Do you love finding chocolate eggs hidden in the grass? What about the fluffy Easter Bunny leaving treats behind? Of course, you do! But have you ever stopped to think *why* we celebrate Easter?

Easter is a super cool holiday full of springtime fun, but it has a long and interesting history! For many people, it’s the holiest day of the year, celebrating the belief in the resurrection, or rising from the dead, of Jesus Christ, the founder of Christianity. This special day always happens on a Sunday in the spring, but the date moves around every year—it can fall anywhere between March 22nd and April 25th! Get ready to dig into the history behind the baskets and bunnies for kids!

Mira

Mira says:

"I love that Easter is all about new beginnings, just like spring! It’s neat how old traditions blend with new fun, like trading ancient history lessons for chocolate bunnies!"

What is Easter Really About?

At its heart, Easter celebrates a big, powerful event in the Christian faith: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christians believe that Jesus came to Earth to teach people how to live with love and kindness. The week leading up to Easter Sunday is called Holy Week, and it remembers the final days of Jesus' life.

It starts with Palm Sunday, when crowds welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem like a king, laying down palms for him to walk over! Then comes Good Friday, which remembers the day Jesus was crucified, or nailed to a cross. Finally, on Easter Sunday, Christians celebrate that three days later, Jesus rose from the dead! This is seen as conquering death and is the most important event in their faith.

Mind-Blowing Fact!

Some countries celebrate Easter on a different date because they use a different calendar than the one most of the world uses! Orthodox Christians often celebrate Easter a few weeks later.

How Does the Date Change Every Year?

Unlike your birthday, which is the same day every year, Easter Sunday is a moving target! It is determined by the moon and the start of spring. This is called using the lunar calendar.

The rule is: Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the full moon that happens on or after March 21st (the start of spring). Because the moon phases shift, the date changes, making it a movable feast!

1.9 Billion Dollars
Americans spend on Easter candy!
March 22 Earliest Date
Easter can fall on this date
April 25 Latest Date
Easter can fall on this date
90 Million Bunnies
Chocolate Easter Bunnies made annually!

How Did the Easter Bunny and Eggs Get Involved?

While the religious part of Easter is about resurrection, the fun stuff like bunnies and eggs comes from older traditions celebrating spring and new life. Eggs have been symbols of new life for a super long time!

The Easter Bunny is a bit like a holiday legend, too! The tradition of an egg-laying rabbit actually started with German families back in the 1600s. They told stories of a bunny who would bring treats and eggs to good children.

Egg Decorating Traditions

In ancient times, people decorated eggs using natural things like flower petals or onion peels to dye them. For many early Christians, decorating eggs became a way to symbolize the empty tomb from which Jesus rose.

Did you know that in Ukraine, decorated eggs are called *pysanka*, which means 'to write'? It shows that decorating eggs is an art form passed down through history!

💡 Did You Know?

The very first chocolate Easter egg was made in Bristol, UK, in 1873 by the Fry's chocolate company! That’s a long time before you were born, but maybe not as long as the pyramids!

🎯 Quick Quiz!

What is the main Christian reason for celebrating Easter Sunday?

A) To celebrate the first day of spring.
B) To eat lots of chocolate.
C) To celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
D) To remember the time Jesus gave a big speech.

Who Started the White House Easter Egg Roll?

If you think finding eggs in your backyard is fun, imagine hunting them on the huge lawn of the White House! This is a real tradition called the White House Easter Egg Roll.

It started way back in 1878 when President Rutherford B. Hayes allowed children to roll their eggs across the lawn on Easter Monday. It was so popular that it became an official tradition, with the First Lady planning the big event!

  • Pretzels are sometimes eaten because their twisted shape looks like arms folded in prayer or in Jesus' tomb!
  • In Germany, people used to burn their old Christmas trees to officially welcome the start of spring!
  • Some traditions say wearing new clothes on Easter brings you good luck for the rest of the year.

Whether you focus on the amazing historical story, the fun of hunting for hidden sweets, or just enjoying the first signs of spring, Easter is a holiday packed with history, hope, and happiness for kids and families everywhere!

Questions Kids Ask About Holidays & Traditions

Why is the date for Easter different every year?
Easter's date changes because it is calculated using the moon's cycle. It always falls on the first Sunday after the full moon that occurs on or after March 21st. This means it can land between March 22nd and April 25th.
Where did the Easter Bunny tradition come from?
The Easter Bunny tradition actually has roots in Germany in the 1600s. German immigrants brought the story to the US. The rabbit is an ancient symbol of fertility and new life, which fits with the spring season.
What is Good Friday?
Good Friday is the Friday before Easter Sunday. It remembers the day Christians believe Jesus was crucified on the cross. Many people see it as a 'Holy Friday' because of the sacrifice that was made.
What is the White House Easter Egg Roll?
The White House Easter Egg Roll is a fun event held on the lawn of the White House. It first began in 1878 when President Hayes let children roll their eggs there. It is now a huge yearly tradition!

Keep Exploring Spring's Secrets!

You’ve cracked the shell of Easter history! From ancient spring festivals to chocolate treats, this holiday has layers of stories. Now you know the 'why' behind the fun! Tune into History's Not Boring for more awesome history adventures!