Easter, celebrated by millions worldwide, marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ over 2,000 years ago, a cornerstone event of Christianity that symbolizes hope and renewal. Rooted in the biblical narrative, Easter commemorates Jesus rising from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion, an event recounted in the New Testament and celebrated on the first Sunday following the full moon after the spring equinox.
The holiday’s timing is deeply connected to the Jewish Passover, as the crucifixion and resurrection occurred during Passover week. Early Christians linked Easter to Passover’s themes of liberation and new life, with the term “Pascha” deriving from the Aramaic and Hebrew word for Passover.
The date of Easter has been historically debated, with early church councils, such as the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, establishing that Easter should always fall on a Sunday to honor the resurrection.
While Easter’s spiritual meaning is profound, many of its popular customs have fascinating origins that blend Christian and ancient pagan traditions. The word “Easter” itself may derive from Ēostre or Ostara, a Germanic goddess of spring and fertility, celebrated in April with feasts welcoming the rebirth of nature.
Among the most beloved Easter symbols are eggs and rabbits, both ancient icons of fertility and new life. Eggs have symbolized birth and resurrection for millennia; Christians adopted the egg as a representation of Jesus emerging from the tomb, with the shell symbolizing the sealed tomb and the yolk the resurrected Christ. The tradition of decorating eggs dates back to at least the 13th century and was linked to the end of Lent fasting when eggs were once forbidden.
The Easter Bunny, a whimsical figure delivering eggs to children, originated from 17th-century German Protestant folklore. The “Osterhase” or Easter Hare was believed to lay and hide eggs for well-behaved children, a tradition brought to America by German immigrants in the 18th century and popularized across Western cultures.
Rabbits and hares, prolific breeders in spring, symbolized fertility and the earth’s renewal, and their association with the Virgin Mary in medieval Christian art linked them to themes of purity and miraculous birth.
Today, Easter blends solemn religious observance with joyful customs like egg hunts and festive meals, reflecting a rich history of faith, culture, and seasonal celebration. Whether attending church services, sharing chocolate eggs, or enjoying springtime gatherings, Easter remains a vibrant holiday that honors both ancient traditions and the enduring message of resurrection and hope.
