Easter is approaching and we are all getting ready for our traditional egg hunt on Sunday. Easter is a tradition we all know and love, but do you actually know anything of its origin? Sure, most of us know about the Bible story but do you know when the first Easter was celebrated. Also, what if I told you that Greek Easter is on a completely different day.

The Greek Orthodox Easter falls on Sunday, May 2, 2021, this year. Eastern Christianity recognizes a different day for Easter simply because they follow the Julian calendar, as opposed to the Gregorian calendar. They also dye their Easter eggs red to symbolize the blood and sacrifice of Christ, and the egg symbolizes rebirth.

The earliest recorded observance of Easter comes from the second century. However, the commemoration of Jesus’ Resurrection probably occurred earlier. The English word Easter is uncertain of origin. One idea from the eighth century was that it derived from Eostre, or Eostrae, the Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring and fertility. 

So, why the Easter bunny though? The story of the Easter Bunny is thought to have come from the 19th Century. Rabbits usually give birth to a big litter of babies, called kittens, so they became a symbol of new life. Legend has it that the Easter Bunny lays, decorates and hides eggs as they are also a symbol of new life. This is why some children might enjoy Easter egg hunts as part of the festival.

Easter is a fun and family-friendly holiday that everyone seems to enjoy. Though, it is a religious holiday so not everyone celebrates it. Children always seem to enjoy hunting for brightly colored eggs and stuffing themselves full of candy.