Easter
Easter is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the world, rich in history, faith, and cultural traditions. Its origins trace back to early Christianity, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day after his crucifixion, as described in the New Testament. The holiday is deeply rooted in themes of renewal, hope, and victory over darkness.
Many Easter traditions also have connections to pre-Christian spring festivals. The name “Easter” is believed to come from the Old English word Ēostre, referring to a spring goddess associated with rebirth and fertility. The use of eggs, a common Easter symbol, dates back to ancient times when they represented new life. Over the centuries, different cultures have blended religious observances with local customs, creating a diverse and vibrant tapestry of Easter celebrations worldwide.
From solemn Good Friday observances to joyous feasts and festive egg hunts, Easter is celebrated in ways that bring people together. Here’s how you can explore the holiday through different dimensions of wellness:
Emotional - Easter Memories Poetry
Poetry is a powerful way to express emotions and reflect on cherished traditions. Encourage participants to write short poems or haikus about their favorite Easter memories, themes of renewal, or the beauty of spring. Whether humorous, heartfelt, or nostalgic, these poems can be shared aloud or displayed as part of a seasonal showcase. Use this example as a jumping off point for those who are struggling to come up with their own:
Springtime morning, soft and bright,
Easter lilies, pure and white.
Laughter echoes, baskets near,
Hidden eggs bring joy and cheer.
Spiritual - Good Friday Ceremony
Observing Good Friday allows for a time of reflection on themes of sacrifice, redemption, and hope. A ceremony can include readings, prayers, and music to honor the meaning of the day. Whether through a guided meditation, a candlelight service, or a moment of quiet contemplation, this observance can bring peace and deeper spiritual connection. Create your own or adapt ours for your group! We even have a Hymn and Prayer book that you can print and hand out to participants to sing along to the hymns.
Some alternatives that you could use to tailor your ceremony include:
Passages
Luke 23:34 – “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
Isaiah 53:3-7 – The prophecy of the Suffering Servant, which powerfully foreshadows Christ’s sacrifice.
John 19:26-27 – Jesus’ compassionate words to His mother and the beloved disciple, emphasizing His care even in His final moments.
Hymns
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
Were You There?
At the Cross
It Is Well with My Soul
Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross
Beneath the Cross of Jesus
Vocational - Easter Crafts
Engaging in Easter-themed crafts is a wonderful way to express creativity while making festive decorations. Some fun projects include:
Egg Dying & Decorating – Experiment with natural dyes, patterns, or even intricate hand-painted designs.
Spring Centerpieces – Arrange fresh flowers, Easter eggs, and greenery for a seasonal table display. Michelle Smith Creations has an adorable one using simple tools and supplies from the Dollar Tree.
Bunny Butt Wreaths – Create a whimsical door wreath featuring bunny tails, florals, and pastel colors such as this one from Creative Cynchronicity.
Candle Making – Easter-themed candles with scents like lavender, vanilla, or citrus can be a great vocational activity that involves learning about molds, wicks, and scent blending.
Handmade Cards – Encourage participants to craft Easter greeting cards to share with family and friends.
Social - Photos with the Easter Bunny
A photo shoot with the Easter Bunny is a delightful way to bring people together and create lasting memories. Whether through a professional setup or a DIY backdrop, this activity encourages social interaction, laughter, and shared experiences. Enhance the experience by pairing the photo session with themed food and drinks for extra festive flair.
Examples of Festive Foods & Drinks:
Sweets & Treats: Pastel cupcakes, bunny-shaped cookies, and classic chocolate eggs.
Savory Snacks: Deviled eggs, mini quiches, or finger sandwiches.
Drinks: Refreshing mint lemonade, citrus spritzers, or seasonal cocktails with hints of lavender or rosemary.
Physical - Easter Egg Hunt
An Easter Egg Hunt provides a fun way to stay active while enjoying the holiday spirit. Remember to adjust how well hidden the eggs are to your group. For example, those in wheelchairs or who use other forms of mobility aids might struggle finding eggs that are too high up or too low down. Adapt the activity further levels by incorporating:
Seated egg-finding stations for those with mobility challenges.
Sensory-friendly eggs (such as those filled with textured items or sounds) for individuals with visual or sensory impairments.
Team hunts where participants work together to find eggs, fostering both movement and social interaction.
Intellectual - Easter Traditions Around the World
Learn about how Easter is celebrated around the world. If possible, invite members of these cultures to speak and share first hand accounts, or incorporate some of these traditions in a social for more immersion.
