Dear Members and Friends of Christ Lutheran Church...
1 Corinthians 15:4: "He was buried, [and] he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures."
Dear Church Members,
We’re all familiar with the story of Easter—how Jesus was crucified, died, was buried, and rose again for our sins. It’s a time of both solemn reflection and joyful celebration in the church. But on a lighter note, have you ever wondered where our Easter traditions come from?
Easter Customs in the United States and Their Origins: Easter is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the United States, blending Christian traditions with customs that have roots in ancient and European folklore. From religious services to colorful egg hunts, the way Americans observe Easter reflects a mix of faith, history, and cultural evolution. Below, are some of the most popular Easter traditions in the U.S. and where they originated.
Religious Observances: Easter is primarily a Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Many Americans attend church services on Easter Sunday, with some churches holding sunrise services to commemorate the moment Mary Magdalene found Jesus’ tomb empty. This practice has origins in early Christianity and is inspired by biblical accounts of the resurrection occurring at dawn.
The Easter Bunny: One of the most beloved symbols of Easter, in the United States, is the Easter Bunny - a tradition brought by German immigrants in the 1700s. The concept of an egg-laying hare, known as "Osterhase" or "Oschter Haws," came from German folklore. Children would make nests for the hare to lay its colored eggs, a custom that evolved into today’s Easter baskets filled with chocolate and candy.
Easter Eggs and Egg Hunts: Decorating eggs has ancient roots, predating Christianity. In early Christian traditions, eggs symbolized the resurrection and new life. The tradition of dyeing eggs may have originated in Eastern Europe and was later adopted in Western countries. In the United States, Easter egg hunts—where children search for hidden eggs—are a popular activity. The White House Easter Egg Roll, dating back to 1878 under President Rutherford B. Hayes, remains a cherished national event.
Easter Parades: Easter parades, especially the famous one along Fifth Avenue in New York City, trace their origins to the mid-19th century. Wealthy churchgoers would dress in their finest attire for Easter services and then stroll through the streets, showing off new spring fashion. Over time, this evolved into a festive parade tradition featuring elaborate hats, music, and pageantry.
Easter Candy and Treats: Easter is the second biggest candy holiday in the U.S., after Halloween. Chocolate eggs and bunnies, as well as marshmallow treats like Peeps, are staples of Easter celebrations. The chocolate egg tradition stems from 19th-century Europe, where confectioners began making molded chocolate eggs as festive treats. Peeps, introduced in the 1950s, became an American Easter favorite over time.
Lenten and Good Friday Traditions: Leading up to Easter, many Christians observe Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and reflection. This practice has roots in early Christianity and is meant to honor Jesus' sacrifice. Good Friday, commemorating the crucifixion, is marked by solemn church services and, in some communities, reenactments of the Passion of Christ.
Regional Easter Traditions: Different parts of the U.S. celebrate Easter in unique ways. For example, in Louisiana, Cajun communities hold "Easter Egg Pocking" competitions, a game similar to egg tapping, where participants try to crack each other's eggs. In Pennsylvania Dutch country, the German tradition of "Osterbrunnen" involves decorating public fountains with eggs and flowers. And in Lorain, Ohio, many families dress in their Easter best and head to Lakeview Park to capture a photo in front of the iconic Easter basket!"
Easter in the United States is a vibrant holiday rich with traditions drawn from Christian faith and various cultural influences. Whether through religious observances, fun-filled egg hunts, or indulging in sweet treats, the ways Americans celebrate Easter today reflect a deep historical connection to customs from around the world. As these traditions continue to evolve, they maintain the holiday’s spirit of renewal, joy, and community.
Happy Easter!
Andrea Orosz,
Council Member
Luke 24:34: "The Lord is risen indeed!"
Dear Church Members,
We’re all familiar with the story of Easter—how Jesus was crucified, died, was buried, and rose again for our sins. It’s a time of both solemn reflection and joyful celebration in the church. But on a lighter note, have you ever wondered where our Easter traditions come from?
Easter Customs in the United States and Their Origins: Easter is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the United States, blending Christian traditions with customs that have roots in ancient and European folklore. From religious services to colorful egg hunts, the way Americans observe Easter reflects a mix of faith, history, and cultural evolution. Below, are some of the most popular Easter traditions in the U.S. and where they originated.
Religious Observances: Easter is primarily a Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Many Americans attend church services on Easter Sunday, with some churches holding sunrise services to commemorate the moment Mary Magdalene found Jesus’ tomb empty. This practice has origins in early Christianity and is inspired by biblical accounts of the resurrection occurring at dawn.
The Easter Bunny: One of the most beloved symbols of Easter, in the United States, is the Easter Bunny - a tradition brought by German immigrants in the 1700s. The concept of an egg-laying hare, known as "Osterhase" or "Oschter Haws," came from German folklore. Children would make nests for the hare to lay its colored eggs, a custom that evolved into today’s Easter baskets filled with chocolate and candy.
Easter Eggs and Egg Hunts: Decorating eggs has ancient roots, predating Christianity. In early Christian traditions, eggs symbolized the resurrection and new life. The tradition of dyeing eggs may have originated in Eastern Europe and was later adopted in Western countries. In the United States, Easter egg hunts—where children search for hidden eggs—are a popular activity. The White House Easter Egg Roll, dating back to 1878 under President Rutherford B. Hayes, remains a cherished national event.
Easter Parades: Easter parades, especially the famous one along Fifth Avenue in New York City, trace their origins to the mid-19th century. Wealthy churchgoers would dress in their finest attire for Easter services and then stroll through the streets, showing off new spring fashion. Over time, this evolved into a festive parade tradition featuring elaborate hats, music, and pageantry.
Easter Candy and Treats: Easter is the second biggest candy holiday in the U.S., after Halloween. Chocolate eggs and bunnies, as well as marshmallow treats like Peeps, are staples of Easter celebrations. The chocolate egg tradition stems from 19th-century Europe, where confectioners began making molded chocolate eggs as festive treats. Peeps, introduced in the 1950s, became an American Easter favorite over time.
Lenten and Good Friday Traditions: Leading up to Easter, many Christians observe Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and reflection. This practice has roots in early Christianity and is meant to honor Jesus' sacrifice. Good Friday, commemorating the crucifixion, is marked by solemn church services and, in some communities, reenactments of the Passion of Christ.
Regional Easter Traditions: Different parts of the U.S. celebrate Easter in unique ways. For example, in Louisiana, Cajun communities hold "Easter Egg Pocking" competitions, a game similar to egg tapping, where participants try to crack each other's eggs. In Pennsylvania Dutch country, the German tradition of "Osterbrunnen" involves decorating public fountains with eggs and flowers. And in Lorain, Ohio, many families dress in their Easter best and head to Lakeview Park to capture a photo in front of the iconic Easter basket!"
Easter in the United States is a vibrant holiday rich with traditions drawn from Christian faith and various cultural influences. Whether through religious observances, fun-filled egg hunts, or indulging in sweet treats, the ways Americans celebrate Easter today reflect a deep historical connection to customs from around the world. As these traditions continue to evolve, they maintain the holiday’s spirit of renewal, joy, and community.
Happy Easter!
Andrea Orosz,
Council Member
Luke 24:34: "The Lord is risen indeed!"