History of Easter 

Every Spring, millions of people around the country celebrate the holiday – Easter.  Although most people still honor Easter as a religious holiday, it has also become commercialized.  For instance, children love coloring eggs, parents buy bunnies, and of course, everyone gets chocolate. 

Easter is in celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Son of God who was crucified on the cross.  Easter starts the week before with what is called Palm Sunday, a day when Jesus rode a donkey into the town of Jerusalem with people placing palm leaves on the path.  Then, the Friday before Easter is known as Good Friday to remember the death of Christ. 

Easter is celebrated every first Sunday following the full moon, which usually occurs on or shortly thereafter March 21 although it could be well into the month of April.  This holiday often goes with the Passover, a Jewish holiday that lasts for eight days to honor the freedom and escape of the Jewish people from Egyptian slavery. 

Again, while Easter is associated with Christ, most people go out to eat at a nice restaurant while children hunt for Easter eggs.  You see, during ancient times, an Easter bunny was the symbol of fertility.  As far as the colored eggs, which are plastic eggs filled with goodies or commercially wrapped eggs these are representative of springtime or new life. 

While people choose to celebrate Easter in somewhat different ways, it remains one of the most beloved of all holidays.  Between Easter baskets, chocolate candy, bunnies, dinner, prayer, sunrise church services, and so on, it is no wonder that Easter is such a special time for families. 

Interestingly, many families gather during the Easter holiday, not getting together any other time of the year.  With this holiday being sentimental and with a religious background, Easter seems to bring people together.  Of course, children love Easter and while they may not fully understand its meaning at a young age, they soon discover the true meaning of Easter and all the beautiful things it represents.