Anastasis

Anastasis is a term derived from the Greek word anástasis, meaning “a standing up” or “resurrection.” In Christian usage, it denotes the event of rising from the dead, most notably Jesus Christ’s resurrection on Easter morning, and, more broadly, the concept of resurrection for the dead within Christian eschatology.

In Eastern Christianity, anastasis is also the traditional name for a specific type of icon and for the Easter liturgical celebration. The anastasis icon depicts Christ triumphant over death, often shown emerging from the tomb or standing within it and pulling Adam and Eve (and sometimes others) from Hades. This image, central to Paschal imagery, is widely found in icons, mosaics, and frescoes, and is closely related to the broader theme of the Harrowing of Hell.

Outside of iconography, the term is used in liturgical and doctrinal contexts to refer to the Resurrection itself. In Western Christian traditions, the concept is typically expressed with the word “Resurrection” rather than “Anastasis,” though the underlying belief is the same. In scholarly and art-historical discussions, anastasis helps describe early Christian representations of Christ’s victory over death and their role in shaping rites, hymns, and devotional practice across different Christian communities.