Easter: How Easter has evolved over the years
Initially, during the Easter period, was celebrated mostly in Rome and Israel where Christians would gather in remembrance of Jesus' teachings.
Easter is the time of the year when Christians remember the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
They believe Jesus is the son of God, who died for people’s sins and was raised again three days later and thereby conquering death and evil.
While millions of Christians around the world celebrate the Easter holidays, its date has been a matter of contention since it began. By the second century, it was accepted as a celebration of disciples and other believers.
Yet arguments would often break out among these believers, and it was at the First Council of Nicaeca where Emperor Constantine gathered 318 bishops that it was decided all Christians should hold the celebration as a unit.
Initially, during the Easter period, was celebrated mostly in Rome and Israel where Christians would gather in remembrance of Jesus’ teachings.
A few thousand years later, the holiday period across the oceans and new traditions were added.
The first Sunrise Service in the history of Easter, was celebrated in Hernhut, Germany, in 1732. The service was because people believed the sun dances during the sunrise of Easter day, and they wanted to see it.
This tradition continues today, with church congregations meeting before the sun rises and singing hymns.
But, like most festivities, this was not the only way Easter evolved.
Decorating eggs for Easter is a tradition dating allegedly back to at least the 13th century. One explanation for this custom is that eggs were formerly a forbidden food during the Lent season, so people would paint and decorate them to mark the end of the period of penance and fasting, then eat them on Easter as a celebration.
While many might still not understand how hollow chocolate eggs fit into the celebration, from a Christian perspective, Easter eggs are said to represent Jesus’ emergence from the tomb and resurrection. Easter is also complete with an Easter egg hunt.
Easter parades were also integrated into the holiday, but this is more popular in America. This tradition started in the mid 1800s, when the upper crust of society would attend Easter services at various Fifth Avenue churches in New York and then stroll outside afterward, showing off their new spring outfits and hats. Average citizens started showing up along Fifth Avenue to check out the action.
Ever evolving, the Easter period has now reached its climax with people from all cultures being able to enjoy the delicious Easter eggs and chocolate bunnies.
Shopping malls now also offer children the opportunity to meet the Easter Bunny, creating a festive spirit for everyone to enjoy.
- WATCH: The truth about the Easter Bunny and where he came from
- Newcastle 911 gets into the Easter spirit
