Easter

Easter is a widely observed Christian holiday that marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, as narrated in the New Testament of the Bible. It is a central event in Christian theology and is considered to be the culmination of the Passion of Jesus, preceded by Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and penance. The observe of Easter includes various liturgical customs and traditions that serve to reinforce the central message of Christ's resurrection, such as the Easter Vigil, the celebration of the Eucharist, and the proclamation of the "Alleluia".

The observance of Easter in South Africa has roots in the arrival of Christianity on the continent, mainly brought by European colonisers from the 15th century onwards. The development of a distinct South African Easter observance involves combining traditional Christian Easter practices with local customs and traditions. The Christian community in South Africa is diverse, encompassing various denominations such as Roman Catholicism, Anglican, Methodist, among others, hence, the observance of Easter holds varying significance for different groups.

In South Africa, Easter is observed with a combination of religious devotion and festive celebration. Church services are a key part of the event, with many South Africans attending special Easter Sunday mass. Often these services involve the symbolic use of candles, to signify Jesus's role as the light of the world. Additionally, communal meals and family gatherings are quite common, as is the exchange of chocolate Easter eggs, symbolizing the resurrection. Easter is a movable feast in South Africa, falling between 22 March and 25 April, the dates being determined by the lunar calendar, consistent with the worldwide Christian tradition.