Don’t miss traditional Easter Charity Bazaar

Baku on the eve of one of the biggest Christian holidays – Easter –will host an Easter Charity Bazaar for the eighth consecutive year.

During the traditional Bazaar to be organized at the Russian Information and Cultural Center (RICC) on April 6-7, participants will be able to buy gifts, decorations, handicrafts, souvenirs, jewelry and paintings presented by several artists.

Archbishop of Baku and Azerbaijan Eparchy Alexander Ishein, as well representatives of a number of embassies accredited in Azerbaijan will attend the opening of the event on April 6, Trend Life reported.

All funds raised from the Easter Charity Bazaar will be spent for the needs of orphans.

Easter is a Christian festival which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. According to the New Testament, Jesus died on the cross on Good Friday, and came back to life three days later.

His resurrection is celebrated on Easter Sunday, which also marks the end of Lent, the 40-day period of fasting which begins on Ash Wednesday.

Maundy Thursday is the Thursday before Good Friday and commemorates the Maundy and Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles. Many churches hold special services on Easter Sunday.

Easter traditions throughout the world differ from country to country. In many central and eastern European countries decorating eggs in beautiful patterns is especially popular.

For instance, in Poland, families prepare a “blessing basket ” the day before Easter, Filled with colored eggs, sausages, bread, and other food, baskets are taken to church to be blessed.

In Sweden children dress up as Easter witches wearing long skirts, colorful headscarves and painted red cheeks, and go from home to home in their neighborhoods trading paintings and drawings in the hope of receiving sweets.

In Russia, the neighbor or loved one of a person pierces the branch of the soft blooms, kept on the latter's shoulder.

In the Czech Republic, the males of a family spank females with a homemade whip decorated with ribbons. The spanking is lighthearted and is believed to bring health over the next year.

On Easter Monday, the President of the United States holds an annual Easter egg roll on the lawn of the White House for young children.

Azerbaijan enjoys a tolerant atmosphere for different nations and religions. The national policy is defined on the principles of tolerance and coexistence of various nationalities, ethnic groups and religious minorities. Many religious confessions co-exist there. There are 1,834 mosques, 12 churches and 6 synagogues functioning in Azerbaijan.

The government has created all conditions for religious worship in the country.