As Spring Break approaches the Castle, so does a beloved holiday filled with prayer and colorful eggs, Easter! But what is Easter, where did it originate, and why is it so significant?
For many, Easter means time with family, egg hunts, and baskets of candy. However, there is a much more spiritual meaning behind the holiday. On Good Friday, Jesus Christ was crucified and sealed in his holy sepulchre. Three days later, His followers discovered the tomb empty, Jesus had risen from the dead. This event, known as the Resurrection, is the foundation of the Christian celebration of Easter.
As time passed, Easter became a greatly celebrated holiday in commemoration of Jesus’ resurrection. It was around 325 AD when it was established as the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox by the First Council of Nicea.
Despite its Christian roots, many families celebrate Easter with various traditions and customs. One of the most recognizable is decorating and hiding Easter eggs, which dates back to the 13th century. During this period, nobles would give the decorated eggs to each other as gifts, adorning them with gold leaf.
In Germany around the 17th century, some of the first egg hunts are believed to have started by Martin Luther, organizing them for his congregation. The eggs symbolize new life and birth, representing both the coming of spring and Jesus’ rising from His tomb.
No matter how you celebrate, Easter is a reminder of hope, renewal, and the beauty of new beginnings. As this special day draws near, take a moment to reflect on the joy of spring and the promise of new life all around us.