In the U.S., the celebration of Easter and the resurrection of Christ ends somewhere around sundown on Sunday each year, but for much of the world the festivities continue into Monday and the rest of the week.
It makes sense, too.
It is doubtful that the Early Church had a once-and-done annual Easter celebration. We know, in fact, that they did not. The celebration of Easter soon extended for 50-days until Pentecost Sunday, the day of the coming of the Spirit.
The 50-day period between Easter and Pentecost Sundays was known as Eastertide, an ongoing celebration of Easter.
It is difficult to imagine the Eleven Apostles, women, and other first-century followers going back to their homes and Normal lives after first hearing of Jesus’ resurrection.
Perhaps the Eastern Orthodox Church is onto something as they continue the Easter Sunday celebration into the following week with Easter Monday and Bright Week.
It may be time to recapture the power, mystery, and majesty of the resurrection by celebrating Easter Monday.
Around the world, the day is celebrated in various ways:
- Easter-egg rolling competitions
- Eating meals outdoors, picnicking
- Kite-flying
- Remembrances of those who have passed
Easter Monday allows us extra time to continue the contemplation of the cross and the celebration of its effect on our lives, families, and faith.
Easter Monday gives us the chance to continue to impress upon our children, our families, and ourselves, the power, mystery, and majesty of Easter. And in so doing, we join alongside the Early Church in a continuation of the celebration of the most important event in the history of the world.
PRACTICE: Make a list of possible Easter Monday (Bright Week) activities.