Easter Sunday can truly be said to be the most important day celebrated by those of the Christian faith. The day marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ, three days after his crucifixion on the cross. The oldest Christian ‘holiday,’ (holy day) the liturgical year of worship is arranged around Easter. It follows the 40 day period of Lent and precedes Pentecost.

For many, it marks the one (or perhaps two) times a year to attend a church service. For many others, it is a Sunday of worship in a line of Sundays, but one that has special meaning.

For many who do not believe in the Christian faith, the day is marked as a holiday celebrated with hunting eggs, hopping bunnies and family gatherings. While many Christians also take part in the secular traditions of the Easter holiday such as dying eggs and gathering for dinner, the holiday holds much more significant meaning.

Over the centuries, Easter Sunday has been supplemented by these customs, many of were incorporated from springtime fertility celebrations of European and Middle Eastern pagan religion, according to various websites. Rabbits and eggs, for example, are widely-used pagan symbols for fertility.

While some Christians disassociate themselves entirely from Easter eggs because of their pagan connotations, there are others who view Easter eggs, or other candies and treats, as symbols of joy and celebration.

However you celebrate this holiday, see it as a rebirth…a renewal. May you have good fortune and fellowship throughout the weekend and enjoy all of the customs of the Easter season.