Risus Paschalis

Beyond the Lectionary: Holy Humor Sunday
On the Sunday following Easter, congregations around the world will engage in a ritual called “Holy Laughter.”

In Latin, risus translates into the English word "laughter" and Paschalis is "Easter." Side by side, the words say "Easter laugh."

With the preparation, busyness and, of course, fasting during Holy Week, and with the seriousness born out of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and the solemn approach to the tomb early Easter Sunday, there was little room for joy leading up to Easter. 

That solemnity, however, was transformed into rejoicing with the news that "He is risen!" on Easter morning. The celebration did not cease Sunday, but instead often flowed over into Monday. The Monday after Easter, sometimes referred to as Easter Monday, then became a day of rejoicing, laughter and merriment, perhaps because the clergy, after a long Holy Week, could finally have a break. These practices go back as far as A.D. 385, connecting them to Saint Gregory of Nyssa.

Early Christian leaders who celebrated Risus Paschalis often told jokes and uplifting, lighthearted stories in the days following Easter. ...