Catholics in China participated in activities to celebrate Easter over the weekend.

Easter is a Christian holiday to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day after his crucifixion.

Beijing's Xuanwumen Catholic Cathedral, also known as South Church, held three events in English, Italian and French on Sunday, said Liu Zhentian, a worker at the church.

Liu estimated that about 300 to 400 foreigners in Beijing took part in the activity to celebrate the holiday.

South Church, the oldest Catholic cathedral in Beijing, also staged four events in Mandarin on Saturday and Sunday, Liu said.

Li Liting, a worker at Faith Press in Shijiazhuang, capital of Heibei province, said the company did not hold any celebratory events but individuals were involved in many activities.

The Faith Press is a Catholic unit publishing newspapers in the region.

Li said his colleagues took part in some voluntary work in nearby churches.

He helped Yitang Church, in Shijiazhuang, organize a worship event on Sunday. Around 500 people participated.

"Unlike Christmas, the Easter holiday has many types of celebrations. Actually, we start the ceremony from Thursday," Li said.

Li said the tradition of Easter celebrations in Yitang Church dates to the 1990s.

In Shanghai, a public relations company employee named Yu said he took part in activities both in Chinese and English on Saturday and Sunday in a church.

Yu said churchgoers were offered Easter eggs decorated by children.

jinhaixing@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 04/01/2013 page5)