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Significance:
Legends say that the rebirth of Lord Jesus is celebrated as the Easter. This rebirth of Lord Jesus shows how power full was the Son of god. This shows that Lord Jesus will judge the world in a right way. Originally this was known as Good Friday and the latest have emerged in the 10th and 11th century. Jesus was from a town named Nazareth which is located in modern Israel. People of Nazareth were strong believers that Jesus was son of God. However some of the high official and priests taught that he was trying to fool people and lead them to a wrong way. They arrested his and presented him in front of the Governor and found him guilty.
After finding him guilty in all the ways they presented him in front of the Roman Governor. They insisted that Lord Jesus's teachings were responsible for the riots in the town. The governor handled Jesus to the clergy and told them to do as they wish. The crowed demanded for his crucifixion. He was led by the soldiers and forced him to wear a crown of thorns and sarcastically addressed him as the 'King of Jews'. They hanged him on a huge wooden cross and carried him to the place of his crucifixion. Some followers marched behind him and joined the procession. Along with Jesus there are two more men who were nailed to the cross and left to die.
On the eve of Good Friday, a symbol of cross on which Jesus was crucified is unveiled in churches. Legends say that on one of the Sunday Jesus rose from his grave and that Sunday is celebrated as the Easter day. The customs of the Good Friday begins from Thursday itself there are meals on that Thursday and after the meal, starts the fast for the Easter day.
Celebration of Easter
Many Catholics Christians gather at Mother Mary church for mass and participate in the procession of 'way of cross'. In the afternoon the priest narrates the stories of Jesus that show how he was torched and how he suffered for the sake of humanity.
In Goa this festival is celebrated with great pomp and there are huge processions followed by many Christians. People who cannot participate in the procession look from their houses on the road side. There is somber music that is played and the procession moves from the Main Street of Panjim and then returning back to the church.
Traditional food
On this day people prepare many dishes as they break their fast, so they make many traditional dishes on this day. They are as such honey glazed Easter ham, Easter crock pot roast beef, Easter sloppy Joes, baked chicken & potato for Easter, Greek lamb, skillet lasagna, spaghetti sauce, angle hair and shrimp for Easter. There are some sweet dishes that are prepared such as hippity hop Easter bunny cake, praline pound cake, bunny patch cake, angel food cake, chocolate carrot cake and chocolate praline layer cake.
It also denotes the beginning of the spring season, this festival of spring celebrates the awakening of the universe. This 'awakening' by the grace of God is carried out very well, with the help of the Jesus teaching.
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