On Easter Sunday in medieval and Tudor times, the candles that had been kept burning around the Easter sepulchre since Good Friday were blown out and then the priest would light the church candles from the fire. The cloth would be removed from the Easter sepulchre and the consecrated host removed. A special mass would then be said to celebrate Christ’s resurrection.
The fasting of Lent was now over so good food was the order of the day. After church, people could return to their homes and enjoy roast meats such as chicken, lamb and veal. It was a day of celebration.
He is risen!
Picture: by Lucas Cranach, 1558
