Easter, Passover, and Other Spring Holiday Celebrations

Spring approaches and brings more than just nicer weather and more chances to get outside. Many of the world’s most popular religions have major holiday celebrations as day and night balance out for the equinox. Jewish, Christian, Islam, Sikh, and Hindu followers all have reasons to get out of the house and celebrate their faith during March and April in addition to the day everyone looks forward to, March 21, or the first day of spring. If you are distant from your loved one who would like to attend services to maintain their faith, Visiting Angels of Farmington/Cape Girardeau can provide a caregiver to help those aging in place get to all the community celebrations they are missing. Call us today at (573) 664-1722 to set up a consultation for home care for your loved one.

Easter

The Easter holiday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus after his crucifixion and is one of the most important to the Christian faith. Easter is preceded by the season of Lent, 40 days of observance, beginning on Ash Wednesday. Most Christians who observe this season draw inspiration from and mirror Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and withdrawal into the desert for 40 days by giving up something of importance to them during this period (often food). Fun fact: Mardi Gras is French for “fat Tuesday,” the party-like atmosphere of the famous parades and celebrations reflects the practice of indulging on the last day before the Lenten season of sacrifice.

Lent comes to a close with the observance of Maundy Thursday, the observance of the last supper; Good Friday, the day of Jesus’ crucifixion; and finally, Easter Sunday, the day of resurrection.

Purim

The Jewish holiday of Purim celebrates the rescue of the Jewish people from the Ancient Persian Emperor Haman’s plot to kill all the Jews in his kingdom, as told in the Book of Esther. The holiday will start on the evening of March 6 and continue through March 7.

To celebrate this holiday, many Jews join their families or communities to share a meal called Seudah, wine and/or hamantaschen, triangular cookies filled with jam, poppy seeds, and other fillings. Communities often reenact the story of Esther and dress up in costume to mark the joyful occasion.

Holi

Holi is a spring festival celebrated by Hindus around the world. Originating in northern India, Holi has become a global festival known by many names — in the Caribbean, the festival is known as Phagwah. The festival is a celebration of spring and focuses on harmony, new beginnings, and the renewal of social bonds.

Holi is particularly well known for throwing colors as an element of celebration. The holiday is also closely associated with God as Krishna (the god Krishna) because of his playful and lively nature and his love of music and dance. This playfulness is encouraged during Holi because the social hierarchies are deprioritized during its celebration.

Ramadan

The holy month of Ramadan is observed by Muslims throughout the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, ending with Eid al-Fitr, the festival of the breaking of the fast. The holiday’s dates are determined by the Islamic lunar calendar but will fall between approximately March 22 through April 21.

Fasting is one of the most important practices when observing Ramadan. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset. During this month, Muslims ask forgiveness for past sins, pray for guidance, and use the time to recenter on their faith by practicing self-restraint and carrying out good deeds.

Passover

Passover is one of the most important Jewish holidays. During the eight-day festival celebrating the Jewish liberation from slavery in Egypt, Jews observe this period in many ways. These include abstaining from leavened foods, keeping strict kosher, observing days of rest, and retelling the story of the exodus from Egypt.

Seder, the traditional Passover meal, is held after nightfall on the first and second nights of Passover. The ceremonial foods included on the seder plate (ka’arah) include bitter herbs dipped into charoset (a paste of nuts, apples, pears, and wine), egg, and shank bone. The ritual also includes four cups of wine, washing of participants’ hands to ensure they are purified, and readings from the youngest family member.

These important holidays can help seniors stay connected with their communities if they are able to get out to express their faith. Families that aren’t nearby their elderly loved ones can call Visiting Angels at (573) 664-1722 to provide a compassionate, professional caregiver to accompany them to faith services, grocery shopping, or just for an afternoon. Please visit our website today to find out more about our home care services.