Easter Vigil History |
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Easter Vigil also referred to as the Paschal Vigil or the First Service of Easter is the high point of the Easter celebrations. Laden with a rich display of symbols, rites and readings, the vigil celebrates the journey of Christ from death to resurrection. Easter Vigil commences from any time after sundown on Saturday, although in many churches the vigil begins just before sunrise on Sunday and conclude after the |
Gospel readings while singing praises at sunrise. But have you ever wondered about the history of this annual celebration that imparts significance to Easter? If your answer is NO then don’t panic as Dgreetings gives us an account of Easter Vigil History. So, let us glean some insights into the Easter Vigil History.
In the Third Century A.D., Christians practiced a strict fast which ended after sundown on Saturday evening before Easter. After 313, the Vigil was the time for catechumens to be baptized. As such it also ushered in Christ's resurrection following Paul's association of baptism with Christ's resurrection and rebirth (cf. Romans 6:1-5).
In the earliest years of the Christian Church, the Easter Vigil was the only liturgy of the year in which people joined the Church. The Easter time is all about celebrating Christ's triumph over injustice, sins and death and our sharing in that victory through baptism. At the Easter Vigil, catechumens are baptized and confirmed.
The observance of Easter vigil dates back to the Roman times as the official celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the Roman Catholic Churches, the vigil opens with the service of light (a practice introduced during the early Middle Ages); the lighting of the Paschal candle ( Light conquers darkness); a service of lessons which is followed by the blessing of the font and baptisms and then comes the eagerly awaited mass of Easter. The vigil employs a rich display of fire, candles, words, and music and initiates the gathered mass to follow the path of Jesus Christ, the light of the world. The service includes the first use of the word alleluia since the beginning of Lent as well as the first Eucharist of Easter. The great "alleluia" proclaims with quiet joy Christ's victory over sin, death, and the devil. After a series of readings those who are preparing for Baptism receive the sacraments of initiation. The blessed water sprinkled over the believers signifies the blessing of new life.
Dgreetings gives us an account of Easter Vigil History.
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