Easter is probably the most important Christian holiday on the calender because it commemorates Christ's resurrection from the dead. But like many other religious holidays, Easter has incorporated many traditions from pagan beliefs and pre-Christian rites of seasonal regeneration.
The word Easter has Indo-European roots and means "dawn". This is a direct reference to the pagan goddess of dawn and new life. The egg, a symbol of Easter is a sign of fertility which reflects ancient spring renewal rites and beliefs that have be absorbed into the Christian tradition. Even the Easter bunny who brings the eggs was the escort of the Germanic goddess Ostara which had a holiday named after her that fell on the vernail equinox. This serves to underscore the pagan elements that still remain a part of this quintessential Christian holy day.
In the United States Easter is celebrated in several ways. On Easter morning children begin their day by looking for Easter eggs that the Easter bunny has hidden for them. Of course most children know that the eggs were hidden by their parents and not the Easter bunny. Many children help their parents color the Easter eggs knowing that soon they will be eating them as a snack on Easter day.
Some cities have Easter egg hunts at the local parks. And of course, many people attend "Sunrise Services" at their local church. In fact, more people go to church on Easter Sunday than at any other time of the year. After church families gather and have a big holiday feast.
Easter also marks the coming of spring. People are usually happy that winter is over. Parks are usually full of people who want to get outside and enjoy the freash air that is associated with spring time. To learn more about Easter follow the links below.
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Easter pictures to print and color. Read more about Easter
Links to other Easter websites
