Easter, along with Christmas, is significant in the Christian faith. Its main premise is the belief of Jesus Christ's resurrection three days after he was crucified. Easter occurs on a different day every year. It falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon occurring on or after the spring equinox. This also is around the time of the Jewish holiday of Passover. Easter rituals start with Lent 40 days prior to Easter, in which fasting and repentance occurs. Lent starts on Ash Wednesday and ends on Good Friday, the day of Jesus' crucifixion. The 40 day period was organized by Pope Gregory using the 40-day pattern of Israel, Moses, Elijah, and Jesus' time in the wilderness according to History.com. The Sunday before Easter is known as Palm Sunday, which commemorates Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem.
There are two theories as to why this holiday is called Easter. The Anglo-Saxon word "Eostre" is the goddess of spring and fertility. Other historians debate the name came from the Latin phrase "Eostarum", meaning dawn.
Many people still celebrate Easter out of tradition. Even non-religious families continue to decorate Easter eggs and tell the tale of the Easter bunny.
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