Easter
Though you're probably still dressing in more layers than an onion and have forgotten what it's like not to have to warm your car up for ten minutes before going anywhere, Easter 
is right around the corner, bringing with it Peter Cottontail , egg scavenger hunts, and a delicious lamb or ham dinner . This year Easter falls on April 24, so don't get caught by surprise--start your planning now (with our help, of course!).
Brief History and Religious Importance
Easter is a time of celebration and renewal, filled with enjoyment for both religious and secular observers. The link between Easter and the exchange of dyed eggs among neighbors and friends is no modern phenomenon; ancient Egyptians and Persians initiated this practice thousands of years ago as a sign of gratitude for the coming of the spring season . Many years later, German settlers brought the mythology of the Easter Bunny and his penchant for leaving children colored eggs, to the United States, making it a holiday staple ever since.
Easter is the most important feast day in the Christian tradition, celebrating the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ . The days leading up to Easter have great spiritual significance and are regarded as some of the holiest days of the liturgical calendar . Therefore, practicing Christians typically spend the Easter period attending church services, both solemn and joyous; these culminate in the Easter Sunday Mass.
Edibles and Other Treats
For both Christians and non-Christians, Easter Sunday is a day when baskets filled with candy and small gifts are exchanged, and children are given the chance to dirty their Sunday outfits while they hunt for hidden eggs with their family and friends.
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Candy Candy is essential for Easter success. You'll be able to give sweets to coworkers for a nice "thinking of you" gift, or you can stuff your children's baskets with goodies. Plus, any of the extras are always good for snacking. |
Jelly Beans These colorful sweets are perfect for the spring weather! They come in dozens of flavors and add extra flair to Easter baskets or goodie bags. |
Easter Eggs Colored eggs are one of the longest standing Easter traditions out there. For a great activity, grab an egg dyeing kit and decorate eggs the day before Easter. It's a great way to get in touch with your creativity and involve the whole family. |
The Significance of Easter Symbols
By the time the First Council of Nicaea had convened in 325 AD to decide upon some of the central tenets of the early Christian Church, many of the symbols that would come to be inextricably associated with Easter had already been well-established by earlier pagan groups. The Christian leaders at Nicaea determined that Easter would fall each year between March 22 and April 25, coinciding with the Jewish celebration of Passover and the coming of spring.
For pagans and Christians alike, spring was regarded as a time of fertility and rebirth. The anticipation of an end to the winter freeze was welcomed by the appearance of new life and a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus. Below we will highlight some of the most lasting Easter symbols and discuss their relevance to both Christians and non-Christians.
| Rabbits |
- Rabbits: The rabbit is one of the most abundant reproducers in nature and thus is a natural choice for a symbol of new life. In the Germanic, pagan tradition, the goddess Ostara or Eostre, a possible etymological origin for the name Easter, was associated with both the hare and fertility, and was revered as the deity of the spring month corresponding with April.
- Easter Bunny: The tradition of the Easter Bunny is also believed to have its origins in German folklore. German children were encouraged to hide their hats or bonnets in the hope that when they found them on Easter morning , they would discover a cache of treats. Similar to the story of Santa Claus, only well-behaved children would receive the special surprises. German settlers are thought to have introduced these ideas when they settled in the United States in the 1700's.
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| Eggs |
- Eggs: Eggs are a perennial symbol of fertility, new life , and rebirth, and have been exchanged for thousands of years as a recognition of the coming of spring. For many early Christians, eggs were considered something of a privilege--Pope Gregory the Great forbade their consumption during the months of Lent, which ends on Easter Sunday.
- Easter Eggs: In addition to representing fertility and birth, Easter eggs became associated with the tomb from which Jesus rose following his crucifixion, thus they are now seen as symbols of the Resurrection. That is why during most Easter egg hunts, children will find some empty eggs mixed into their otherwise abundant baskets.
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| Cross and Lamb |
- Cross: The cross, or crucifix, is a universal symbol of the Christian faith. According to Christian scripture, Jesus Christ was nailed to the cross , where he died for the sins of all humanity. His death and subsequent resurrection underlie the entire Easter celebration--around this time, many crosses can be seen with a purple robe draped across the arms, symbolic of Christ's presence.
- Lamb: In Christian texts and prayers, Jesus is often referred to as the Lamb of God, the one chosen to take away the sins of the world. The lamb is an essential symbol for many Christians and often associated with Easter.
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| Flowers and Bells |
- Flowers: Since many flowers bloom in the spring, especially daffodils and tulips, there is an obvious association with new life and with Easter . Lilies, however, are specifically regarded as symbols of the Resurrection and can often be found in religious paintings, Easter flags , and other decorations and gifts.
- Bells: In several Western European countries, Easter bells are rung from church and cathedral towers, signifying the resurrection of Christ on the Easter holiday.
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Non-Edibles
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Easter Baskets Easter baskets are a great way to give gifts and candy to the people in your life. Kids are especially enthusiastic about finding an Easter basket, so check out some of these colorful or traditional options. You can fill these different baskets with candy treats and small Easter surprises, including Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs ,Snicker's Minis , or white chocolate bunnies .
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Easter Gifts Easter isn't just about the edibles. If you're planning to attend an Easter party, be sure to bring one of these gifts with you. |
Easter Decorations While gifts are a necessary part of attending parties, decorating is a host's duty. Be sure to grab some of these and create a festive environment for your guests. |
Clothing
Every parent knows that as soon as the Easter egg hunt is underway, the neckties are sure to come off and the pink dresses will quickly be covered in grass stains and chocolate. Get your pictures in early, so that in a couple of years your kids can still cringe every time you reach for the photo album --especially when their dates stop by.
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Girls' Clothing Whether you're attending a church service or just hosting a family get-together, a beautiful Easter dress is always appropriate. |
Boys' Clothing Even the rowdiest of young boys will stand a little straighter in a smart-looking black or navy suit. |
Baby and Infant Clothing Just because they're too young to understand what's going on doesn't mean they can't look as cute as a button for pictures. |
Bunny Ears Easter just wouldn't be the same without a pair of plush bunny ears.
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