Do you know why Easter is linked to bunnies, eggs, and spring? Why English speakers call it Easter while most other languages use Pascha? And when exactly does Easter fall in 2025—and what makes it special? Let Chus take you on a colorful journey to unravel the hidden meanings behind this vibrant holiday!
What is Easter?
Easter is the most significant celebration in Christianity, honoring the resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day after his crucifixion. It marks the end of the 40-day Lent period and the beginning of the 50-day Easter Season, which concludes with Pentecost—commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit.
Beyond its religious importance, Easter has evolved into a cultural celebration observed globally with a range of distinctive traditions.
When is Easter in 2025?
Unlike fixed-date holidays, Easter varies each year. It’s celebrated on the first Sunday after the full moon following the spring equinox (March 21). That means Easter can fall between March 22 and April 25. In 2025, Easter Sunday will be celebrated on April 20.
The Name and History Behind Easter
1. The Origin of the Word "Easter"
Spring Goddess – Painting by Franz Xaver Winterhalter
According to 8th-century scholar St. Bede, the English word Easter originates from Eostre (or Ostara), a Norse goddess of spring. The Anglo-Saxons dedicated the month of April (Eostur-Monath) to celebrate her. The Old English word eastre also means “spring.” Over time, the word evolved to refer specifically to the resurrection celebration.
However, other theories suggest Easter may relate to east, the direction of the sunrise symbolizing new beginnings. Some believe it's a mistranslation of the Latin hebdomada alba ("white week"), where alba was mistaken for “dawn,” giving rise to the Old High German eostarun, and eventually Ostern and Easter.
2. The History of Easter
Easter’s roots intertwine various cultural and religious threads:
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Connection to Passover: According to the New Testament, Jesus’s crucifixion and resurrection happened around the Jewish Passover. Hence, Latin cultures refer to Easter using variations of Pascha—like Pâques (French), Pascua (Spanish), and Pasqua (Italian), all derived from the Hebrew Pesach, meaning "Passover."
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Pagan Spring Festivals: Long before Christianity, many ancient cultures celebrated spring festivals symbolizing renewal and fertility. As Christianity spread, these springtime elements blended into Easter customs.
Easter Procession – Painting by Jules Breton
Easter in Popular Culture
The Easter Bunny
The iconic Easter Bunny originated from ancient European folklore where hares symbolized fertility, spring, the moon, and immortality. Central European legends birthed the idea of the “egg-laying hare.” German immigrants brought the tradition to the U.S. in the 1800s, where it evolved into the Easter Bunny we know today.
Easter Eggs
The custom of decorating eggs dates back to the 13th century. Originally, churches banned egg consumption during Holy Week, so people dyed the surplus eggs to distinguish them. Over time, eggs came to symbolize resurrection: the breaking of the shell representing Jesus’s empty tomb. Today, egg hunts and chocolate eggs are beloved Easter traditions for children.
Colorful Easter Eggs
The Meaning of Easter
For Christians, Easter is the celebration of the empty tomb—the triumph of Jesus over death. It represents salvation, where His sacrifice redeems humanity’s sins, and His resurrection offers hope for eternal life.
Beyond religion, Easter carries profound cultural meaning. Traditions like egg decorating and gift-giving represent the power of renewal and the belief that after hardship, spring—and hope—always returns. Easter becomes a time to reconnect with family, community, and even cross-cultural heritage.
How Easter Is Celebrated Around the World
Easter is a time for family gatherings, joyful egg hunts, and meaningful gifts. In Russia, people flock to churches and ring bells to pray for a blessed year. In France, flower fairs turn small towns into vibrant art displays.
In Vietnam, although Easter is not widely celebrated, it remains sacred for Christian communities. Local believers attend church services and observe fasting to honor the occasion.
Easter celebrations in Catholic communities
Do People Exchange Gifts on Easter?
Yes, Easter gift-giving is a popular tradition, especially for children. Common gifts include Easter baskets filled with chocolate eggs, candies, plush toys, or small trinkets. The Easter Bunny is often portrayed as delivering these cheerful baskets—similar to Santa Claus at Christmas.
However, Easter gifts aren’t just for kids. In Italy, adults exchange large chocolate eggs with surprise items inside—a symbolic gesture of hope and new beginnings. Though not as widespread as Christmas gifts, Easter presents still foster joy, love, and togetherness. While the gifting tradition may vary culturally, the spirit of sharing remains universal.
Conclusion
Easter is more than a religious story. As sociologist Everett C. Hughes noted, festivals are threads that weave society together. Easter is a vivid example of centuries-long cultural fusion and humanity’s enduring desire for renewal and hope.
We hope this article has helped you uncover fascinating insights about Easter. If you’re looking to spread joy with meaningful Easter gifts, visit Chus—where you’ll find handcrafted treasures infused with Vietnamese culture and love.
