The History of Easter and Why It’s a Big Shopping Event

Easter is one of the sacred days in Christianity, and it arrives each spring between March 22 and April 25. This day is often marked by chocolate eggs and bunny ears, but behind all that sugar and decoration is a past with roots in ancient and religious celebrations.

Easter started as a religious festival of Jesus Christ’s resurrection, but over time, it merged with older spring traditions and grew into a major retail holiday. Today, it’s a mix of faith, folklore, and commercial activity that drives billions in spending.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the history of Easter, its significance for Christians, why it is celebrated, and how it turned into a massive shopping event.

What is the Origin of Easter?

Long before Easter became a Christian holiday, communities across Europe and the Middle East used to celebrate the arrival of spring. These celebrations were often held around the spring equinox (March 20–21), symbolizing fertility, agriculture, and renewal.

One figure often linked to these traditions is Eostre, an Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring, fertility, and dawn. The only written recognition of her comes from the 8th-century English monk Bede. In The Reckoning of Time, he explains that the month Eosturmonath (now April) was named after her and included seasonal rituals. Some historians note that Bede is the sole source of this goddess, with no direct evidence from earlier pagan texts. Still, the symbolic association between Eostre and modern Easter is widely accepted in modern discussions.

And do you know why Easter is called Easter? This name also comes from Eostre, the Anglo-Saxon goddess. Additionally, eggs and rabbits, which are now popular Easter symbols, were common in spring festivals across Germanic and Norse cultures.

How Old Is Easter?

The Christian celebration of Easter likely began in the 2nd century AD, though some scholars argue that informal observances may have started earlier. Bishop Melito of Sardis, who lived in the mid-100s AD, wrote one of the earliest known homilies on the resurrection, suggesting that Christians were already marking the event by that time. These early Easter observances were not yet uniform—different Christian communities chose different days and ways to celebrate. Some followed the Jewish lunar calendar, while others began using the solar Roman calendar, which eventually led to disputes.

This lack of unity prompted church leaders to seek a standardized approach to Easter’s date and meaning, which would take shape over the following centuries.

When Did Easter Become a Christian Holiday?

As Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire, differences in how and when Easter was celebrated became more pronounced. Some churches observed Easter on the 14th of Nisan, the date of Passover in the Jewish calendar, regardless of the weekday. Others celebrated it on the following Sunday, emphasizing Jesus’s resurrection on that day.

This disagreement led to what’s known as the Quartodeciman Controversy (Quartodeciman = “fourteen” in Latin), which divided early Christians.

To resolve the issue, the Roman Emperor Constantine convened the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, and the council established a uniform method to calculate Easter’s date:

“Easter would be celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox.”

This rule is still used today, which is why Easter’s date shifts each year, always landing between March 22 and April 25.

Why Does Easter’s Date Change Every Year?

Easter doesn’t have a fixed date because it follows a lunar calendar. Since the full moon doesn’t show up on the same date each year, the Easter date shifts. In 2025, Easter Sunday will fall on April 20.

Why is Easter Celebrated?

Easter is celebrated to mark the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which, according to the New Testament, happened three days after his crucifixion. It is the most important and sacred event in the Christian calendar because it represents the victory of life over death, and hope over despair. It confirms Jesus as the Son of God, and it gives believers the promise of eternal life.

What is the Significance of Eggs and Bunnies?

Over time, various non-religious symbols and customs have become associated with Easter, many of which have pagan origins. The most recognizable among these are the Easter egg and the Easter bunny.

Eggs have long been symbols of fertility and new life. In the context of Easter, they represent the empty tomb of Jesus and the promise of resurrection. By the 13th century, the church allowed eggs to be eaten again on Easter after they were banned during Lent — people celebrated by decorating and exchanging them.

The idea of a rabbit bringing eggs comes from German immigrants in the 1700s. They told stories about a hare called the “Osterhase” that laid eggs for children. Kids would make nests where the hare could leave them. When the tradition came to America, it slowly changed into what we now know as the Easter Bunny. Instead of real eggs, people started using chocolate and candy, turning it into a fun celebration for both kids and adults.

How Did Easter Turn Into a Big Shopping Event?

Retailers began marketing Easter more heavily in the late 1800s and early 1900s, as companies like Cadbury and Brach’s started producing chocolate eggs and candy in bulk. They realized that Easter could help fill the gap between Christmas and summer.

Did You Know? Easter now ranks among the top 5 shopping holidays in the United States, with spending reaching over $22 billion in recent years.

This year, brands are again tapping into the season’s themes of renewal—and VAVA is no exception. Known for its innovative tech products, VAVA is offering a mindblowing, limited-time Easter sale across:

• 4K and 1080P laser projectors such as VAVA Luma and VAVA MiniCima – perfect for cinema-like movie nights in the coziness of home.
• High-quality baby monitors and breast pumps to support busy parents.
• Office accessories like 8-in-1 USB-C Hub and desk lamps that boost productivity.

Whether Easter weekend calls for movie nights, juggling parent duties, or giving your desk a spring refresh, VAVA has a few smart picks worth checking out.

Wrapping Up

Easter has come a long way—from ancient spring festivals to a cornerstone of Christian belief, and now, a major event in the retail calendar as well. What began as a celebration of resurrection and renewal eventually absorbed folklore, merged with pre-Christian customs, and evolved into a season packed with chocolate, sales, and family traditions. Whether it’s marked by faith, fun, or a mix of both, Easter continues to shape springtime rituals—and for businesses, it’s a chance to meet shoppers where they’re already looking for something seasonal, meaningful, or just a bit sweet.