What is the Best Easter Tradition?

Via The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

By David Essig

This is an independently submitted op-ed and does not reflect the views of The Tower.

In the Catholic Church, Easter is the most important celebration in the entire liturgical year. It is a time when we gather together to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the tomb, his victory over sin and death. While going to mass, whether it would be the Easter Vigil or any other Sunday mass, is the most important religious tradition on Easter Sunday, are there other traditions that people do on Easter? 

The most popular tradition for Easter is egg hunting, which is mainly an activity usually reserved kids. This tradition was created during the times of Martin Luther. The activity is meant to represent the joy that Mary and Martha had when they saw that Jesus’ tomb was empty. When we were kids, we probably were filled with joy if we got lucky and found an egg. Some eggs are empty while others may be filled with candies. After hunting for eggs, it is important to refuel with a nice Easter dinner feast. Just like at Christmastime, many families cook ham or lamb, since Jesus is called the Lamb of God. A nice Easter dinner is good way to get together with family and celebrate the joy of Easter Sunday. While these two are the most well-known traditions, others may celebrate differently.

Some people, including myself, listen to popular classical music associated with Easter. One piece of music is the world-famous ‘Hallelujah’ chorus from Handel’s Messiah, a piece also associated with Christmas. When performed in a church or a concert hall, people stand, which represents the power behind the musical genius of Handel. There are two other pieces I thoroughly enjoy listening to on Easter: Final from Symphony No. 1 for Organ by Louis Vierne and Toccata from Charles-Marie Widor’s Fifth Organ Symphony. Both are very popular postludes for Easter Sunday. 

Overall, what the best tradition to celebrate Easter? It has to be…going to Sunday Mass to celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection from the dead. Easter is a time for family to get together to pray and give thanks to God for giving His son to save us from sin and death, to overcome death itself, and to give us a new chance at achieving eternal happiness. As we celebrate Easter and go to Mass to celebrate by saying “He Is Risen”, remember this verse from the Gospel of John: “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die” (John 11:25-26).