Submitted by mike.thom on Mon, 04/21/2025 - 11:03
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a painting shows 3 women inside a tomb talking to an angel
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'Three women on the tomb of Christ' by Irma Martin, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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The painting, "Three women on the tomb of Christ," was completed in 1843 by Irma Martin. It depicts the three women being told by an angel that Jesus has risen from the dead. (Irma Martin, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)
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When most people hear "Easter," they think of a single Sunday filled with lilies, hymns, and maybe a few chocolate eggs. But in the Church's liturgical calendar, Easter is far more than just a day—it's a whole season. In fact, Easter lasts for 50 days!

That’s right—Easter is a season, not just a Sunday.

What’s happening now: we’re in the season of Easter

Easter Sunday kicks off a 50-day celebration known as Eastertide or the Great Fifty Days, which runs from Easter Sunday to Pentecost Sunday. This season is meant to be a joyful, ongoing reflection on the resurrection of Jesus Christ and what it means for the world.

In the same way that Lent gives us 40 days to prepare through prayer, fasting, and reflection, Easter gives us 50 days to rejoice, feast, and live into the hope of resurrection.

So why 50 days?

The number 50 has deep roots in scripture and tradition. In the Jewish calendar, Shavuot (or Pentecost) comes 50 days after Passover and celebrates the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai. Christians see Pentecost as the day when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, empowering them to go out and share the good news.

The 50 days of Easter mirror this journey—from the empty tomb to the fire of Pentecost. It’s a season that moves us from awe to action.

How can you live into the Easter season?

You don’t need to keep your Easter decorations up (unless you want to!), but there are plenty of meaningful ways to mark this sacred season:

  • Keep celebrating—Consider small acts of joy or gratitude each day.

  • Read the resurrection stories—Dive into the post-Easter accounts in the Gospels and Acts.

  • Share hope—Reach out to someone who could use some encouragement.

  • Pray with the season—Use Easter prayers and songs throughout these 50 days.

  • Watch for light—Make space to notice signs of resurrection and new life in your daily routine.

Easter isn’t a one-and-done event

Easter is meant to linger. It’s a season that gives us time to let the good news soak in: Christ is risen. Death is defeated. Hope is alive.

So the next time someone says, “Wasn’t Easter last week?” you can smile and say, “Actually, it’s still Easter!”

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