April brings the start of warmer weather, but it also brings a number of religious holidays. This year, in the month of April members of 3 of the largest religious groups across the world celebrate Easter, Passover, and Ramadan.
Easter
This year, Easter is celebrated on Sunday April 9th, 2023. Easter, also known as Resurrection Sunday, is a Christian holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, described in the New Testament as having occurred on the third day of his burial following his crucifixion by the Romans.
Easter is often celebrated with a special feast or meal. It has also become custom to decorate eggs; eggs are an ancient symbol of new life and rebirth. While dying actual eggs on Easter has always been a part of tradition, modern customs have also included gifting chocolate eggs or plastic eggs filled with candy. The Easter bunny has also become a modern tradition in which children place their empty baskets out for the Easter bunny to fill while they are sleeping.
Fun fact - in Australia, bunnies are considered a pest so instead they have the Easter Bilby - a type of marsupial native to Australia.
Passover
This year, Passover is celebrated from sundown on April 5th, 2023 to sundown on April 13th, 2023. Passover, also called Pesach, is a major Jewish holiday that celebrates the story of the Israelites escape from slavery in Egypt.
Passover is celebrated for 8 days. The first 2 nights are recognized with special dinners called Seders. Seder means order and the dinners follow a specific order that coincides with telling the story of Passover. There are many special foods Jewish people enjoy on Passover - the most recognized is matzah. Matzah is a flat cracker that is eaten instead of bread because those who observe Passover give up leaven for the 8 days.
Fun fact - The world’s largest matzo ball was made in New York City during Passover of 2009. It weighed in at 267 pounds!
Ramadan
In 2023, Ramadan is celebrated from the evening of March 22nd, 2023 to the evening of April 21st 2023. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community.
Ramadan is celebrated from one crescent moon to the next - so the holiday ranges from 29-32 days. Each day, fasting from dawn to sunset is mandatory for all adult Muslims who are healthy and able. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the 5 pillars of Islamic faith. The pre-dawn meal is called suhur and the nightly feast that breaks the fast is called iftar. The holiday of Eid al-Firt marks the end of Ramadan and is marked with a celebration to the return of more natural eating, drinking, and lifestyle.
Fun fact - Eid is celebrated by 1.8 billion people each year - making it one of the biggest religious festivals in the world.
Serling and Abramson PC is proud to work with a diverse group of clients who come from many different backgrounds. We wish a Happy Easter, Chag Passover Semach, and Ramadan Mubarak to all who celebrate!
