Easter is an annual Christian holiday celebrated by millions of people around the world. From the solemn processions in Spain to colorful floral displays in Italy, and the parades in the United States, Easter is a global celebration that brings Christian communities together in a spirit of unity and joy. Most non-Christians do not know that Easter has a biblical significance.
The festival commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, as described in the New Testament of the Bible. It marks the end of the Passion of Jesus Christ; his crucifixion on Good Friday and his triumphant return on Easter Sunday. For Christians, all of the acts recorded of Christ’s victory of life over death symbolize hope, revival, and the promise of eternal life.
Why is Easter so early in 2024?
The first Sunday after the Paschal Full Moon falls on Easter. The vernal equinox occurs on March 19, 2024, meaning that the first full moon falls on March 25. Normally this occurs on the Sunday near the beginning of spring, typically between March 22 and April 25. Easter 2024 is observed on March 31, the Sunday that follows. First of all, it’s crucial to understand that, although though Easter’s actual date varies every year, it always falls within a specific time frame, from March 22 to April 25.
The 2023 Easter celebration fell on Sunday, April 9, 2023. Unlike most popular holidays, Easter dates aren’t fixed and have a historical connection to the Lunar Calendar dating back to 2600 BC. While the lunar cycles of the Jewish calendar once determined Easter’s date, the Gregorian calendar now guides this movable feast.
Easter 2024 Traditions to Celebrate
Here are the top 10 Easter 2024 traditions
- Attend Easter parades/Church traditions
- Easter egg hunt
- Dye Easter eggs
- Make Easter treats
- Send Easter lilies
- Easter brunch and dinner
- Send Easter baskets and cards
- Watch Easter movies
- Donate to people in need
How to Celebrate Easter
There are lots of traditions and activities worldwide that Christians and non-christian engage in to honor this event. From the cherished Easter egg hunts to bonfires, baking, attending church events, and more. While many of these traditions have religious roots, others have evolved and are now celebrated by people of different beliefs, cultures, and races.
In Western cultures, particularly in Europe and North America, the Easter season often begins with the observance of Lent. This period of 40 days preceding Easter Sunday is marked by fasting, prayer, and penance, symbolizing the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness. Many Christians abstain from certain luxuries or submit to acts of self-discipline during this time.
As Easter 2024 approaches, many countries in the world partake in the tradition of decorating eggs. Originally a symbol of new life during pagan festivals, now observed by Christians, this symbolic tradition represents the resurrection, with eggs being a symbol of new life. In many cultures, families gather to dye and decorate eggs in bright colors, using various coloring materials to create intricate patterns. These eggs are then hidden for children to find in Easter egg hunts.
In countries like Spain and parts of Latin America, processions and reenactments of the Passion of Christ are common during Holy Week. These events, known as Semana Santa, draw large crowds and involve people dressed in traditional robes, carrying religious statues through the streets. The aura is usually both solemn and festive, as residents come together to observe the events leading to the crucifixion and resurrection.
The Easter Bunny is a popular figure, particularly in the United States and parts of Europe. This fictitious animal is said to bring baskets filled with candy, sweets, chocolates, and sometimes small gifts for children. Families often engage in orthodox Christian traditions deeply rooted in ancient rituals and liturgies, spanning an entire week. Midnight services on Holy Saturday are followed by a joyous proclamation of Christ’s resurrection, accompanied by the sharing of blessed bread among the congregation.
Easter celebration in Greece is marked by a special tradition known as “Anastasi.” At midnight on Holy Saturday, church bells ring, and fireworks light up the sky as people gather outside to witness the Holy Fire, believed to miraculously ignite inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Pilgrims then carry the flame to their homes, symbolizing the light of Christ’s resurrection.
Throughout Africa, Asia, and other parts of the world, people of different cultures have their traditions for Easter celebrations. They’re mostly religious ceremonies, communal feasts, or special festivities. You can enjoy with family on Easter morning with baked treats like carrot cake, hot buns, chocolate bunnies, etc. Or strengthen bonds with family and friends over roast dinner or brunch of lamb, chicken, hot cross buns, and other delicious dishes. Also, keep the Easter basket tradition alive by sending baskets filled with candies, treats, toys, and thoughtful cards to friends and family.
