Easter, celebrated around the world, is not just candy filled baskets and bunny hopping fun; it's a significant Christian holiday marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. However, it also welcomes spring with its symbols of rebirth and renewal.
Easter's origins are rooted in both Christian and pagan traditions. The word ‘Easter’ is believed to have come from ‘Eostre’, the goddess of the spring and fertility in Anglo-Saxon paganism.
Easter customs vary worldwide. In America and many countries, kids wake up to baskets filled with candies and toys left by the Easter bunny. Egg hunts are a beloved tradition; the colorful eggs represent rebirth. In Australia, the Easter Bilby, an endangered creature, replaces the bunny, promoting wildlife conservation.
In Spain, the Holy Week, 'Semana Santa', is marked with grand processions. While in Greece, red eggs, symbolizing Christ's blood, are common.
Easter is incomplete without its traditional foods; while Americans enjoy glazed ham, hot cross buns are a British favorite. In Greece, 'Tsoureki', a sweet bread, is popular.
Did you know? The largest Easter egg hunt comprised 501,000 eggs, in Florida, USA, in 2007.
Easter is a testament to the blending of culture, history, and tradition, celebrated uniquely across the globe.