What is the meaning of Easter to you & your family ~ How do you celebrate?

Easter is a spring festival that celebrates the central event of the Christian faith: the resurrection of Christ three days after his death by crucifixion. {1} Easter is the oldest Christian holiday and the most important day of the church year. All the Christian movable feasts and the entire liturgical year of worship are arranged around Easter.

Easter Sunday is preceded by the season of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and repentence culminating in Holy Week, and followed by a 50-day Easter Season that stretches from Easter to Pentecost.

Name of Easter

The origins of the word "Easter" are not certain, but probably derive from Estre, an Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring {2}. The German word Ostern has the same derivation, but most other languages follow the Greek term used by the early Christians: pascha, from the Hebrew pesach (Passover).

In Latin, Easter is Festa Paschalia (plural because it is a seven-day feast), which became the basis for the French Pâques, the Italian Pasqua, and the Spanish Pascua. Also related are the Scottish Pask, the Dutch Paschen, the Danish Paaske, and the Swedish Pask. {3}

Go to link for more information on the meaning of Easter... I found it very insightful ... http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/holidays/easter.htm

I'm enjoying my Easter Sunday with my family.  Minus my oldest Son & oldest Daughter.  My Son... well, it was his choice to spend it with friends over family, as this is part of teenage boys I am still trying to figure out (hopefully, he'll enjoy his Easter basket as he lies on his pillows tonight to his suprise).  My college daughter will be home this afternoon with her boyfriend for a nice family dinner.  The Sun is out... the air is warm... the birds are chirping... the baskets & eggs have been found, the children are playing.  Now for a few quiet moments for myself to reflect, to take nice deep breathes in and out... to be renewed and be thankful for this day & Jesus Christ my Savior.

May you have a very Happy Easter in whatever way you may celebrate!