Pääsiäisaikaan

Pääsiäisaikaan, also known as Easter season, is a significant period in the Christian calendar that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It begins on Palm Sunday and culminates with Easter Sunday, which marks the end of Lent and the beginning of the Easter season. The term "pääsiäisaikaan" is derived from the Finnish word for Easter, "pääsiäinen," and the suffix "-aan," which indicates a period or season.

The Easter season is characterized by various religious and cultural celebrations. In Christian liturgy, the season is marked by special services, readings, and hymns that focus on the themes of resurrection and new life. The Easter Vigil, held on Holy Saturday night, is a particularly important service, during which the Easter candle is lit and the Easter Proclamation is made.

Culturally, the Easter season is often associated with springtime, as it coincides with the vernal equinox. This is reflected in various traditions, such as the blooming of Easter lilies and the use of pastel colors in Easter decorations. In many countries, the Easter season is also a time for family gatherings, feasting, and gift-giving.

In Finland, the Easter season is celebrated with a variety of traditional foods, such as herring, pickled herring, and Easter bread, which is often decorated with colored sugar. The Easter egg hunt is also a popular tradition, with children searching for hidden eggs filled with small toys or sweets. The Easter season is a time of renewal and hope, both in religious and cultural contexts.