Easter is a fun and joyful holiday that people all around the world celebrate. It’s a time when kids, adults, and even pets get excited! Let’s learn about what makes Easter special, including when it happens, the traditions people follow, and how different countries celebrate it.
Unlike holidays like Christmas, which is always on December 25th, Easter doesn’t have a fixed date. Instead, it changes every year because it’s based on the moon’s phases. Easter Sunday is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox. This means Easter can be as early as March 22 or as late as April 25. This connection to the moon shows how old and special the holiday is.
Easter is one of the most celebrated holidays in the world, with about 2 billion people observing it for religious reasons. For Christians, it marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ. But many people from different cultures also join in the fun, making Easter a holiday for everyone.
Different countries have their own Easter traditions. For example, in some parts of Europe, people light big fires, while in Sweden and Finland, kids dress up and go door-to-door asking for candy, just like Halloween!
Easter baskets are a favorite tradition. They started as nests made from sticks and leaves for the Easter Bunny to fill with treats. Over time, these nests turned into the baskets we use today, perfect for holding eggs and candy.
The Easter Bunny is a famous symbol of Easter. This magical rabbit comes from Germany, where stories about it began. The Easter Bunny is now a big part of Easter celebrations, and people eat a lot of chocolate during this time. Fun fact: most people eat the ears of chocolate bunnies first!
Easter is also known for its yummy candies. Marshmallow Peeps are a popular non-chocolate candy found in many Easter baskets. Jelly beans are another favorite, with over 16 billion made each year for Easter. The most loved flavor? Cherry!
Easter traditions can be very different depending on where you are. Here are some cool examples:
Easter is a wonderful holiday with many different ways to celebrate around the world. From its special date based on the moon to fun traditions like baskets, bunnies, and candies, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you love chocolate eggs or join in local customs, Easter is all about joy, renewal, and being together with others.
Moon Phase Exploration: Since Easter’s date is based on the moon’s phases, let’s explore the moon! With the help of an adult, observe the moon each night for a week. Draw a picture of what the moon looks like each night. Can you see how it changes? Discuss with your family how these changes might affect when Easter is celebrated each year.
Create Your Own Easter Tradition: Think about the different Easter traditions mentioned in the article. Now, imagine you could create your own Easter tradition. What would it be? Would it involve a special game, a unique treat, or a fun activity? Draw a picture or write a short story about your new tradition and share it with your classmates or family.
International Easter Celebration: Choose one of the unique Easter celebrations from around the world mentioned in the article, like the bonfires in Europe or the carnivals in India. With the help of an adult, find out more about this tradition. Create a small craft or drawing that represents this celebration and explain to your family or friends what makes it special.
