The Easter holiday, widely celebrated with the coming of spring and known for its infamous symbols: bunnies, colorful eggs, and Peeps, is right around the corner.  This year, Easter is being celebrated on Apr. 17.  The cultural holiday originates from the Christian religion and commemorates the resurrection of Jesus.  While the meaning of Easter has evolved, and many celebrate it for various reasons, the holiday continues to be widely celebrated across the country. 

“I’ve always associated Easter as a holiday with bunnies and vibrant colors and believed it brought positive vibes, but I never really knew the origin behind this holiday, so it’s pretty cool to learn about the history.” said freshman Megan Zhou. 

The name Easter derives from the word “Eostre,” the Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring and fertility.  While Easter is known as a Christian holiday, many of its traditions and symbols are rooted in Pagan traditions and Jewish religion.  Eostre celebrated spring fertility with rabbits and eggs, ancient concepts associated with the renewal of the cycles of life.  Many also believe the word Easter derived from a Latin phrase for “dawn” and became “Eostarum ” in Old High German.  According to the New Testament, the resurrection of Jesus occurred on the third day of his burial following his crucifixion by the Romans.  His resurrection was celebrated as the most important event during his lifespan. 

Easter, like many other holidays, has accumulated several traditions and customs.  The egg was utilized as a symbol to represent fertility and new life.  In Etruscan tomb paintings, eggs were held to symbolize the afterlife, and in Africa, ostrich eggs were painted, engraved, and placed in tombs.  The Greeks also dyed eggs red to symbolize the blood and sacrifice of Christ.  Catholic and Protestant communities brought this tradition to America during the colonial period.  The custom of Easter eggs being filled with chocolate first appeared in the court of Louis XIV of France. 

“Easter eggs and partaking in egg hunts have always been a memorable experience for me growing up.  It’s also a great way to spend time with your family and friends.” said freshman Sammy Divito. 

The Easter Bunny originated during the 17th century when the Osterhase was introduced and was brought to America by Protestant immigrants.  The Osterhase was a rabbit known to bring children gifts right around Easter time.  In European medieval churches, bunnies were depicted in Christian art, and due to their prolific reproduction, many deemed rabbits of virgin birth and even associated them with the Virgin Mary.  Similar to Christmas, the Easter Bunny functions like Santa Claus, rewarding obedient children with many gifts.  Like many other religious holidays, Easter is an important time to get together with family and friends. 

“Religion is about far more than doctrine, texts, belief, and sacred buildings; it’s about practices, community, memory, family, home, and traditions that have meaning to you,” said Diane Shane Fruchtman from Rutgers University in Readers Digest. 

Many Easter day events are held on Long Island.  The classic Easter egg hunt tradition has many confirmed locations in Nassau County.  In Long Beach, there is an egg hunt for children under seven with special prizes on Apr. 9 from 9 a.m to 1 p.m.  At Mineola Memorial Park, there is an Easter day event and their annual Easter egg hunt on Apr. 9 at 10:30 a.m.  There will be crafts, face painting, a dance party, food, and more.  Residents in Port Washington can also participate this year.  Students can hang Easter and bunny-themed decorations on trees or storefronts throughout the town and even host their own Easter-themed events for community service.