Easter in the U.S is celebrated for its religious significance as well as its secular traditions. Easter is one of the most important dates on the Christian calendar so you can expect nearly every church in the country to be hosting special services throughout this time.

The White House Easter Egg Roll

In 1878 U.S President, Rutherford B. Hayes, hosted a special Easter party in front of the White House where families gathered, music played and stories of the President were told. This tradition still carries on today and children are invited to play on the large lawns and do their traditional Easter Egg Roll. 

Secular Activities

Easter isn’t only observed from a religious point of view, many traditions such as Easter egg hunts, parades and visits from the Easter Bunny are celebrated. Traditionally, an easter egg hunt will be held for children at home by their parents or at events organised by the community. Children will then search for the delicious chocolate and candy eggs and collect as many as they can in their baskets. 

A popular activity amongst children over Easter is the Easter Egg Roll. This happens once all eggs have been found. Children will then roll an egg down a hill or push it through the grass at the same time, hoping that their egg will reach the bottom first and ultimately win the game.

Religious Easter Services

The Friday before Easter Sunday is traditionally a day of fasting and repentance as it remembers the day Jesus was crucified. Churches across the country will host activities such as prayers, singing and feasting. Some churches in the U.S will hold vigils the night before to watch the sunrise and greet the new day and reflect on the meaning of resurrection. 

Easter Food

The traditional food eaten during this time is known as the Easter Ham. This is a hearty ham on the bone which is cooked in the oven and then refined with a spicy marinade. Americans prefer to use a honey-mustard marinade, but the choice is yours. The most popular sides to accompany this hearty ham are potatoes and mixed vegetables. If ham is not your thing, then the tender Easter Lamb is known to be a popular substitute. 

Interesting Easter Facts

  • Easter is the most popular church day of the year.
  • After Halloween, Easter is the biggest candy-consuming holiday of the year.
  • There were over 500,000 eggs hidden in the world’s largest Easter egg hunt that took place in Winter Haven, Florida in 2007.

These church services and Easter traditions will of course follow the laws regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, whether or not they will happen will vary between each state. It is important to adhere to these rules and practice social distancing to minimise the spread.