These activities withstand the test of time!
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As with any holiday, no two Easters are the same. While traditions may vary slightly, most Easter proceedings are similar at their cores. Ahead of the holiday, we're honoring the occasion with a look at the timeless traditions tied to them—with nostalgic and modern photos to illustrate each one.
Whether you're looking for new traditions to incorporate into your seasonal routine or are simply curious about widely enjoyed Easter moments, we've gathered some of the most popular activities to engage in on the holiday. Some are likely already part of your Easter itinerary. From dressing up in your Sunday best to baking an Easter cake, these traditions will likely continue for generations to come.
Easter lilies are symbolic of purity and hope. The white flower is most often associated with the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Send them to a loved one when the holiday rolls around or display them in a vase in your own home.
Easter trees come from the German tradition called Ostereierbaum, where people create and decorate Easter trees or bushes usually by hanging eggs on a bare-branched tree. If you need some inspiration before you get started, we have you covered with DIY Easter tree ideas.
The tradition of flying kites on Good Friday became popular in Bermuda, where it's said that a local teacher explained Jesus's ascension into heaven by using a kite. Now, it has become an annual festival. Join in the fun with a homemade kite, or buy a special one for the occasion.
Easter weekend always presents a great opportunity to give back to the community. Whether it involves clearing litter off of the streets or packing food, you can't go wrong with any type of volunteer work.
Whether you sing in the church choir or play tunes at home, music has long been a part of celebrating holidays. The best part? Everyone can join in.
On many special holidays, including Easter, people make time to visit loved ones who have passed. Stop by the cemetery to enjoy a moment of connection with them on the holiday.
Obviously, showing up for Easter mass is the main event of the holiday. Here, John and Jackie Kennedy are shown with their kids, Caroline and John, on Easter in 1963.
Wearing your Sunday best is customary on Easter. Whether you’re going to church or a fancy brunch, it’s an occasion for the whole family to wear their favorite outfits and take photos.
Dyeing Easter eggs is a super fun activity, so it’s no wonder we still do it today. Many sources trace Easter egg decorating back to the 13 century, according to History.com. While there are varying explanations for how it started, eggs represent new life and springtime—making them a perfect symbol for the holiday. Consider dyeing them with natural ingredients or get creative with a marble effect or gradient style.
There’s nothing like waking up on Easter morning to a basket full of goodies—whether you're a kid or a full-blown adult. If you need help with Easter gift basket ideas for this year, we have you covered.
Gathering around the table with friends and family for a nice meal on Easter has always been important. Whether it’s for brunch, dinner, or both, spending quality time with each other while eating a delicious meal is a tradition that will never die.
Easter egg hunts and rolls are two classic egg-based games. Easter egg hunts have taken place everywhere from living rooms to massive lawns. In 1878, the first official White House egg roll was held when Rutherford B. Hayes was president. Here, kids take part in an Easter egg race on the lawn of the White House in 1986.
Whether you go for a carrot cake in honor of the Easter Bunny, prefer cheesecake, or whip up a bundt cake, indulging in an Easter cake is a must. Make it from scratch, or buy it from your favorite local bakery.
Speaking of baked goods, let this photo of kids chowing down on hot cross buns as an Easter treat in 1937 inspire you to continue the tradition. Find a traditional recipe for the sweet treat at Delish.
There's a greeting card for every holiday, mood, and situation. Easter is no exception! Whether you buy some to send out or make them yourself, it's the thought that counts.
Ever wonder why chocolate bunnies tend to be hollow? Well, it's pretty simple: It's because they're easier to eat! "If you had a larger-size bunny and it was solid chocolate, it would be like a brick; you’d be breaking teeth," Mark Schlott, the vice president of operations at R.M. Palmer—one of the first manufacturers of hollow chocolate bunnies—told Smithsonian.
Depending on what your family is in the mood for, you can watch classics like 1961's King of Kings or 1956's The Ten Commandments. If you're looking for a bit of comedic relief, animated films like Hop and Peter Rabbit are no-fail choices.
Just like with Santa, it's always exciting (or sometimes slightly terrifying) for kids to meet the Easter bunny. In any case, the visit always produces memorable photos!
Reading the Easter story in the Bible is a great way to spend time with the family—especially if you can't make it to church in person.
While the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade seems to outshine any other parade of the year, Easter parades are a thrilling opportunity for tons of folks—both young and old—to celebrate together.
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