Easter Can Be Meaningful Without Jesus

Many would suggest that embracing the story of Jesus is essential for celebrating Easter, especially for cultural reasons. A friend once recounted how her child confused the resurrection of Christ with a Star Wars concept, asking, “So, Jesus is like Obi-Wan Kenobi?” This left his parents shocked, but I found the analogy rather clever. In our family, we celebrate Easter without focusing on Jesus, and when I shared this story with my partner, he jokingly challenged me to ask our youngest about Jesus. I knew better than to accept that dare—after all, it might lead to some interesting conversations!

It’s true: If I were to ask my younger kids about Jesus, they would probably respond with puzzled expressions, maybe saying something about Christmas and Bibles. We stepped away from the Church a few years back and haven’t really replaced that tradition. I’ve returned to a more general sense of mindfulness, exploring concepts from various beliefs. While I’ve shared some Old Testament stories for educational purposes, major holidays don’t align with my beliefs. We celebrate Christmas and Easter without Jesus.

What Easter Represents

Historically, early Christianity borrowed elements from various traditions, incorporating them into its own practices. For instance, the Venerable Bede identified Eostre as the Saxon goddess associated with spring. This pagan connection was woven into a broader celebration of renewal, symbolized by baby animals and blooming flowers.

So, how do we honor Easter without Jesus? For us, it’s a celebration of springtime. Living in the South makes this easy; trees are budding, dogwoods are blooming, and azaleas are vibrant. We express gratitude for the arrival of spring after a long winter, often with a chocolate bunny in hand.

Maintaining Traditions Without Jesus

While we may not include Jesus in our Easter celebrations, many beloved traditions remain intact. For starters, dressing up is a big part of the day. My children may grumble, but I make sure they look their best for an egg hunt in our yard. I don a lovely white dress and a wide-brimmed hat, while my partner wears a bright polo shirt. Looking good is part of the fun, and it doesn’t require any divine figure to make it special.

Easter baskets are another essential aspect of our observance. In my childhood, we took our baskets to church for blessings, but ours can remain unapologetically pagan! We fill them with colorful paper grass and spring-themed candies like Robin’s Eggs, bunnies, and those delightful Peeps.

And let’s not forget about the food! Although I’m a vegetarian and don’t partake in ham, it’s a staple for many during Easter. We can enjoy any dish—be it ham, mac and cheese, or deviled eggs—without needing a religious context.

Celebrating Togetherness

Above all, Easter serves as a moment to rejoice in the arrival of spring and the end of winter’s gloom. This year, it feels particularly significant. With our family vaccinated, we can gather in gratitude. If we offer thanks at our Easter table, it’ll be for the inspiring Dolly Parton, a true role model we can look up to.

After enduring a long, challenging winter, we can finally see a ray of hope emerging this spring. Together, as a family, we’ve weathered the storm, and now we’re ready to celebrate the renewal that comes with the new season. Easter without Jesus won’t feel empty; rather, it will represent the joy and togetherness we’ve cultivated through our shared experiences. We’ll honor our sacrifices and embrace the promise of renewal, marking our own Spring of Hope after the long winter.

Summary

Easter can be a meaningful celebration without the traditional focus on Jesus. By embracing the arrival of spring and maintaining beloved traditions, families can create joyful experiences centered around togetherness, renewal, and hope. Whether it’s dressing up, filling baskets with treats, or simply gathering to share in the joy of the season, Easter offers a chance to celebrate life and family.

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