History of Easter
Easter is one of the most widely celebrated holidays around the world. It is a time for Christians to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and for families to come together and enjoy traditions like egg hunts, decorating eggs, and spending time with loved ones. In this blog post, we will delve into the history and traditions of Easter and explore how it is celebrated in the US.
Easter has its roots in the Jewish holiday of Passover. According to the Bible, Jesus was crucified and buried just before the Jewish holiday of Passover. Three days later, he rose from the dead, which is celebrated as Easter Sunday. The date of Easter is determined by the first full moon after the spring equinox, which can fall between March 22 and April 25.
Palm Sunday
The Sunday before Easter is known as Palm Sunday. This day commemorates Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. According to the Bible, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, and the crowds waved palm branches to welcome him. Many churches distribute palm branches to their congregants to commemorate this event.
Good Friday
The Friday before Easter Sunday is known as Good Friday. This day commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Many Christians attend church services and participate in reenactments of the crucifixion. In addition, some churches hold a Tenebrae service, which involves the gradual extinguishing of candles to symbolize the darkness that came over the earth at the time of Christ’s death.
US Traditions
In the US, Easter is often associated with the Easter bunny and egg hunts. The Easter bunny tradition originated in Germany and was brought to the US by German immigrants in the 1700s. The Easter bunny is said to lay eggs and hide them for children to find on Easter morning. The tradition of decorating eggs also has roots in Germany, where eggs were traditionally decorated with bright colors to celebrate spring.
Easter is also a time for families to come together and enjoy a meal. For example, many families serve ham or lamb, which are traditional Easter dishes. Easter baskets filled with candy and toys are also popular in the US.
Easter is a time for Christians to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and for families to come together and enjoy traditions like egg hunts, decorating eggs, and spending time with loved ones. Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus, while Palm Sunday commemorates his triumphant entry into Jerusalem. In the US, Easter is often associated with the Easter bunny, egg hunts, family meals, and Easter baskets. Whether you celebrate Easter for religious reasons or enjoy the traditions, it is a time to celebrate the arrival of spring and the hope of new beginnings. If you are looking for a depiction of Jesus’s life in a relatable way for today, check out the series The Chosen, chronicling Jesus’s life through his ministry with his chosen Apostles.
