Easter is a special, sacred holiday when Christians around the world remember and honor the life, death, and Resurrection of the Savior Jesus Christ. During the Easter season, we use Easter traditions to celebrate the glorious gift of His atoning sacrifice as He overcame sin and death. Because of His sacrifice, all God's children will be resurrected and have the opportunity to be forgiven of their sins through repentance.
As we think of Christ's sacrifice, let’s remember what He Himself said, “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:12–13).
Easter is a time to find joy in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and celebrate His love for us all. One way we can do this is by participating in Christ-centered traditions.
What are some ways you and your family celebrate Easter? Do you have any Easter traditions that have been passed down for generations? Have you ever thought about how your ancestors might have celebrated the holiday? What about the Easter traditions from the countries of your heritage?
As we carry on our Easter traditions, we can stay connected to those who have gone before us and share our love for the Savior with those who will follow after us. Let’s take a closer look at the history of Easter and how Christians throughout the world commemorate Christ’s Resurrection during the Easter season.
What Is the History of Easter?
“Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen” (Luke 24:5–6).
To understand the spiritual importance of this holiday, let’s look back at the first Easter Sunday and some of the events of Holy Week that preceded Christ’s Crucifixion and Resurrection.
Passover
When we speak of Holy Week, it’s important to mention Passover. Jesus entered Jerusalem to celebrate this sacred holiday at the beginning of the week’s events.
Passover is one of the most important holidays in Judaism. It commemorates the biblical account in the book of Exodus when the Israelites, led by the prophet Moses, were freed from bondage in Egypt. Many plagues came upon Egypt to convince Pharaoh to free the people (see Exodus 7–12), but it was from the final plague that this holiday got its name.
During the final plague, the Israelites marked their doorposts with lamb’s blood so that God would “pass over” their homes and spare their firstborn children. Jesus himself participated in some of the sacred traditions of Passover, including the seder meal, the search for and removal of any leavened grain from the house, and the eating of matzo instead of bread.
Palm Sunday
Holy Week began when Jesus Christ made His triumphant entry into Jerusalem, fulfilling ancient prophecies about the coming Messiah. Jesus was greeted by crowds waving palm leaves and proclaiming “Hosanna in the highest” (Matthew 21:9), or “Please save us.”
By crying these significant words, the people proclaimed Jesus as the long-awaited Son of David who had come to deliver them. What a wonderful sight it must have been on that day (which came to be known as Palm Sunday) to see so many believers welcome the King of kings to the Holy City.
The Last Supper
Many Christians commemorate Thursday of the Holy Week as the day that Jesus brought His disciples together for the Last Supper and to observe Passover. During this sacred gathering, the Lord blessed bread and wine and gave it to His disciples as sacramental symbols of His body and blood. With this ordinance, He was teaching them to remember Him and His sacrifice (see Luke 22:19).
He also gave them a new commandment: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another” (John 13:34). Later that evening, Jesus went to Gethsemane to pray, and there He suffered for our sins through His atoning sacrifice.
Good Friday
The next day is known to Christians as Good Friday. Jesus was brought before Pontius Pilate, where he was sentenced to death, endured great pain on His way to Calvary, and was crucified. Because of His suffering in Gethsemane and on the cross, we can be forgiven when we repent of our sins.
We can feel God’s love as we become reconciled to Him through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. While enduring agony on the cross, Jesus was still an example of love to us as He forgave those who mocked and persecuted Him (see Luke 23:34).
Easter Sunday
After His sacrifice was complete on Good Friday, Jesus’s body was laid to rest in a tomb. On the third day after His death, the loved ones of Jesus found that the tomb was empty. A heavenly messenger proclaimed to them that Jesus Christ had risen from the dead (see Matthew 28:6).
Jesus had fulfilled His divine mission to provide resurrection for all and was now living as a resurrected being. Because of His atoning sacrifice and the great love Jesus has for us, we will live again.
