When celebrating Easter, many opinions clash about how It is celebrated and what it means to each person. Many people celebrate at different levels of understanding and connection to the holiday. There is no wrong way of celebration, but are we celebrating something we don’t know? Knowing how others view it can make space for respect and understanding.
Understanding the core of Easter
Easter marks the day that Jesus Christ rose from the dead three days after he was crucified. He was crucified because he violated Sabbath laws, claimed to be the Son of God, and went against the Roman authority.
For Christians, the crucifixion of Jesus Christ is seen as a sacrifice from God in order to forgive people for their sins. Jesus is seen as someone who lived without sin, and while not deserving punishment, he voluntarily takes it.
Easter is the celebration of his resurrection from the dead and new life of forgiveness for sins. John 3:16 refers to God giving Jesus for humanity and promises them salvation.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” – John 3:16
This day is celebrated by many by going to church and having meals with families. The celebration of renewal for humanity and God’s mercy is celebrated in joy by many.
Christmas is celebrated in remembrance of Jesus’s birth, but Easter marks what his purpose and importance are to humanity. He is revered as the main reason that someone can be forgiven and reconcile with God.
Where do Easter eggs and the bunny come from?
As Easter was celebrated over time, pre-Christian European traditions were brought into the mix as well. This includes the Easter Bunny and Easter eggs.
The English etymology of the word Easter is skewed. For example, in some European languages, Easter is close to Easter. However, in other languages, the name is close to “Paschal”, which refers to Jewish Passover. Jesus’s death was during the Jewish passover.
Eostre is the Germanic goddess of dawn, spring, and fertility. The goddess was honored during the time of the spring equinox for the renewal of life. The English name of Easter may derive from this celebration. Eggs have been used as symbolic decorations because they represent life.
Bunnies and Hares represent high fertility and the creation of more offspring. In folklore, there is a story of an Easter Hare. Like Santa Claus bringing children gifts, the Hare brought eggs to children.
“Bunnies became mascots of the spring and even were given as offerings to pagan divinities around the spring equinox and throughout the season.” Candace Buckner of Virginia Tech said.
With Christianity coming to Europe, different traditions were also brought into how the holiday is celebrated. Correlations between renewal of nature and rebirth of spirituality have been intertwined, which affects how Easter is celebrated today.
Celebrating based on choice and interpretation
The history of Easter and how it is celebrated can be up for debate. Some people are not religious or believe in religion at all. They may partake in Easter by celebrating the coming of Spring. Rachel, a TikTok parenting influencer, does not believe in Christianity but still celebrates with her kids.
She states in her TikTok video that she was raised Christian but questions religion. Rachel celebrates with her kids by embracing the Easter Bunny and eggs. She made gift baskets for her children to enjoy.
“Just because my kids parents don’t believe in the traditional things that our community believes in, doesn’t mean that our kids have to miss out.” Rachel said.
(TikTok/rachonlife)
For TikTok influencer Chelsey Explores, she celebrates the week leading up to Easter on a spiritual level. She and her children have a dinner together where they eat food that Jesus may have eaten during his last meal.
She reads her children a story about how Jesus washed his friends’ feet and showed kindness to others. In the video, the Easter Bunny and egg decorations are seen in the room.
“Overall, I just reminded my kids that it’s a day about love, sharing and being a good friend just like Jesus was.” Chelsey said.
Knowing Easter and its traditions is what is important
Distinguishing the religious traditions regarding Christianity and pre-Christian symbolic Spring celebrations is crucial in knowing what you are celebrating. The day of Easter is about Jesus Christ and his importance to Christianity.
Things such as the Easter Bunny or eggs originate from other traditions celebrated at the same time. Throughout history, humans have connected outside meaning to their religion, and this is how things evolve.
No matter if someone celebrates differently or does not, it is good to know all aspects of the holiday for understanding. The best way to know what you are celebrating is to know the history and traditions involved.
