 325AD, the First Council of Nicaea changed the date for distinction from the Jewish holiday, Passover which memorialized God’s intervention to free Israel from Egyptian slavery and named the holiday after the goddess Eostre, associated with spring, dawn, and fertility. The symbolism of a hare with life and an egg’s to new life (or, perhaps, the tomb from which Jesus emerged when he was resurrected) began to weave its way through history and are now pillars of Easter traditions as well!
Ramadan
An important Islamic holiday that lasts for one lunar month (29-30 days), Ramadan and typically falls between April and May. It is a time of spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and devotion to Allah (God). Here are some of the ways that people celebrate Ramadan:
Fasting: The most well-known aspect of Ramadan is fasting, which involves abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset. This practice is intended to help Muslims develop self-discipline and remind them of the suffering of those less fortunate. The fast is broken each day with an evening meal called iftar.
Prayer: Muslims are encouraged to increase their prayers during Ramadan, with extra congregational prayers offered each evening after the iftar meal. Many people also spend time reading the Qur'an and engaging in other acts of worship and devotion.
Charity: Ramadan is a time of giving and generosity, and Muslims are encouraged to donate to charity and help those in need. This may take the form of giving money, food, or other resources to those less fortunate, or volunteering time to help a charitable organization.
Family and community gatherings: Ramadan is a time for Muslims to come together with their families and communities to break the fast and share in the celebration. Many people host or attend iftar dinners, and mosques and other Islamic organizations may offer special activities and events during Ramadan.
Reflection and self-improvement: Ramadan is also a time for introspection and self-improvement. Muslims are encouraged to reflect on their actions and behavior, seek forgiveness for past wrongs, and work to improve themselves and their relationships with others.
Overall, Ramadan is a time for Muslims to deepen their faith, connect with their community, and engage in acts of worship, charity, and self-improvement. It is a month of spiritual renewal and reflection, and an important part of Islamic culture and tradition.
No matter what holiday you are celebrating this spring, we wish you a happy and joyous time with your loved ones, filled with warmth, laughter, and good memories!