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This weekend we celebrate Easter, a spring holiday that has some religious roots that have spread into some secular traditions. While its origins are firmly rooted in Christianity, the way Easter is observed today blends religious customs with more playful, family-friendly activities like egg hunts and visits from the Easter Bunny. This mix of traditions raises an interesting question; how did Easter evolve into what it is today?

At its core, Easter is the most important celebration in the Christian calendar.

It commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which, according to Christian belief, occurred three days after his crucifixion. This resurrection is seen as a symbol of hope, renewal, and eternal life. Easter marks the conclusion of the Passion of Christ, a significant period in Christianity that includes events leading up to Jesus’s death and resurrection. This 40-day period is known as Lent, during which many Christians fast, reflect, and engage in acts of sacrifice or prayer. The Friday before Easter is known as Good Friday, the day that memorializes the crucifixion. Many Christians attend church services on both Good Friday and Easter Sunday to honor and reflect on these pivotal events in the religion.

Unlike holidays that fall on a fixed date, Easter Sunday changes from year to year.

It always takes place in the spring, between March 22 and April 25. The specific date is determined based on the lunar calendar—it is celebrated on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox. In 2025, for example, Easter falls on April 20^th.

Not all of Easter’s traditions are religious based.

While Easter’s religious significance is well-known, many of its modern traditions have roots that predate Christianity. Several customs, such as decorating eggs and the Easter Bunny, originate from ancient pagan festivals that celebrated fertility and the arrival of spring. In pagan cultures, eggs symbolized new life and rebirth, making them a fitting symbol for springtime celebrations. Over time, this symbolism was woven into the Easter narrative, where decorated eggs came to represent Jesus’s resurrection and the promise of new beginnings.

The Easter Bunny, one of the most beloved symbols of the holiday, has a more mysterious origin.

Though its exact beginnings are unclear, the rabbit has long been associated with fertility and spring in various cultures. The version we recognize today, an anthropomorphic bunny that delivers candy-filled eggs and small gifts to children, likely developed from a mix of European folklore. In many ways, the Easter Bunny has become to Easter what Santa Claus is to Christmas: a magical figure who adds a fun, whimsical element to the holiday.

Today, Easter is celebrated in many different ways around the world. For some, it remains a deeply spiritual occasion marked by prayer and reflection. For others, it is a cheerful spring festival filled with chocolate, egg hunts, and time spent with family. Regardless of how it is observed, Easter continues to be a meaningful and joyous time for people of all backgrounds.