Easter

Easter is the most important day in the Christian calendar. Without the resurrection, as the Apostle Paul wrote, faith is futile and Christians are to be pitied above all people. But the tomb was empty. Jesus rose bodily from the dead on the third day, defeating sin and death and opening the way for every human being to be reconciled to God. The resurrection is not a metaphor or a spiritual concept, it is a historical claim that the early church staked their lives on, and that transformed a movement of frightened disciples into a force that spread across the known world within a generation. Easter is not merely a spring holiday; it is the day that changes what death means for every person who has ever lived.

1 Corinthians 15:20

“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”

Easter is observed with sunrise services held at dawn to commemorate the early morning discovery of the empty tomb. Churches hold their largest services of the year, often with special music and flowers. Many families gather for Easter dinners featuring lamb as a symbol of Christ the Lamb of God. Easter egg traditions, while not biblical in origin, have become associated with new life and resurrection. Easter is preceded by Holy Week, the most sacred week of the Christian year.

Easter is one thread in the wider rhythm of the church year. See how it sits alongside the other feasts on the full Christian holiday calendar, or read more about Reformation Day and Christ the King. To understand how these observances shaped the nation, visit our Faith & America hub, and keep the Christian glossary close for any unfamiliar terms.