Easter for many Christians is a time for celebration and remembrance. The date of Easter is considered a movable feast that falls after the spring equinox (March 20 or 21) and before the 25th of April on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the equinox. In modern day the event is always celebrated on a Sunday and the week prior is considered a Holy Week starting with Psalm Sunday. Easter celebration is in remembrance of the resurrection of Jesus after he rose from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion.
Many traditions are universal or customary for this religious holiday and are founded by many secular events. The following will provide a few common traditions to include dinner, Easter Baskets, and others.

Easter Dinner Celebrations

Planning a dinner requires logistics for food preparation, location, and invitations. Easter dinner is often shared with family and friends on Easter Sunday to mark the special occasion and renewed life. The coming of spring was also cause of this celebration and many of the foods used during the celebration have historical significance not necessarily rooted in religious meaning.

Easter Dinner and Desert Ideas

• Honey Ham
• Roast Lamb
• Potato Salad
• Scalloped Potatoes
• Deviled Eggs
• Green Beans
• Asparagus
• Peas
• Artichokes
• Baked Beans
• Hot Cross Buns
• Chocolate Easter Bunny Cake
• Easter Bunny Cupcakes
• Ice Cream with Fresh Strawberries
• Strawberry Pie
• Carrot Cake
• Sugar Cookies
• Kulich (Traditional Russian Easter Bread)
• Polish Easter babka
• Hard Boiled Eggs
• English Muffin Toasting Bread
• Pretzels

Easter Basket Ideas

Easter Baskets originate from various sources. The fertility godddess Eostre (or Oestre) was often depicted carrying a basket of eggs. The eggs symbolized the rebirth and the arrival of spring. The tradition of filling a basket became more popular during the 20th century although the tradition had been around since at least the 17th century. Today, people can purchase pre-filled baskets at Walmart, Meijer, Walgreens, or local vendors, or filling it can be a fun and creative endeavor. Themes, religious meaning, and creative fun can all be included in this spring-time tradition. Children are typically the recipients of the Easter baskets, but adults can share in the fun as well.

Easter Activities for Children

• Hard Boiled / Coloring Easter Eggs
• Easter Egg Hunt
• Making Place Settings
• Easter and Spring Crafts
• Easter Plays at Church
• Easter Songs

Easter Bunny

The tradition of the Easter Bunny is relatively new in the modern world. Seeing someone dressed up in a large bunny costume of light blue, pink or white is not uncommon around Easter. The tradition is often credited to the Germans who used the Osterhase in celebrations. The Osterhase was believed to drop chocolate eggs for good little children to find in the gardens or would leave treats in the bonnets or nest children would build. The tradition has evolved as most traditions and the Easter Bunny leaves treats in a child’s Easter Basket. Not a typical religious symbol, but rather a figure associated with Oestre because rabbits and hares are considered highly futile and the goddess of fertility was often shown with hares by her side.

Spring brings a renewal of life and along with it the Christian celebration of Easter. Planning and preparing for a special celebration with family and friends can help to create lasting memories for years to come.

Do you have any traditions you would like to share? Please feel free to share your store with our readers.