Easter is a Christian holiday that celebrates the belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the New Testament of the Bible, the resurrection occurred three days after the crucifixion of Jesus by the Romans and died in roughly 30 A.D.
In western Christianity, including Roman Catholicism and Protestant denominations, there is a period of fasting and penitence before Easter called Lent, which lasts for 40 days (not including Sundays). The Sunday before Easter is called Palm Sunday, which celebrates Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem when followers laid palm leaves across the road to greet him. Holy Week is celebrated after Easter and includes Maundy Thursday, the commemoration of the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples; Good Friday, the day of his crucifixion; and Holy Saturday, the transition between Crucifixion and Resurrection.
Although a holiday of high religious significance in the Christian faith, many traditions associated with Easter date back to pre-Christian, pagan celebrations. Many non-Christians choose to practice these traditions leaving out their religious aspects.
Some of the popular traditions include easter lamb, easter bunny, easter eggs, and related games such as egg rolling and egg decorating.
An Easter dinner of lamb became a custom because the lamb was mentioned in the Bible to refer to Jesus (“behold the lamb of God which takes away the sins of the world,” John 1:29), and used as a sacrificial animal in ancient Israel.
Easter eggs became popular because, in certain pagan traditions, they represent fertility and birth but also represent Jesus’ resurrection or rebirth. Many people—mostly children—participate in Easter egg “hunts,” where you need to find the hidden decorated eggs. Perhaps the most famous Easter tradition for children is the annual White House Easter Egg Roll when children roll Easter eggs down Capitol Hill.
The Easter bunny, who is said to lay, decorate, and hide the eggs, became a popular concept because rabbits are, in many cultures, known as enthusiastic procreators. Therefore, the arrival of baby bunnies in spring became associated with birth and renewal.