Easter is a fun time of year and a great reason to bring the family together. Whether your celebration is based on religion, culture, or pure fun, there are plenty of traditions that add an extra layer of excitement. Prepare to say goodbye to winter and hello to spring. Easter is a time of renewal! Here are 15 Easter traditions to consider incorporating into your yearly celebration.
Easter Egg Hunt
An absolute favorite for children, the Easter egg hunt involves hiding decorated eggs for kids to find using a selection of simple clues. This fun activity symbolizes the resurrection of new life according to Christian concepts, and it’s a great way to bring families together outdoors for a festive celebration.
Decorating Easter Eggs
Painting and dyeing eggs is a creative and symbolic tradition. Eggs represent renewal and rebirth, and decorating them with bright colors is a festive way to celebrate Easter. While it keeps the kids occupied for hours, don’t assume they’re the only ones to benefit—it’s a great mindfulness activity for adults too!
Easter Bunny Visits
The Easter Bunny represents fertility, new life, and the onset of spring. (He also delivers eggs and treats to children, much like Santa at Christmas!) This playful tradition brings excitement and joy to kids as they wake up to surprises on Easter morning. Easter wouldn’t be Easter without a visit from the Easter Bunny!
Attending Easter Church Services
For many, Easter begins with attending a church service. Some choose a sunrise mass, while others opt for a later service. The Easter service focuses on the resurrection of Jesus, offering a moment of reflection and spiritual renewal. It’s a respectful way to start the celebrations and brings a sense of inner peace.
Easter Feast
For those who partake in festivities, a special Easter meal with family and friends often includes lamb, ham, or other festive dishes. Sharing a meal with loved ones symbolizes unity and gratitude, making it a central part of the holiday celebration. It’s a great way to get everyone together for further festivities.
Giving Easter Baskets
Easter baskets filled with chocolates, candy, and small gifts are a terrific surprise for children. The tradition symbolizes resurrection; the basket is seen as the tomb from which Jesus emerged, and the egg represents rebirth. Whether or not the sentiment resonates, this tradition adds excitement to the holiday and creates lasting memories for families.
Baking Hot Cross Buns
These spiced, sweet buns marked with a cross are a traditional Easter treat. Originating in England, they symbolize the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ and are enjoyed on Good Friday and throughout the Easter weekend. The Brits couldn’t imagine an Easter without them, and they’ve become popular in the U.S. too. Tip: Go heavy with the butter!
Egg Rolling
Egg rolling is a tradition in many countries and involves rolling eggs down a hill or across the ground. The game symbolizes the rolling away of the stone from Jesus’ tomb and is a fun activity for all ages. The winner is the one who rolls the egg farthest without it cracking. Be warned—it’s harder than it sounds!
Making Easter Crafts
Kids and parents alike enjoy crafting Easter decorations, whether they’re making paper bunnies, wreaths, bonnets, or egg ornaments. Handmade decorations add a personal touch to Easter celebrations and allow families to create an atmosphere that gets everyone excited. (Bonus: Some bonnet creations are now even winning national prizes due to the effort and skill put into them!)
Reading the Easter Story
Reading the biblical Easter story as a family helps reinforce the meaning of the holiday. It’s a meaningful way to reflect on faith and the significance of Jesus’ resurrection. Even if you don’t hold a religious faith, it’s a pleasant way to educate young ones about the Easter story. Family time is always a winner!
Easter Parade
Many cities host Easter parades where people dress in festive clothing (think bunny hats, embellished bonnets, and outlandish outfits!). This tradition, popular in New York and other places, celebrates the arrival of spring with music and pageantry. The procession is a great opportunity to celebrate with other Easter-lovers—prepare to impress, as visitors take their outfits very seriously!
Planting Spring Flowers
At the first hint of spring, there’s nothing quite like planting flowers such as lilies, tulips, and daffodils to symbolize renewal and new beginnings. After a long winter (especially in colder regions), this tradition offers hope for brighter days and renewed energy. It adds beauty to the season and connects families with nature.
Peep-Eating Contest
It’s a fun modern Easter tradition that can quickly get messy! Peep-eating contests involve seeing who can eat the most marshmallow Peeps. While it’s a lighthearted challenge, participants sometimes take it quite seriously. It brings a humorous edge to Easter gatherings. Get practicing—the current record is 255 Peeps in 5 minutes!
Watching Easter Movies
Movies like It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown or films about the resurrection are great ways to bring families together and reflect on Easter’s themes of renewal and hope. Not only does it provide fun entertainment, but it also adds meaning to the celebrations. Plus, who needs an excuse to curl up with a movie and some popcorn?
Easter Monday Celebrations
For Christians, Easter Monday is a day of remembrance following the resurrection of Christ and, in many countries, a public holiday. For most, that means enjoying spring sunshine, picnics, games, and outdoor activities. It prolongs the fun of Easter, allowing more time for relaxation and family bonding. (And it’s an extra day off work—what’s not to love about that?)