Traditions at Easter Around the World
Christians throughout the world have shown their love and appreciation for the Savior’s sacrifice for centuries. With large concentrations of Christians in many countries, we can see Easter traditions spread across the globe. Let’s learn more about several traditions at Easter from around the world.
Passion Plays
Passion plays are a dramatic representation of the events leading to the death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. These historical retellings include actors, costumes, and dialogue that immerse viewers and participants in the time of Jesus and bring the Easter story to life.
Germany
Since 1634, nearly 400 years ago, regular passion plays have been held in Oberammergau, Germany. Performed every 10 years (with a postponement during COVID), the Oberammergau Passion Play has become one of the most famous in the world.
One remarkable fact about this passion play is that this tradition began with a pledge from the faithful people in Oberammergau in the 17th century. During the hardships of the Thirty Years' War, a devastating plague came to the village. In 1633, after much loss, the community's leaders pledged to perform a passion play every 10 years as a sign of their faith in God. Pastor Joseph A. Daisenberger wrote in his village chronicles about the miraculous result of the village’s faithful decision. He wrote, “From this day forward, not a single person perished, even though a great number of them still showed signs of the plague.”
Pastor Daisenberger went on to write, “It is likely that the story of the Lord’s suffering was acted out before the year 1600, even in Oberammergau, as an act of religious edification, for instance during the fasting period. In my own opinion it seems as though the pledge of the community in the year 1633 didn’t intend to introduce a new, formerly unfamiliar custom, but to preserve an age-old custom for all eternity by promising to perform it regularly."
Mexico
In Iztapalapa, Mexico, another influential passion play came to life through the faith and prayers of the people. In 1833, a deadly cholera epidemic passed through the city, causing the people to turn to the Lord in prayer for help. They vowed to honor the Savior in a sacred passion play if He would save them. Prayers were answered as the epidemic subsided, and the people didn’t forget their promise. This humble act of faith led to a major cultural event, with millions of visitors every year coming to commemorate Christ’s death and Resurrection.
The Passion Play of Christ in Iztapalapa has become such a beloved tradition that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) added it to its Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2025.
Can you imagine the overwhelming feeling of God’s love you might feel as you see the Resurrection of the Savior reenacted before your eyes? How marvelous would it be to be surrounded by millions of other believers as you gather to witness the events of the Savior’s sacrifice and remember all He has done for us?
You might not be able to travel to Germany or Mexico to witness these beautiful performances, but what if you started a tradition of reenacting the Easter story in your own home? You can use this Easter play script to create your own reenactment and honor Christ’s Resurrection as a family.
Easter Sunday Worship Services
Just as Jesus rose on the third day, Christians around the world rise early on Easter Sunday morning to celebrate the beautiful truth that “He is risen.”
United States of America
In Washington, D.C., in the United States, Christians gather for Easter sunrise at the Lincoln Memorial to watch the first light of Easter morning shine over the United States Capitol as they listen to a special Easter worship service.
This interdenominational event has brought believers together for more than 40 years to join in celebrating the Resurrection of our Lord.
Philippines
In the Philippines, Christians celebrate Easter morning particularly early with a special predawn ritual procession called Salubong. This tradition celebrates the meeting of the Resurrected Lord and His mother, Mary, on Easter morning. Although we don’t find a record in the Bible of Jesus visiting His mother after His Resurrection, this tradition has grown to become a meaningful and important part of Easter for the Filipino people.
This Easter processional has two groups, men and women, coming from opposite directions. They move through the streets in search of each other. Men and boys carry a life-size figure of Jesus, while women and girls carry a life-size figure of Mary wearing traditional Filipino mourning clothes.
The figures are brought together in front of a church, and a young girl representing an angel lifts Mary’s veil. Then the two groups embrace, and the Easter celebrations begin.
Beginning the sacred holiday of Easter with sunbeams of light and words of praise would absolutely fill the soul with the love of God. Because of our Savior, we celebrate Easter with a new day and a new life.
