Easter Monday: What did Jesus do after rising from the dead?

Easter Monday, the day following Easter Sunday, is a quiet close to a festive weekend.

However, while the world begins to transition back to work and routine, many believers continue to reflect on the most defining moment in their faith, which is the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

What Happened Before Easter Monday?

Easter Sunday is often considered the most important day in the Christian calendar. It commemorates the miraculous resurrection of Jesus Christ from the grave after His crucifixion on Good Friday. Christians believe that Jesus' victory over death is proof of eternal life, the cornerstone of their faith. But the story doesn’t end on Easter Sunday.

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What is Easter Monday?

Easter Monday marks the beginning of the next chapter when the resurrected Christ is believed to have returned to Earth. According to Christian teachings, Jesus spent 40 more days among His followers, appearing to many, healing the sick, and offering teachings that laid the foundation for the early Church.

This period is not only significant for its miraculous nature but also for its role in strengthening the belief of His disciples and spreading the message of hope and redemption. It culminates in Jesus’ Ascension into heaven, 40 days after His resurrection.

Why is Easter Monday Significant?

Though quieter than Good Friday or Easter Sunday, Easter Monday holds a subtle yet powerful spiritual meaning. It is a day that symbolises:

• Continuation of Joy: Easter Monday continues the celebration of resurrection, emphasising the joy that came with the realisation that Christ lives.

• Confirmation of Faith: Jesus’ appearances reassured His followers, especially doubters like Thomas, that He truly was the risen Messiah.

• Beginning of the Church’s Mission: This period empowered the disciples to begin their global mission, establishing what would become the Christian Church.

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How is Easter Monday Observed?

Easter Monday customs vary around the world:

• In Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions, the day marks the beginning of Easter Week or Bright Week, respectively. Liturgical celebrations such as special Masses or processions are held.

• In some cultures, people mark the day with festivities, meals, and community gatherings, including Easter egg hunts, symbolising new life.

• Others keep the day solemn, using it for quiet reflection, prayer, or outreach.

Easter Monday is also known by other names in various traditions:

• Bright Monday (Eastern Orthodox)

• Renewal Monday Dyngus Day (in Polish culture, involving fun water traditions)

• Wet Monday (in some Eastern European countries)

Is Easter Monday Celebrated Everywhere?

Easter Monday is recognised in many Christian-majority countries and is often a public holiday. It is especially observed in Catholic and Orthodox traditions, though Protestant communities may also recognise it in different ways.

Regardless of how it is marked, Easter Monday remains a quiet yet powerful reminder that the resurrection wasn’t a one-time event, but the beginning of something much greater, a 40-day journey of appearances, healing, and preparation for the mission ahead.

Easter Monday is not just the end of a long weekend. It reminds Christians of the living Christ who walked among His followers after rising from the dead, strengthening their faith and inspiring them to spread His message across the world.

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