As Easter Sunday nears, Christians everywhere — in every country, state, and city — make plans to celebrate the miraculous resurrection of Jesus Christ. After all, Easter is the most important holiday of the Christian faith, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the vernal equinox and celebrates the end of Holy Week, which commemorates the last days leading up to Christ’s Crucifixion and Resurrection.
Easter is often considered the “Super Bowl of Christian holidays” because of the life-changing story Easter tells. Christ’s resurrection is the “first article of faith” for early Christians. It is an expression of their faith in overcoming death, and ultimately a place of wonderful opportunity for hope in eternal life. This happened three days after the Romans crucified Jesus in 30 A.D. This occurrence can be regarded as the most important story that creates interest within Christian religion.
Easter is a moveable feast, meaning the date can be very far apart—anywhere from March 22 to April 25, inclusive. This variability is due to its reliance on lunar cycles— the first full moon after the vernal equinox. As we approach the end of the sacred year cycle in 2024, millions are preparing. They consider its importance not only as a diversion, religious observance and escape but as an opportunity for joyous commemoration.
“Easter basically means the triumph over death.” – Nadieszda Kizenko, director of religious studies at the University at Albany
For most Christians, Easter is a day of hope and joy that goes well beyond the sacred. Indigenous communities are steeped in tradition, from their families’ homes to their dining tables adorned with unique and colorful cuisine. Another well-known tradition is painting eggs. This tradition has deep roots in ancient Middle Eastern cultures, who dyed eggs with onion skins. This practice would get everyone accustomed to eating eggs after their 40-day Lent fast. As you may know, the season of Lent culminates in Easter Sunday.
One of these other well-known symbols tied to Easter, the Easter Bunny, actually finds its origins in German folklore. This character came to the United States with the founding generation, at least by the late 18th century. Since then, it has transformed into a totem of the holiday. As the animal associated with fertility and renewal, the Easter Bunny has symbolic importance stretching back well before the arrival of Christianity. The current custom of an Easter Bunny who brings eggs and candy symbolizes a more secularized view of the holiday.
“Fertility means new life,” – Ulrich Lehner, theology professor at the University of Notre Dame
The traditions surrounding Easter show the holiday’s twofold character—a profoundly religious holiday that has been fused with cultural celebrations. While many focus on the resurrection of Christ, others celebrate with traditions that emphasize new beginnings and rebirth.
Easter Sunday is one of the most important days in the Christian calendar, balancing meaningful quiet reflection with exuberant worship and praise. This annual observance is a powerful reminder of the core principles of our faith and continues to bring hope, healing, and renewal to believers around the world.
“It’s the church’s highest feast, because, without it, there will be no church.” – Ulrich Lehner, theology professor at the University of Notre Dame
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