The greatest holiday, Easter, has arrived: what not to do, signs of April 20

Easter is a time of joy and hope. Observing traditions and customs helps to keep in touch with the ancestors and strengthen spiritual values. ​ Izvestia investigated what should be done on the day of the Resurrection of the Lord and what signs are associated with it.

April 20 — Holy Easter, 2025: a church holiday for Catholics and Orthodox

Easter in 2025 is the most important Christian holiday. According to the Christian faith, Jesus Christ was crucified, died, and rose again on the third day. This event became the cornerstone of Christianity. The holiday symbolizes victory over death, as well as the triumph of love and hope.

Catholics and Orthodox Christians usually celebrate the Lord's Resurrection on different days due to differences in calendars (Orthodox use the Julian calendar, while Catholics use the Gregorian calendar). However, in 2025, the date of Easter coincides. The last time this happened was in 2017.

For Orthodox Christians, Easter begins with a festive night service (Easter matins). It is accompanied by a procession and a joyful cry: "Christ is risen!" — "Truly he is risen!" In turn, for Catholics, everything begins with the Easter Triduum. These are three holy days, including Good Friday and Holy Saturday, ending with Easter Mass.

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The demand for cakes, eggs, and dyes has doubled or tripled.

Despite the differences, Easter is the main holiday of the year for all Christians. He represents the transition from darkness to light, from suffering to salvation, from death to eternal life.

What you can do and eat at Easter: how to spend a day as a believer

On Easter, the main thing an Orthodox Christian should do is attend the Easter service. It starts late on Saturday evening and lasts until Sunday morning. The service includes a midnight mass, a procession, Easter Matins and the Divine Liturgy.

You should also greet everyone with the words "Christ is risen!" Which is traditionally answered: "He is truly risen!" All this replaces the usual greeting throughout Holy Week (the first week after Easter).

In addition, after the 48-day Lent comes the long—awaited time for talking - the first meal allowed after fasting. This is a special moment filled with gratitude and joy.

Catholic Easter 2025: when, who and where celebrates, the difference from the Orthodox

Easter Sunday has been celebrated by Christians for over 2,000 years

Traditionally, believers begin the festive feast with cakes consecrated in the church. Along with them, painted or painted eggs are always present on the table, because this is an ancient symbol of new life and resurrection. But the holiday is not limited only to consecrated dishes: meat and dairy treats, which were refused during the 48 days of fasting, are returning to the table. The meal begins with prayer and a blessing, and then with a joyful proclamation: "Christ is risen!" and the answer: "Truly he is risen!" as a reminder of the main essence of the holiday.

In addition, during the holiday, you should visit your relatives and share your joy with them. It is recommended to visit cemeteries not on Easter itself, but, according to tradition, on Radonitsa (Tuesday after Easter). Besides, do not forget to do good deeds. For example, helping those in need and visiting the sick.

What not to do on Easter

It is forbidden to overeat at Easter. Although the fast is over, the Church calls for restraint and gratitude to God. Also, you can not turn the celebration into a banal feast. Easter is primarily a spiritual event.

On this holy day, it is customary to avoid physical labor and household chores (except for the most necessary ones), as well as quarrels, profanity and rudeness — the holiday should be filled with joy and kindness. ​

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Resurrection of Christ — 2025: signs of April 20, Easter

Easter is associated with many folk customs and traditions that reflect both Christian and ancient Slavic traditions. ​ Weather observations on this day have traditionally been used to predict future crops and weather conditions.: ​

• A clear and sunny Easter heralds a warm summer and a rich harvest.
• Cloudy weather promises cool weather. ​
• Rain on Easter day indicates a rainy spring and a plentiful rye harvest. ​
• A thunderstorm on Easter means a late and warm autumn. ​
• Frost on Easter morning leads to a dry and hot summer. ​

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the meaning and content of Holy Saturday, preceding Easter.