ALT-1 Easter Traditions
There are different traditions that are associated with Easter. There are religious traditions as well as traditions with no background in religion whatsoever. This article will attempt to draw a line between the two and will also contain some overlaps. First though, we need to get a bit of history behind Easter, and for that we turn to the Christian Bible.
Generally speaking when Christians speak of Easter, there is one thing on their minds: Jesus was raised from the dead. This is the key doctrine of Christianity and the reason that Christians celebrate Easter. In short, we are told that Jesus died on the cross and was buried in a tomb. After three days had passed, some of Jesus’ disciples had gone to anoint His body with spices only to discover that His body was in fact missing. In place of the dead body was a man dressed in dazzling white clothes who told them that Jesus had risen, and where they could find Him. For more information on the very first Easter see the 16th chapter of Mark in the Bible.
Today Christians of all denominations celebrate Easter as Jesus being raised. Each church within Christianity holds an Easter service that is filled with love and Scripture readings. They sing songs to their Savior and have fellowship with one another afterward. Some churches take it up one notch and add some sort of dramatic skit to the worship service which teaches the pew goers visually, enabling them to have a better understanding of what happened on the cross. Also depending on the church, there might be what is called a sunrise service which associates the rising of the body with the sun followed by fellowship.
After the time of worship is over these Christians will go to their respective homes and depending on their background will either feast or fast (although those that are not professing Christians also have a large Easter feast). For those households that feast, the traditional dinner of ham, potatoes, corn, and other leafy vegetables will usually be eaten. Sometimes turkey is also eaten—in addition to or in replacement of the ham—and is an acceptable meat to eat on Easter.
Another tradition that can be eaten is a delectable brunch. A brunch is a meal that can take place anytime between mid morning to mid afternoon where both breakfast and lunch is served. Some families like to go out to a fancy restaurant for brunch while others like to make it themselves in the comfort of their own homes.
On the more secular side of the line (although practiced by some professing Christians as well) is what is known as Easter egg hunts. This fun tradition takes place when the parents of children hide eggs—either hardboiled or plastic with goodies inside—and let the children run amuck in order to find the eggs. It is all in good fun and there are no losers here. More creative parents have their children go play in a different room while hiding the eggs; then after the last one is hidden the children are informed that the Easter bunny has just arrived pushing the threshold of excitement further.
Another fun tradition on Easter is the look on the children’s faces as they tear through their Easter baskets filled with candy and toys. Sometimes parents hide Easter baskets early in the morning then watch intently as the children try to find them—and of course the Easter bunny is to blame for the hidden basket which adds to the thrill of the hunt.
There are many traditions that take place on Easter Sunday some of them are religious and some are not. Many can be practiced by both the secular and religious. The true meaning of Easter continues to be the celebration of the risen Messiah, while Easter eggs and bunnies really have no meaning for the holiday. Of course these things are fun for kids and parents alike.
