As a global citizen and a man who has seen the world from both high towers and hard times, I’ve learned that tradition and meaning can hold different shapes depending on where you’re standing. And few occasions carry as many meanings—culturally, spiritually, historically—as Easter.
Across the globe, Easter is celebrated in many ways, by many peoples, from various walks of life. To some, it is a cornerstone of their Christian faith. To others, it traces back to older, even pagan traditions. And for many, regardless of belief, it’s become a marker on the calendar to pause, gather, and reflect.
Let’s talk truth.
The Origins: More Than Just One Story
Historically, Easter has roots deeper than most people realize. Before Christianity adopted it as the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, various ancient civilizations honored seasonal renewal and fertility around the same time of year.
“The name Easter is derived from Eostre, a goddess of spring worshipped by the Anglo-Saxons.”
— Bede the Venerable, 8th-century English monk and historian, De Natura Rerum
- Pre-Christian Roots: Eostre (also known as Ostara) was honored during the spring equinox—a time symbolizing balance, new life, and light overcoming darkness. The hare, a sacred symbol to her, eventually evolved into the modern-day Easter Bunny. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, “Easter”
- Christian Tradition: By the 2nd century A.D., early Christians began marking Jesus’s resurrection around the time of the Jewish Passover. The Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D. set the formal date of Easter as the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox. Source: History.com, “What Is Easter?”
- Hebrew Influence: The Jewish festival of Passover (Pesach), observed for over 3,000 years, celebrates the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery. Jesus’s Last Supper is widely believed to have been a Passover meal. Source: Jewish Virtual Library, “Passover: Exodus and Freedom”
Easter Across Cultures
Easter looks different around the world, yet at its core, it’s a celebration of life, liberation, and legacy.
- Philippines: Known for powerful reenactments of the crucifixion and “Salubong” (meeting of Mary and the risen Christ), these events blend Catholic doctrine with pre-colonial Filipino spirituality. [Source: CNN Philippines, “The Many Ways Filipinos Celebrate Easter”]
- Ethiopia: Easter, or Fasika, comes after 55 days of fasting known as the Great Lent. It’s the most important holiday in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. [Source: BBC, “Fasika in Ethiopia”]
- Greece: Orthodox Easter often falls on a different date due to the Julian calendar. Red-dyed eggs (symbolizing the blood of Christ and new life) are cracked between friends and family while saying “Christos Anesti” (Christ is Risen). [Source: Greek Reporter, “Greek Easter Traditions”]
- Latin America & the Caribbean: Countries like Guatemala and Haiti incorporate African heritage, Catholic symbolism, and Indigenous storytelling into Holy Week, turning streets into living artworks with carpets of colored sawdust (Alfombras) and sacred drumming. [Source: National Geographic, “Holy Week Traditions Around the World”]
- United States & Western Europe: Commercial elements like chocolate eggs, egg hunts, and pastel-colored decorations have become widespread. While often seen as secular, they derive from centuries-old fertility symbols and springtime folklore. [Source: Smithsonian Magazine, “The Ancient Origins of the Easter Bunny”]
A Call to Something Deeper
Now, I’m not here to debate religion or challenge anyone’s beliefs. My mission is clarity through truth. And the truth is: regardless of origin—pagan, secular, or sacred—Easter should be a time to return to what truly matters.
For me, that’s family, tradition, and reflection.
We’ve all weathered storms—some private, some public. Some, like myself, have walked through injustice that tried to break the soul. But if Easter teaches us anything, it’s this: after winter, spring always comes. After darkness, the light breaks through. After death, comes the chance for rebirth.
So wherever you are on this earth, whatever your background, use this Easter not just for celebration—but for intention.
Reconnect with those you love. Realign with your divine purpose. Resurrect the parts of yourself the world tried to silence.
Final Thoughts
“What is done in love is done well.”
— Vincent van Gogh
Whether you’re celebrating the resurrection of Christ, the renewal of the earth, or just cherishing moments with family—you are participating in something ancient, powerful, and real.
So honor it. Be still for a moment. Reflect. Break bread. Laugh. Forgive. Heal.
Because in the end, Easter is not just about the past—it’s about how we rise into the future.
Peace, love, and truth always,
Ewing Redmond Samuels III
ewingsamuels.com
