Easter Traditions and History

Study Notes

Symbolize new life and renewal
Originated in medieval Europe, where eggs were a forbidden food during Lent
Christians would decorate eggs to mark the end of the fasting period
Eggs often dyed red to represent the blood of Christ
Today, eggs are decorated with various colors and designs, often filled with candy or small toys

Central event of the Christian faith
Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead
According to the New Testament, Jesus was crucified, buried, and rose from the dead on the third day
Easter is a celebration of this resurrection and the promise of eternal life

Originated in Germany in the 17th century
Based on the Germanic goddess of spring and fertility, Eostre
Legend has it that Eostre had a pet rabbit that laid eggs, symbolizing new life
Today, the Easter Bunny is a beloved character that delivers eggs and candy to children on Easter morning

40-day period of fasting and repentance leading up to Easter
Commemorates the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness
Christians often give up a favorite food or activity during Lent as a form of sacrifice
Lent ends on Holy Thursday, the day before Easter

Easter Sunday service: Christians attend church to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus
Family gatherings: Easter is a time for families to come together and celebrate
Easter baskets: filled with candy, toys, and other treats
Easter parades: some cities and towns hold Easter parades, often featuring decorated hats and costumes

Annual event held on the White House lawn
Traditionally held on Easter Monday
Children roll decorated eggs down the lawn, often with the President and First Lady in attendance
Event dates back to 1878, when President Rutherford B. Hayes hosted the first Easter egg roll

A traditional Easter activity in many countries
Hard-boiled eggs are decorated and then rolled down a hill or slope
Often, the egg that rolls the farthest or survives the longest is declared the winner
Symbolizes the rolling away of the stone from Jesus' tomb on Easter morning

Symbolize new life and renewal, originating from medieval Europe where eggs were a forbidden food during Lent
Were decorated to mark the end of the fasting period, often dyed red to represent the blood of Christ
Today, eggs are decorated with various colors and designs, often filled with candy or small toys

Central event of the Christian faith, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead
According to the New Testament, Jesus was crucified, buried, and rose from the dead on the third day
Easter is a celebration of this resurrection and the promise of eternal life

Originated in Germany in the 17th century, based on the Germanic goddess of spring and fertility, Eostre
Legend has it that Eostre had a pet rabbit that laid eggs, symbolizing new life
Today, the Easter Bunny is a beloved character that delivers eggs and candy to children on Easter morning

40-day period of fasting and repentance leading up to Easter, commemorating the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness
Christians often give up a favorite food or activity during Lent as a form of sacrifice
Lent ends on Holy Thursday, the day before Easter

Easter Sunday service: Christians attend church to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus
Family gatherings: Easter is a time for families to come together and celebrate
Easter baskets: filled with candy, toys, and other treats
Easter parades: some cities and towns hold Easter parades, often featuring decorated hats and costumes

Annual event held on the White House lawn, traditionally held on Easter Monday
Children roll decorated eggs down the lawn, often with the President and First Lady in attendance
Event dates back to 1878, when President Rutherford B. Hayes hosted the first Easter egg roll

A traditional Easter activity in many countries, symbolizing the rolling away of the stone from Jesus' tomb on Easter morning
Hard-boiled eggs are decorated and then rolled down a hill or slope
Often, the egg that rolls the farthest or survives the longest is declared the winner

A plant-based diet is a popular choice for becoming healthier due to its numerous health benefits.
Research has shown that plant-based protein can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
A plant-based diet can help increase lifespan, as those who eat a plant-based diet tend to live longer than those who consume most protein from animal sources.
Eating a plant-based diet can also reduce carbon footprint.
Reducing meat consumption can contribute to living a longer life.
A well-planned plant-based diet can support overall health, regardless of age.