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The seventh day of Passover is not an independent holiday; rather it is an extension of the first days of Passover. [As opposed to the holiday of Shmini Atzeret which follows Sukkot, but is an independent holiday.] Therefore, the Shehecheyanu blessing is not recited when lighting the holiday candles or by the Kiddush. This blessing is reserved for "new" holidays.
On the night of the Seventh of Passover, many have the custom of remaining awake the entire night. This is because on this night the Jewish people were awake, crossing the Red Sea and experiencing tremendous Divine revelations.
On the morning of the seventh day of Passover we read from the Torah about the crossing of the Red Sea, and we all rise and listen to the song which the Jews sang after witnessing this incredible miracle.
The eighth day of Passover (only applicable in the Diaspora), known as Acharon shel Pesach, is devoted to Moshiach. In the Haftorah we read beautiful prophecies concerning Moshiach and the Messianic Era. The Baal Shem Tov instituted the practice of eating a special meal, eaten on the afternoon of this day, which is dedicated to the coming of Moshiach. It is Chabad custom to drink four cups of wine (or grape-juice) at this meal.
Footnotes
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Editor's Comment
Celebrating the Seder on the wrong night is like having a wedding reception without the bride or groom in attendance. It is a nice gesture, but without a bride and groom it is not a wedding. Similarly, a Seder is only a Seder when it is celebrated in its Divinely appointed time: the anniversary of our Exodus from Egypt.
Don't despair, however, the 7th day of Passover is a holiday in its own right, and is celebrated with a grand holiday feast, Passover songs and words of Torah. So while a Seder is uncalled for, I think I hear a festive meal calling your name. Enjoy!
