A brief history of Easter—from biblical origins to egg hunts
Bunnies made of cookies. Lilies and daffodils in bouquets. I'm on the lookout for colored eggs. For many people, Easter is the unofficial start of spring, but for Christians all over the world, it is the most significant holiday of the year.
Easter commemorates the cornerstone event of the Christian church: Jesus Christ's resurrection, which Christians believe fulfilled the biblical prophecy of a messiah who will rise from the dead and give everlasting life to those who believe in him.
The holiday occurs at the close of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and repentance that culminates in Holy Week, which commemorates the biblical events surrounding Jesus' persecution, crucifixion, and death. Palm Sunday, Holy or Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter are all part of Holy Week.
The tale is told in the New Testament. Jesus of Nazareth, miraculously born and prophesied to be both son of God and king of the Jews, has developed a reputation as a rabble-rousing minister, miracle worker, and advocate for the poor and oppressed who attracts a following of devoted followers and disciples.
However, Jesus' popularity pits him against Roman authorities and religious hardliners who oppose his teachings and ministry. When Jesus enters Jerusalem triumphantly, a crowd of acolytes welcomes him with palm branches (Palm Sunday). Jesus expects that one of his disciples would betray him during a meal with his disciples, later known as the Last Supper, and invites his disciples to eat bread and drink wine in memory of him.
Jesus is put to the test, and he fails. Pontius Pilate, the Roman provincial governor, decides to execute Jesus because the crowd has turned against him. And, as a common criminal, Jesus is crucified (nailed to a cross alive). He dies and is buried in a tomb on Good Friday, where his body remains for the rest of the day (Holy Saturday).
On Sunday, however, his mourners will find his tomb empty. Jesus has been raised from the dead. Easter is observed on that day.
Christians commemorate Easter in a number of ways, including Protestant sunrise services and Catholics' Easter Vigil, an ancient liturgy and baptismal rite held on Holy Saturday night. Since their faith is based on the Julian calendar, Orthodox Christians observe Easter 13 days later than other Christians.
Easter has been entwined with pagan spring festivals over time. The Easter Bunny, a folk symbol of spring who bears eggs that symbolize new life, is a common tradition. According to one hypothesis, the practice began in Germany, but the jury is still out. In either event, modern Easter celebrations include Easter egg hunting, egg decorating, and candy consumption. (For more information, see Easter customs from around the world.)
So are ostentatious garments. Just as Easter became commercialized in the 1870s and 1880s, American store windows began to represent the increasingly ostentatious decor on American altars. Themes were then represented in women's garments by milliners and dressmakers. As a result, Easter fashions—particularly show-stopping Easter bonnets—became popular among American women, prompting annual "Easter Parades" in which well-dressed city elite paraded in public.
Because of the latest coronavirus, those who celebrate Easter this year will have to do so at home. Easter will become a virtual event in places like Italy and the United States, with masses broadcast live through Zoom and other streaming services.
We hope that this post helps you with the history of Easter as well as why is Easter Day celebrated.
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