By Nicole Johnson
What is this intoxicating holiday of pastels, deviled eggs and chocolate bunnies that we Americans call “Easter”? Easter is more than just an excuse to eat ham and go on an Easter egg hunt; in fact, Easter marks the Resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day after his crucifixion at Calvary as described by the New Testament. Easter Sunday marks the end of Lent, a forty-day period of fasting, prayer and penance.
In America, Easter is typically celebrated amidst families with young children by parents designing elaborate Easter egg hunts and Easter baskets full of chocolate, money and colored plastic grass. The Easter Bunny is a famous gift-giving character, comparable to Santa Clause on Christmas Eve. The Monday following Easter, the President holds an annual Easter egg hunt on the White House front lawn, capping off a great Easter weekend.
While America seems to be the only country to turn Easter into a non-religious holiday, it is certainly not the only country to celebrate Easter. Orthodox Christians in Greece and the Middle East paint Easter eggs red to symbolize the blood of Christ, and Germans gave green eggs as gifts on Holy Thursday. In Canada, both Easter Sunday and Easter Monday are considered public holidays!
So there you have it folks, in case you were ever hoping for a quick rundown on Easter in the US! Have any traditions of your own? Feel free to comment down below!