Today, the Coptic Church marks Easter Sunday, the Feast of the Resurrection of Christ, the most important feast the Church celebrates. The congregation revels in the joy of the celebration of Life, a joy felt all the more deeply since it follows Holy Week with its poignant rituals and moving melodies that epitomise the Passion of Christ, His Crucifixion, and burial. The joy of the Resurrection overflows throughout the 50-day period of rejoicing known as Khamaseen, literally ‘Fifty’, that directly follows Easter and which concludes with the Feast of the Pentecost.
The festive Easter mood spills over to Easter Monday when Egypt celebrates its time-honoured spring feast, Shamm al-Nessim, that goes back to ancient Egypt. When Egyptians embraced Christianity in the early AD centuries, the spring feast frequently came during Lent, a period traditionally known for fasting and penance, hence not accommodating of any celebratory mood. Egyptians thus decided to move Shamm al-Nessim to Easter Monday so they could celebrate with gusto. They go outdoors to the Nile banks and gardens where they feast on traditional salted fish, onions, and eggs.
Watani wishes its readers a happy, blessed Feast of the Resurrection; and a bright joyous spring feast.
Watani International
8 April 2018