Easter, also known as Resurrection Sunday, is on April 20, 2014. Jesus was crucified on Good Friday, and rose from the dead after three days. Through his death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus paid the penalty for sin, thus for all who believe in him will have eternal life in Heaven.
Easter Sunday is preceded by Holy Week, it marks the important events of Jesus' life as described in the four book of Gospels -- his triumphal entrance to Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, the Last Supper on Maundy Thursday, and his death and crucifixion on Good Friday.
Related: Ten Christian Favorite Easter Bible Verses
Before the celebration of resurrection on Easter, Christians remember the sacrifice and love of Jesus on the cross.
In Rome, Pope Francis led a Catholic ceremoney at Colosseum known as the Way of the Cross, commemorating "desperate migrants, battered women, torture victims and all people suffering in the world." Earlier the Pope visited a home for the elderly and disabled to wash the feet of 12 disabled people of different ages and ethnicities.
In Jerusalem, the holy fire ceremony draws tens of thousands of Orthodox Christians on April 19. Christians believe Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected at the site where the Church of the Holy Sepulcher now stands in the Old City of Jerusalem.
Easter marks the end of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline in preparation for Easter. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter Sunday. After Easter, there is a 50-day period called Eastertide, which ends with Pentecost Sunday.
