Many South Africans welcome the Easter long weekend which runs from Friday, April 15 to Monday, April 18 this year, with families either going away on holiday or just staying at home to relax; but what is Easter really about?

The website history.com, which focuses on historic events, describes Easter as “a very significant date on the Christian calendar” and “a Christian holiday that celebrates the belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead”.

It goes on to say “Easter is also associated with the Jewish holiday of Passover, as well as the exodus of the Jews from Egypt, as described in the Old Testament”.

But where do the Easter eggs and the Easter Bunny fit in?

They explain that although the exact origins of the Easter Bunny are unknown, “… historians believe it arrived in America with German immigrants in the 1700s”, and that “Rabbits are, in many cultures, known as enthusiastic procreators, so the arrival of baby bunnies in springtime meadows became associated with birth and renewal”.

As far as the eggs are concerned, it’s said that, “… there are many Easter-time traditions with roots that can be traced to non-Christian and even pagan or non-religious celebrations”, while “… egg decorating may have become part of the Easter celebration as a nod to the religious significance of Easter, i.e., Jesus’ resurrection or re-birth”.

• Source: https://www.history.com.