From painted eggs to fluffy bunnies, Easter wouldn’t be complete without certain traditions. However, these aren’t meaningless symbols, and they’re rooted in the Christian holiday’s rich history. Here’s a quick overview of how the past shaped modern Easter traditions.

The Christian History of Easter

The Bible describes how Jesus was arrested by Roman authorities and sentenced to death by crucifixion. The Last Supper took place the night before He was arrested. During the meal, Jesus shared bread and wine, telling the 12 apostles that this was His body and blood. The meaning behind the sharing serves as the basis of the Holy Communion.

The day Jesus died on the cross is now known as Good Friday. Easter marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and His return three days later proved that He was the son of God. On the first Easter, Christians rejoiced and celebrated Jesus’ resurrection.

Christian Easter Celebrations Today

Today, many Christian churches begin their Easter observance on Holy Saturday, which is the day before the holiday. Churches hold an Easter Vigil that usually consists of singing hymns and saying prayers of thanks for Jesus’ suffering. Attending a special Easter service on Sunday is a tradition for many devout Christians.

Modern Easter Symbols

Easter Bunny

Some say the Germans brought the Easter Bunny to America in the 1700s. Before Christians named the holiday, Easter was a pagan festival called Ostara. This celebration was named after the goddess of spring, Eostre, and held at the beginning of the season. It was said that the goddess saved a bird with frozen wings by turning it into a rabbit. The bunny quickly became a symbol of spring throughout Germany, and people started making rabbit-shaped confections.

Easter Eggs

Since a chicken hatches from an egg, some believe that the concept was likened to Jesus’ resurrection from the tomb. Painting eggs could originate from the Lenten season as these were forbidden to eat. Their taboo might have caused people to decorate them to celebrate the end of Lent and fasting.

If you’d like to celebrate Easter, stop by the City Of Refuge Christian Church in Waipahu, HI. This non-denominational Christian church accepts people of all ages, cultures, and lifestyles. They’re known for their inspiring mixture of contemporary Gospel music, and they also provide Bible study, breakthrough prayer sessions, and monthly Communion services. Learn more about their youth ministry online, or call (808) 677-5677 if you have any questions about their Sunday worship services.