The Christian celebration is called Pascha, a word derived from Ancient Hebrew “Pesach”. The word originally denoted the Jewish festival known in English as Passover, commemorating the Jewish Exodus from slavery in Egypt.
The festive service begins early on Saturday. Fire and water are blessed in churches. Following the blessing of the Easter fire, the Easter candle is blessed and the readings from the Old Testament are read. The wax of the Easter candle is believed to be magic protecting from malign forces.
Blessed paschal water is also believed to possess supernatural features. It is added to food, sprinkled across the home and used to wash the face.
All churches held midnight masses on Holy Saturday. In the morning, upon returning home from church, the believers break their fast, usually they start their meals with eggs. Boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, and omelets are the most important ritual Easter meal. Other dishes are pork, lamb and a cake.
On the morning of Easter Sunday, after the divine service children and young people go from home to home singing songs and greeting people. Family members and friends exchange painted eggs in exchange for palm branches.
Throughout Easter Week believers attend divine services in churches. Street performances on religious topics continue throughout the week too.
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