Easter

Easter History

Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, as described in the New Testament. The significance of the Observance translates into deep religious reverence, and this is often expressed through church services, fasting, praying, and acts of penitence. There is also a joyful undertone to the Observance as Easter symbolizes victory over death, promising eternal life to believers. The holiday resonates deeply with Christian faith and spirituality, while also encompassing a broad spectrum of cultural expressions and traditions.

The tradition of observing Easter dates back to the early Christian church. In the United States, Easter carries not just religious significance but also cultural and commercial aspects. Americans have adopted particular Easter customs that have European origins but have evolved distinctly over time in the country. One of the most popular is the Easter egg hunt, inspired loosely by the folklore of the Easter Bunny, a creature said to bring Easter eggs to well-behaved children. Other significant aspects include the decoration of Easter eggs, a reflective symbol of new life and resurrection, making it a rich and essential part of American Easter traditions.

In America, Easter observance is marked by both spiritual reflection and joyful celebration. Church services on Easter Sunday are commonly attended, where hymns are sung and sermons focus on the theme of Christ's resurrection. Children look forward to exciting Easter egg hunts, family gatherings feature abundant feasts, and parades are held in various communities. The date of Easter in America aligns with the Western Church, which follows the Gregorian calendar, and thus, it falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the Spring equinox.

Facts about Easter

• For many Christian congregations, the first Easter service for the year is the Service of Light. The worship typically starts in darkness on the preceding Saturday night or early Sunday morning. Light is brought into the church with candles to signify hope based on the resurrection. The service culminates with the lighting of a paschal candle, signifying Christ.
• Easter eggs represent new life and also symbolize the shape of Jesus' tomb.
• Brightly colored "cascarones" or eggshells filled with confetti are a common feature in Mexican Easter celebrations. Kids enjoy breaking these over each other's heads for fun.
• During Semana Santa, Mexicans like to eat special dishes like "tortas de camarón" (shrimp patties), "romeritos" (a special sauce served with shrimps and hard-boiled eggs) or "capilotada" (Mexican bread pudding), which contain symbolic ingredients.

In the News and Trending in Mexico for Easter

Top things to do in Mexico for Easter

• Go to a children's Easter egg hunt or hold one of your own. Many churches have them the Saturday before Easter too.
• Cook an Easter dinner for family and friends. Traditional entrees include lamb or ham. During Lent (period leading up to Easter), many Roman Catholics exclude meat from their diet, so Easter is often indulgent on meat.
• Visit the Churches: There are beautiful and historically significant churches throughout Mexico, such as Metropolitan Cathedral in Mexico City and the Basilica of Guadalupe. During Easter, these churches are beautifully decorated.
• Prepare traditional meals for Easter, such as:
  1) Capirotada: This is a traditional Mexican bread pudding typically eaten during Lent and Easter. It is made with bolillo buns, cheese, raisins, piloncillo sugar, peanuts and sometimes even pickled onion.
  2) Chiles Rellenos: These are big roasted chili peppers stuffed with cheese or meat and typically served with tomato sauce. Eating chiles rellenos is a typical tradition during Lent and Easter in Mexico.
  3) Bacalao a la Vizcaina: This dish uses salted cod and is commonly eaten during Christmas, Good Friday, and Easter. The cod is typically stewed with tomatoes, olives, capers, potatoes, and bell peppers.