Easter: The Forgotten Holiday

It seems Easter is the most overlooked holiday in the Christian world. While I do not dismiss other religious holidays, they seem to have greater influence than Easter.

I am far from being "religious", but I know the true meaning of Easter. Christmas is Jesus' birth. That is the reason for the season. That is wonderful in itself. Easter should be celebrated with as much reverence, after all, it is life after death.

According to Religious Tolerance, a web based site geared toward all religions, the word Easter is derived from two religions, Judeo-Christian and Pagans.

Judean-Christian views Jesus of Nazareth rose from his grave on a Sunday

Easter, Passover and the Vernal or Spring Equinox have a common ground of celebrating life.

Passover comes from the Old Testament of the Bible. The Angel of Death was sent out to kill the first born of unbelievers. Those who believed by putting the blood of a slaughtered lamb over the doorway were spared the agony of losing a loved one.

Theologians argue over the exact passing of Jesus. Gospels of the New Testament by some, conflict the time, but most agree on Friday, where "Good Friday" stems from.

Easter Sunday is a celebration of life renewed. In the early years of the church, baptisms were conducted as an induction of membership into that church. Today, there are several churches who still practice this.

The Vernal Equinox is celebrated by all living things, regardless of religion. Each year, the trees begin to leaf, the grass turns green, daffodils and crocuses poke their showy blooms through spring snows and unless the temperatures drop into the teens, they never seem to die until it is time.

As with each holiday, comes commercialism. Of all the holidays, Easter in the stores has nothing in the way of what it actually means. Cute bunnies and baby chicks, baskets loaded with eggs and candy are pushed on the consumer. Family may or may not have a dinner, and chances are the day goes on without much fanfare.

We were promised ever lasting life when Jesus died on the cross for our sins (John 3:16). This is the purpose of Easter and seems to be the underlying message that is never told. Most who do observe Easter as it should be are probably in the 25-40% bracket. (This is based on my asking people) Sadly, there were quite a few who didn't really know what Easter is all about except hunting for eggs hidden in places where they are never found until October.

With all the outcry from other religions that they are not acknowledged, the Easter holiday should be put into this category because it is just another day to most.