If enjoying a morning worship service is something you would like to do this Easter season, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints invites you to come and worship the Savior with us. You can use this map to find a nearby meetinghouse.
Symbolic Easter Eggs
You can find many symbols of Jesus Christ in Easter traditions around the world. One such symbol is the egg. In some cultures, eggs are decorated or filled with candy for children, but they also can represent the emergence of the Resurrected Savior from the tomb and the new life He gives to us all.
Armenia
As the first nation in the world to declare Christianity as its official religion, in AD 301, Armenians have worshipped Christ for nearly two millenia. In Armenia, symbolic eggs are naturally dyed red to represent the blood of Christ and His sacrifice for all people. The eggs are dyed red using onion skins and can be embellished with leaves or small flowers. On Easter, people crack their eggs together and declare that Christ is risen!
Ukraine
In Ukraine, pysanky eggs are traditionally decorated using a wax-resist method. The designs hold significant symbolic importance in both folk culture and religious ceremonies. These intricately decorated eggs serve as symbols not only of the arrival of spring but also as a symbol of faith, hope, and new life.
Another type of Ukrainian Easter egg decoration is krashanky, which is distinct from pysanky. Krashanky eggs are meant to be eaten, and pysanky eggs are meant to be saved as keepsakes. Krashanky eggs are typically dyed naturally in a single color. Similar to Easter egg traditions in Armenia, red krashanky eggs can symbolize Christ’s blood or the renewal of life in springtime.
Imagine the excitement and wonder of young children as they decorate colored eggs and listen to loved ones describe the miracle of the Risen Christ emerging from the tomb on Easter morning.
This wonderful tradition draws them closer to their family and helps them develop a love for their Savior.
Christ-Centered Easter Traditions for Your Home
You can find joy in the Lord’s Resurrection and celebrate His great love for you this Easter by participating in meaningful traditions. Whether it's a cultural tradition, a family tradition passed down for generations, or a new tradition you want to start, you can remember Christ this holiday.
Learn About the Traditions of Your Ancestors
What if your German ancestors participated in the Oberammergau Passion Play? Or maybe you have a family tie to the Philippines? Discover what traditions your ancestors have cherished by searching your family history and discovering more about your heritage. You will feel their love for the Savior as you learn more about them and how they celebrated this sacred Easter holiday.
Study the Easter Story in the Scriptures
Bring the reality of the Easter story into your home this year by honoring each day of Holy Week. This Holy Week Study Experience offers daily scriptures, videos, messages, and activities to help teach the significance of each individual day of this sacred week. Learning about Holy Week will prepare your family for the spiritual significance of Easter.
Enjoy Easter Activities as a Family
For a more family-friendly approach to this sacred holiday, here are fun and easy activities that everyone can enjoy. You can put on an Easter play, create a Resurrection garden, download Holy Week coloring pages, listen to Easter music, and more! Creating Easter traditions with young children will help them feel the love of their Savior.
Feeling God’s Greater Love This Easter Season
Easter Sunday is a truly special day, but you don’t have to wait until then to feel the joy of Christ’s Resurrection and celebrate God’s greater love for you. Make Easter a season-long celebration by creating a new family tradition or revisiting an old one. Maybe this Easter season you could learn more about your family’s heritage and celebrate a tradition from your family's country or culture. You could create a memory in FamilySearch about your own family's Easter traditions.
Add What You Know
No matter how you celebrate Easter, let us all remember that it is because of our Savior and His atoning sacrifice that we can be saved from sin and death and return to heaven again. Let us feel the deep love and infinite meaning of the words “He is risen.”
Related Articles
At FamilySearch, we care about connecting you with your family, and we provide fun discovery experiences and family history services for free. Why? Because we cherish families and believe that connecting generations can improve our lives now and forever. We are a nonprofit organization sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. To learn more about our beliefs, click here.
