Easter Sunday, celebrated this year on April 20, is a day of deep meaning and tradition for millions around the world.
While it’s widely known for joyful egg hunts, church bells, and family gatherings, Easter’s roots stretch back thousands of years, carrying a history rich in faith, renewal, and rebirth.
At its core, Easter marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the foundation of the Christian faith.
According to scripture, Jesus was crucified on Good Friday and rose from the dead three days later.
This moment, commemorated by Christians each year on Easter Sunday, symbolizes the triumph of life over death and the promise of eternal salvation.
The word “Easter” itself may come from Eostre, a springtime goddess in ancient Anglo-Saxon mythology, whose festival celebrated renewal and light.
As Christianity spread across Europe, many early spring traditions—like celebrating fertility and the end of winter—blended with the story of Christ’s resurrection.
This fusion of traditions helped shape the Easter we know today.
Sunday morning, Kris Allen and News Director April King talked about Easter on Listen Up!:
Easter is also closely tied to Passover, the Jewish holiday commemorating the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt.
Because the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus occurred during Passover, the two holidays often overlap on the calendar.
Easter Sunday is observed on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox, meaning its date changes each year but always falls between March 22 and April 25.
Today, Easter is observed by churches across denominations with sunrise services, special music, baptisms, and communion.
In homes and communities, it’s a time for reflection, togetherness, and celebrating the arrival of spring.
Though celebrated in many different ways, Easter continues to be a day filled with faith, family, and fresh beginnings—a timeless message that still resonates each year.
