Easter undoubtedly is one of the most important Christian feasts. People begin preparing as early as February. The month of Lent – that is the month preceding Easter Sunday is very significant. Most churches and community begin to prepare for the feast that is celebrated on the first Sunday in April. The festival though in the contemporary parlance celebrates the resurrection of Christ from the dead; has pagan roots! Pagans are known to have celebrated during the same time of the year. A time that marks the end of winter and the beginning of Spring. But of course one can never undermine the importance of cross during Easter festivities.

The Cross

Large wooden crosses are used in churches across the world to mark Lenten and Easter celebrations. It has infact been an important part of Easter decorations for church forever.  Most churches decorate a huge wooden cross out for display. To begin with the cross is decorated with a royal garment. This is significant as it reminds one of the story when Christ was forcibly made to wear royal robes during his trial. It was an act aimed to mock him. As Lenten progresses the royal piece of robe is replaced with a black stole. This reminds people of the crucification, sorrow and pain suffered by Christ. Just before Easter the cross is adorned with a spotless white cloth. This is symbolizes the resurrection of Christ and the empty grave. Clearly Easter decorating ideas for Church can never be complete without the ‘Cross'.

Of course customs tend to vary across geographies. But marshmellow bunnies and colourful baskets filled with Easter eggs are a common sight. Celebrations begin a week before Easter. There are special days to celebrate the commemoration of the Last Supper, Good Friday and finally the Crucification of Jesus Christ. Easter of course is the day Christ is believed to have risen from his final resting place.

Many Christians stay awake all night during Easter Eve this is known as the Vigil. Most make it to the morning mass and then break the fast with cakes, coffee and other goodies, prepared specially for the occasion.

Lilies

Many churches use evergreen wreaths and bouquets of lilies to decorate the premises for the Easter Sunday Mass. Lilies are significant in the sense that they denote purity, cleanliness, new life, beauty and everlasting devotion. Easter has universally been recognised as the ‘Easter Flower'. The lily gets this sacred status from a popular legend. It seems when Jesus Christ began to bleed from his wounds on the cross. His blood drops turned into white flowers that fell all over the Earth and heaven. The thick bulb is signifies the final resting place and the open petals on top represent the concept of ‘life after death'.

Among other flowers, Azalea and Hyacinth are popular flowers used for decorating. Azalea signifies temperance and hyacinth for comeliness