Poland – Śmigus-Dyngus (Wet Monday):
In Poland, the Monday after Easter (known as Smigus-Dyngus) is celebrated with playful water fights! People splash one another with water, a tradition thought to symbolize cleansing, renewal, and good fortune. Historically, young men would douse young women with water, but today, everyone joins in the fun.Poland – Żandary (Easter Monday in Poznań)
In the Poznań region of Poland, Easter Monday is marked by the unique Żandary tradition, where costumed horse riders parade through villages, bringing blessings and playful mischief. Dressed in elaborate uniforms with decorative plumes, the Żandary visit homes, sprinkling water on locals (a variation of Śmigus-Dyngus) and collecting donations for the community. This folk tradition, blending religious and secular elements, is a lively spectacle that keeps local heritage alive.Norway – Påskekrim (Easter Crime Stories):
Instead of focusing on eggs and bunnies, Norwegians embrace crime stories during Easter! “Påskekrim” translates to “Easter Crime,” and it’s a time when people indulge in detective novels, mystery films, and crime dramas. Even milk cartons feature short crime stories during the season. This tradition dates back to a 1923 crime novel that became a national sensation.Finland – Easter Witches (Virvonta & Trick-or-Treating):
Finnish children dress as Easter witches, wearing colorful headscarves and painting freckles on their faces. They go door to door, waving willow branches and chanting blessings in exchange for chocolate eggs or other treats. This custom blends Christian Easter with old Nordic folklore, which once saw witches as symbols of mischief during Holy Week. Read more about Finnish Easter traditions on Visit Finland.Greece – Red Egg Cracking Game (Tsougrisma):
In Greece, dyed red eggs symbolize the blood of Christ and resurrection. On Easter Sunday, families play a game called “Tsougrisma,” where each person takes a red egg and taps it against another person's egg. The goal is to crack your opponent’s egg while keeping yours intact. The last person with an unbroken egg is said to have good luck for the year. Read more about it and watch how the eggs are prepared and the game is played on GreekReporter.Italy – Scoppio del Carro (Explosion of the Cart):
The centuries-old Florentine tradition of the “Explosion of the Cart” is well documented on local tourism sites like Visit Florence. They describe how this festive event, featuring an ornate cart and fireworks, is believed to bring good fortune and a bountiful harvest. Watch a snippet of the event here but note that there are fireworks which can distress those with aversions to loud noises such as loved ones suffering from PTSD.Portugal – Amêndoas de Páscoa (Easter Almonds):
A tradition that involves the distribution of sweet almond treats during Easter, symbolizing prosperity and good luck. Often, godparents play a special role by gifting these delicacies to their godchildren as a token of love and blessings for the year ahead.Philippines – Passion Reenactments:
In the Philippines, Holy Week is observed with elaborate reenactments of the Passion of Christ, culminating in dramatic crucifixions and processions, particularly in provinces like Pampanga. These events reflect deep religious devotion and community participation.Ethiopia – Fasika Celebrations:
In Ethiopia, Easter, known as Fasika, is celebrated with a special Easter Vigil. Churches are adorned with traditional white garments called "Netela," and congregants participate in overnight services filled with prayer, chanting, and candlelight ceremonies.Bermuda – Kite Flying:
In Bermuda, Good Friday is marked by the flying of colorful, handmade kites, symbolizing Christ's ascension. This tradition brings communities together, with families crafting intricate kites and enjoying festive picnics on the beaches. Read more about it and other traditions here.Jamaica – Easter Bun and Cheese:
In Jamaica, the Easter celebration is not complete without enjoying the island’s cherished culinary tradition of Easter Bun and Cheese. This beloved treat perfectly captures the fusion of flavors that reflect Jamaica’s rich history and cultural diversity. Learn to make it here.Australia – The Easter Bilby:
Instead of the traditional Easter Bunny, Australia promotes the native bilby to raise awareness about local wildlife conservation. Learn more about this innovative tradition on Australian Geographic.
More info:
https://www.womansday.com/life/travel-tips/g2175/easter-traditions/
Easter Movies:
Watching Easter-themed movies can be a fun and reflective way to enjoy the holiday. Here are a few options:
The Ten Commandments (1956) – A classic epic film about Moses, often aired around Easter.
Ben-Hur (1959) – A powerful film that intertwines themes of redemption and faith.
The Passion of the Christ (2004) – A dramatic depiction of Jesus’ final days.
Hop (2011) – A lighthearted, family-friendly movie featuring the Easter Bunny.
Rise of the Guardians (2012) – A fun adventure where the Easter Bunny helps protect childhood wonder.
Easter’s traditions offer something for everyone, whether through faith, cultural customs, or simply embracing the joy of the season. Even for those who do not observe it as a religious holiday, Easter can be a time to celebrate renewal, togetherness, and the arrival of spring. Whether through shared meals, creative projects, or learning about global traditions, these activities help foster connection and create lasting memories. However you choose to celebrate, may this season bring moments of joy, reflection, and community.
