Celebrating Religious Festivals This Spring

This April, people all over the world will be celebrating major festivals in the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic calendars. First is the Jewish holiday of Passover, which takes place between 5 and 13 April this year. Passover commemorates the Bible story of Exodus, which tells of the Israelites’ escape from slavery in ancient Egypt. On the first two nights of Passover, families and friends eat a special meal called a seder and read the Exodus story together.

 

Next, on 9 April, is the Christian festival of Easter, which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus, who Christians believe to be the Son of God. Jesus was crucified (put to death on a cross) by the Romans, and Christians believe that three days later, God brought him back to life. On Easter Sunday, Christians go to church to hear the Easter story, pray, and sing joyful hymns. Easter is also associated with new life and new beginnings, and symbols of Easter include eggs, rabbits, and chicks.

 

Finally, on 22 April, Muslims will celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the last day of the month of Ramadan. Ramadan is a holy month in the Islamic calendar because it marks the time when the first verse of the Quran (the Muslim holy book) was made known to Muhammad, the prophet of Islam. During Ramadan, Muslims fast (do not eat or drink) between sunrise and sunset. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the month of fasting, and Muslims pray at a mosque or an outdoor service and celebrate with a feast and by exchanging presents.