Easter

## What is Easter? Easter is a significant Christian festival that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, which is described in the New Testament as occurring on the third day following his crucifixion. This event is central to Christian belief, symbolizing the triumph of life over death and the promise of eternal life for believers. Easter is celebrated as the culmination of the Passion of Jesus, which includes his suffering, death, and resurrection, and it concludes the Lenten season, a period of fasting and reflection. ## When is Easter？ Easter does not have a fixed date and is classified as a "[moveable feast](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter#:~:text=Easter%20and%20its,%5B17%5D)." It is traditionally observed on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox, which is around March 21. This means that Easter can fall anywhere between March 22 and April 25. For example, in 2024, Easter will be celebrated on March 31. ## Traditional Activities of Easter ### Religious Observances **Attend Church Services**: Many Christians attend special [church services](https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/g16765061/easter-traditions/#:~:text=For%20followers%20of,celebrate%20for%20centuries.) on Easter Sunday, including sunrise services that symbolize the resurrection of Jesus. These services often feature hymns, prayers, and the Paschal greeting, "Christ is risen!" with the response, "He is risen indeed". **Easter Vigil**: The [Easter Vigil](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter#:~:text=Palm%20Sunday%2C%20Maundy,%5B108%5D) is a significant liturgical service held on the night before Easter Sunday, marking the end of Lent and the beginning of Easter celebrations. It includes the lighting of the Paschal candle and readings from the Bible. ### Family and Community Activities **Easter Egg Hunts**: Children often participate in Easter egg hunts, searching for hidden eggs filled with candy or small toys. This tradition symbolizes new life and the resurrection. **Dyeing and Decorating Eggs**: [Decorating eggs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter#:~:text=Easter%20traditions%20vary,region%20and%20culture.) is a popular activity, with families often dyeing eggs in vibrant colors. This custom has deep historical roots and is a fun way to engage children in the holiday. **Easter Baskets**: Many families prepare [Easter baskets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter#:~:text=In%20the%20Eastern%20Orthodox%20Church%20Easter%20eggs%20are%20blessed%20by%20a%20priest%5B160%5D%20both%20in%20families%27%20baskets%20together%20with%20other%20foods%20forbidden%20during%20Great%20Lent%20and%20alone%20for%20distribution%20or%20in%20church%20or%20elsewhere.) filled with candy, toys, and sometimes a stuffed Easter Bunny. The baskets are often hidden for children to find on Easter morning. **Easter Brunch or Dinner**: Families gather for festive meals, which may include traditional dishes such as [ham](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/holidays-celebrations/g35450759/easter-traditions/#:~:text=31,a%20big%20family.), lamb, or special baked goods like hot cross buns. Sharing a meal is a way to celebrate togetherness during the holiday. ### Fun and Festive Activities 1. **Easter Parades**: In many places, Easter [parades](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter#:~:text=Additional%20customs%20that,region%20and%20culture.) are held, where people dress in their best outfits, often featuring Easter bonnets, and celebrate the holiday in a festive atmosphere. ### Shopping Activities Purchasing [Easter baskets](https://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/holidays/easter-traditions-explained#:~:text=Easter%20baskets%2C%20and,of%20the%20celebration%3F) filled with candies, chocolates, and small gifts Buying colorful eggs and themed decorations for Easter egg hunts Shopping for new spring clothes and outfits to wear on Easter Sunday Visiting supermarkets and grocery stores as the primary shopping destinations for Easter items, with [87%](https://www.resonio.com/blog/consumer-behavior-easter/#:~:text=The%20traditional%20shopping,out%20of%20tradition.) of consumers preferring in-person shopping Focusing on candy and chocolate purchases, with 90% of consumers buying these sweet treats for Easter Purchasing other Easter-themed gifts, with [56%](https://www.resonio.com/blog/consumer-behavior-easter/#:~:text=Easter%2Dthemed%20purchases%20are%20very%20popular%3A%2090%25%20of%20respondents%20focus%20on%20candy%20or%20chocolate%2C%20while%2056%25%20also%20purchase%20other%20Easter%2Dthemed%20gifts.%20It%20is%20the%20combination%20of%20sweet%20indulgence%2C%20Easter%20gifts%20and%20festive%20flair%20that%20gives%20Easter%20its%20unique%20character.) of consumers buying these items Relying on in-store signage as the primary source of information for Easter offers, with 42% of consumers using this method Sending Easter baskets to neighbors as a way to spread joy and connect with the community Shopping online for Easter decorations, clothing, gifts, and ornaments from various retailers Buying healthy Easter treats for the whole family, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and homemade baked goods ## The History of Easter ### Origins and Early Celebrations Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is described in the New Testament as occurring three days after his crucifixion around [30 AD](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter#:~:text=Easter%2C%5B,AD.%5B). In the early years of Christianity, Easter was celebrated differently across various regions and denominations. There was no fixed date for the observance. ### Determining the Date of Easter In [325 AD](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter#:~:text=First%20Council%20of%20Nicaea%20(325%20AD)), the Council of Nicaea established that Easter would be held on the first Sunday after the full moon which occurs on or just after the spring equinox around March 21. This formula led to Easter being celebrated between March 22 and April 25. However, the Eastern Orthodox Church uses a different calendar, resulting in a later date for Easter in some years. ### Liturgical Observance Easter is preceded by the 40-day period of Lent, a time of fasting and penance. The week before Easter is known as Holy Week, with [Holy Thursday](https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/04/09/easter-history-christian-holy-day/11612904002/#:~:text=%22Early%20Christians%20celebrated,resurrection%20of%20Jesus) commemorating the Last Supper and Good Friday marking Jesus' crucifixion. The Easter Vigil, held on Holy Saturday, is a significant liturgical service that marks the end of Lent and the beginning of Easter celebrations. ### Secular Traditions The word "Easter" is derived from the name of the [Anglo-Saxon goddess Eostre](https://www.christianity.org.uk/article/the-history-of-easter#:~:text=In%20most%20countries,they%20become%20Christians.), who was celebrated in the spring. This pagan connection led to the incorporation of certain symbols like eggs and rabbits, which were associated with fertility and new life. Decorating eggs, the Easter Bunny, and Easter baskets filled with candy are popular secular traditions that have become associated with the holiday over time.

Easter - Next Year

How many days until?