Easter is the end of the Lenten season commemorating the Resurrection of Jesus. It is the victorious and joyous way to end the season of fasting and penance, giving the symbolism of new life and rebirth. Easter is celebrated by Christians as a joyous holiday because it represents the fulfillment of the prophecies of the Old Testament and the revelation of God’s plan for all of humankind.

Easter also celebrated not only the Resurrection of Jesus but resembles the defeat of death and the hope of salvation. The dying of eggs came about because in Christianity, it is believed that eggs were a forbidden food during the Lenten season, so people started decorating them to mark the end of the period of penance and fasting.

The Early Christians of Mesopotamia dyed eggs red to mimic the blood that Christ shed during his Crucifixion. Senior Grace Requeno says, “Getting together with family and eating good food. Also watching nieces and nephews live through the Easter egg hunt the same way we would when we were little. Help us learn to appreciate life in the present!”

The Easter bunny came about in the 1700s when German immigrants brought over the tradition of egg-laying in Pennsylvania. The symbol of the rabbit also stems from pagan tradition, specifically the festival of Eostre- a goddess of fertility whose animal symbol was a bunny and where the name Easter came from. Sophomore Taylor Petruczenko says, “My parents give each of the kids in my family (and our dog) an Easter basket full of gifts and candy.” We decided to survey the St. Edward community on some of their favorite Easter traditions and things about Easter. We first asked which Mass celebrations during Easter week/weekend was a favorite? 6% preferred Holy Thursday Mass, 16% said Good Friday, 14% said Easter Vigil, 48% said Easter Sunday, and 16% said all the above. Then we asked what their favorite Easter candy was most people said Jellybeans, Cadbury Eggs, Cadbury Crème Eggs, Peeps, Robin Eggs, Milk Chocolate Bunny, and Reese’s Eggs. We then had them rank Reese’s Eggs, Peeps, Robin Eggs, Cadbury Crème Eggs, Milk Chocolate Bunny, and Jellybeans from best to worst. Most agreed on this order Reese’s Eggs, Milk Chocolate Bunny, Cadbury Crème Eggs, Robin Eggs, Peeps, and Jellybeans.

Lastly, we asked if they had any other additional traditions, plans, or things they loved about Easter. Most said getting together and spending time with family. Teacher Mrs. Reed says, “My mom always makes Hawaiian salad with Easter dinner (it has marshmallows in it and is not really a salad at all.)”