What do we mean by the Octave of Easter?

The Octave of Easter is the 8 day period in Easter time that starts on Easter Sunday and concludes with the following Sunday.

What is the reason for an Octave?  
The reason is simple. The mystery is so profound that the Church wants it celebrated for more than a 24 hour period. In this way people get a chance to engage in the mystery all the more. 

In short, each day of the octave is celebrated as if it were the feast/solemnity itself!

Let us celebrate each of these next 7 days as we did on Easter Sunday, with special moments of prayer and added festivity.

Happy Easter!
Fr. Matt