Easter (Greek: Πάσχα, Pascha or Pasxa) is the most important religious feast in the Christian liturgical year.^[1] Christians believe that Jesus was resurrected from the dead two days^[2] after his crucifixion, and celebrate this resurrection on Easter Day,^[3] or Easter Sunday, two days after Good Friday. The year of his death and resurrection is variously estimated between the years 26 and 36 AD (see also Chronology of Jesus).

Easter also refers to the season of the church year called Eastertide or the Easter Season. Traditionally the Easter Season lasted for the forty days from Easter Day until Ascension Day but now officially lasts for the fifty days until Pentecost. The first week of the Easter Season is known as Easter Week or the Octave of Easter. Easter also marks the end of Lent, a season of prayer and penance.

(... from Wikipedia on 2008-12-31 22:00:17 )