Easter — a season of sober reflection. A time when Christians commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The story behind this celebration is as old as time itself, with both pagan and Christian roots. I know that might sound surprising, but stay with me. Let’s walk through both sides of its origin in a simple way.

To begin with, Easter is one of the most important festivals in the Christian faith. It marks the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which took place in Jerusalem about 2,000 years ago. According to the Bible, Jesus was crucified on a Friday and rose from the dead on the Sunday that followed.For Christians, this resurrection is the foundation of their faith. In the book of Acts, Peter - one of Jesus’ disciples and an eyewitness, spoke boldly to a crowd, saying: “You handed Him over to be killed and you disowned Him before Pilate… You killed the author of life, but God raised Him from the dead. We are witnesses of this.” Because the resurrection happened on a Sunday, early Christians began gathering on that day each week to pray and worship. However, it took time before Easter Sunday became an established annual celebration. Even then, Christians in different parts of the world observed it at different times and in different ways.
Churches celebrate Easter Day by praising God for raising Jesus from the dead and by honoring Christian martyrs - those who chose death rather than deny their faith. In some traditions, it is also a special day for baptizing new believers, who are often dressed in white as a symbol of new life and purity. Christians often refer to the week leading up to Easter as Holy Week. In Western Christianity, it begins with Palm Sunday, marking Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. The week includes Spy Wednesday, which remembers His betrayal, Maundy Thursday, which marks the Last Supper, and Good Friday, the day of His crucifixion and death. All these events lead to Easter Sunday, the celebration of His resurrection. In Eastern Christianity, these same events are observed, often with names that begin with “Holy” or “Holy and Great,” and Easter itself may be called the Great and Holy Pascha. After Easter, there is a joyful season that lasts for several weeks, ending with Pentecost, about 50 days later. Easter does not fall on a fixed date. It changes every year because it is based on both the sun and the moon. It is usually celebrated on the first Sunday after a full moon around March or April.
In many countries, the name for Easter comes from the word Passover. For example, it is called Pâques in French, Pascua in Spanish, and  Pasqua in Italian. The English word “Easter,” however, has a different origin. It is believed to come from Eostre, an Anglo-Saxon goddess associated with spring, fertility, and new life. According to legend, Eostre once found a wounded bird and transformed it into a hare so it could survive the winter. This story is believed to be one of the origins of the Easter bunny, a symbol of fertility and new life. People also decorated eggs and gave them as gifts during spring celebrations, which later became part of Easter traditions. Over time, this spring festival became blended with Christian beliefs and evolved into what we now know as Easter. In Germany, the festival is called Ostern, named after a similar goddess, Ostara.
There are many symbols and traditions associated with Easter, and they come from a mix of pagan, Jewish, and Christian backgrounds.
The Easter egg, for example, is an ancient symbol of fertility and rebirth. In Christianity, it represents the resurrection of Jesus. The eggshell symbolizing the tomb, and its opening representing His rising from the dead.
The Easter bunny, originally a pagan symbol of fertility, is now widely associated with the celebration of life and new beginnings.
Palm branches and Easter parades are also part of the celebration, symbolizing Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.
Easter candy, such as chocolate eggs and jelly beans, has become a popular tradition over time, adding a sweet touch to the celebration.
The Easter lily represents purity, peace, and new life, and is often associated with Mary in Christian tradition.
The Easter lamb is a strong Christian symbol of sacrifice and purity. It connects back to the Jewish Passover and also represents Jesus, who is often called the “Lamb of God.”
Even birds, like robins and bluebirds, are seen as symbols of new life and are sometimes linked to the story of resurrection.
Easter is more than just a holiday, it is a story layered with history, faith, and meaning. It brings together traditions from different backgrounds, all pointing to one central theme: new life. Whether seen through the lens of faith or tradition, Easter reminds us that after darkness comes light, after pain comes hope, and after every ending, there is always a chance for a new beginning. And maybe that is the real beauty of Easter—not just what happened years ago, but what it continues to mean for us today.