What is Eastertide?

April 20, 2025 4:00 PM
What is Eastertide?

A Season of Resurrection Joy

Eastertide spans the fifty days from Easter Sunday to Pentecost. It is a time to revel in the triumph of Christ’s resurrection, reflect on its profound implications, and prepare for the gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. For Anglicans, Eastertide is not merely a historical commemoration but a living season that shapes worship, spirituality, and daily life.

Theological Significance of Eastertide

At its core, Eastertide is about the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the cornerstone of Christian faith. The Resurrection is the definitive victory over sin and death, inaugurating a new creation. The Book of Common Prayer (BCP), a foundational text for Anglican worship, frames Eastertide as a season of “great joy” where believers are called to “rejoice in the power of the Spirit” (BCP 2019). Theologically, Eastertide underscores several key themes:

  • Resurrection Hope: The empty tomb signifies Christ’s triumph, assuring believers of their own resurrection and eternal life. 
  • Baptismal Renewal: Eastertide is a season of new life, closely tied to baptism. The Resurrection is seen as the foundation of the Christian’s rebirth, and many Anglican parishes perform baptisms during this time, echoing the early church’s practice.
  • Mission and Witness: The Resurrection empowers believers to share the Gospel. The Acts of the Apostles, a key scriptural text during Eastertide, recounts the early church’s bold proclamation, inspiring Anglicans to live out their faith actively.

Liturgical Practices in Eastertide

Anglican worship during Eastertide is vibrant and distinctive, designed to immerse the faithful in the joy of the Resurrection. The BCP provides a rich framework for this season, with specific collects, readings, and rituals that shape the liturgical experience. Key elements include:

  • The Paschal Candle: Lit during the Easter Vigil, or the Principle Easter Sunday Service, the Paschal candle symbolizes Christ’s risen presence. It remains prominently displayed and lit during all services until Ascension Day, a visual reminder of the light of Christ overcoming darknes
  • Scriptural Readings: The lectionary assigns readings that emphasize resurrection and renewal. The Gospel accounts of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances (often from John) are central, while Acts replaces Old Testament readings in some traditions, highlighting the church’s mission. The epistles, particularly from 1 Peter and Revelation, underscore themes of hope and new creation.
  • Alleluia’s Return: After its absence in Lent, the triumphant “Alleluia” returns with fervor. It punctuates hymns, prayers, and dismissals, reflecting the unrestrained joy of the season. Hymns like “Jesus Christ is Risen Today” and “The Strife is O’er” are staples in Anglican hymnals.

The Great Fifty Days: Eastertide encompasses several significant moments:

  • Sundays of Easter: Each Sunday is numbered as a “Sunday of Easter” (e.g., Second Sunday of Easter), emphasizing the season’s unity. These Sundays often feature Gospel readings like the Doubting Thomas story or the Road to Emmaus.
  • Ascension Day: Celebrated forty days after Easter, this feast commemorates Christ’s ascension into heaven, marking a transition toward Pentecost. 
  • Pentecost: The season culminates on Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit’s descent is celebrated, empowering the church for mission. Red vestments and spirited worship mark this day.

These practices create a cohesive liturgical rhythm, inviting Anglicans to dwell in the mystery and joy of the Resurrection over the full fifty days.

Spiritual and Practical Expressions

Eastertide is not confined to the sanctuary; it shapes Anglican spirituality and daily life. The season calls believers to embody the Resurrection in practical ways, aligning with Anglicanism’s emphasis on lived faith. Key expressions include:

  • Renewed Devotion: Eastertide encourages Anglicans to deepen their spiritual practices. Many engage in daily prayer using the BCP’s Daily Office, which includes Eastertide-specific psalms and canticles.
  • Evangelism and Witness: Eastertide is a time to share the good news. Anglicans are encouraged to invite others to church, share their faith stories, or participate in mission-focused initiatives. The season’s emphasis on Acts underscores the call to be witnesses “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
  • Baptismal Living: The renewal of baptismal vows, often part of Easter Vigil or Easter Sunday services, prompts Anglicans to recommit to their faith. This might involve intentional acts of forgiveness, reconciliation, or pursuing holiness in daily life.

These practices reflect Anglicanism’s holistic approach, where worship, theology, and action converge to form a vibrant faith.

Conclusion

Eastertide is a season of unparalleled joy and purpose. It invites believers to celebrate Christ’s resurrection, renew their baptismal calling, and prepare for the Spirit’s empowerment at Pentecost. Through rich liturgical practices, heartfelt spirituality, and practical expressions of faith, Anglicans embody the hope of the empty tomb. As the Paschal candle burns brightly and “Alleluia” rings out, Eastertide becomes a transformative journey, equipping the church to live as Easter people in a world longing for new life.