Easter Can Be Meaningful Without Jesus

Many argue that Easter must include Jesus for it to hold meaning, but what if we approach it differently? A friend shared a humorous anecdote where her child likened Jesus’ resurrection to a “force ghost” like Obi-Wan Kenobi. While this comparison shocked the parents, I couldn’t help but admire the child’s creativity. In our family, we celebrate Easter without focusing on Jesus. When I relayed this story to my partner, he jokingly dared me to ask our youngest child who Jesus was. “No way,” I replied. “His godparents might sense a disturbance in the Force!”

It’s true that if I asked my two youngest children who Jesus is, they would likely give me blank stares or mumble something about Christmas and the Bible. We stepped away from organized religion a few years ago and haven’t replaced it with much—though I’ve adopted a more relaxed, mindful approach to spirituality. I’ve shared some Old Testament tales with them in the context of broader cultural stories, so they have a basic understanding of figures like Adam and Eve and Noah. They know the Abrahamic faiths trace back to Abraham, at least my oldest does, and he has some grasp of Abraham’s historical significance. But when it comes to major holidays, we embrace Christmas and Easter sans the religious aspect.

The Essence of Easter

Historically, Christianity absorbed elements from various pagan traditions, as noted by St. Augustine who referred to it as “Egyptian gold.” The Venerable Bede, one of the earliest Saxon Christian chroniclers, identified Eostre as the mother goddess of the Saxon people. These pagan celebrations of rebirth and renewal eventually merged with Christian themes of resurrection, leading to the modern Easter we know today—complete with bunnies and baby chicks.

In our household, we celebrate Easter by focusing on the arrival of spring. Living in the South, this is easy: trees are budding, dogwoods are blooming, and azaleas are vibrant. We express our gratitude for the end of winter’s chill and welcome spring with joy—and chocolate bunnies.

Easter Traditions Without Jesus

Easter can still be a delightful occasion even without a focus on Jesus. For instance, the tradition of dressing up is a hallmark of our celebrations. I ensure my kids look their best, despite their grumbling, while I don a lovely white dress and a large hat. My partner usually opts for a bright polo shirt, and together we present a stylish family front.

Easter baskets are another essential element of our festivities. Unlike my childhood, where baskets needed blessings at church to avoid being deemed too pagan, our baskets are purely about fun. We fill them with colorful plastic grass and seasonal candies like Robin’s Eggs and Peeps.

And then there’s the food. Why is ham traditionally associated with Easter? Who knows? I’m a vegetarian, so I skip it, but it can still be part of our celebration without Jesus. Every culinary delight—from ham to macaroni and cheese—can find a place at our table.

Celebrating Togetherness

Above all, Easter marks the end of winter’s gloom and the beginning of spring. This year feels particularly special; as a family, we have made it through a long, challenging winter. With the arrival of spring, we have so much more to celebrate. After receiving our second Moderna vaccine, we might express our thanks around the dinner table—not to Jesus, but to figures like Dolly Parton, who inspires us with her contributions to society.

We navigated the dark months of the pandemic together, facing fear, fatigue, anger, and sadness. Now, as the world begins to bloom again, we find hope. Easter without Jesus will not feel empty; rather, it will be a celebration of hope after despair. We will joyfully acknowledge our sacrifices and the renewal of our world, making this Easter a meaningful occasion for our family.

For more insights on parenting and home insemination, check out this article. If you’re interested in home insemination kits, you can find valuable information at Make A Mom, a trusted resource in this area. For additional information on health and fertility, Science Daily offers excellent articles.

Probable Search Queries:

Summary

Easter can be celebrated meaningfully without emphasizing Jesus. By focusing on springtime, traditions like dressing up, egg hunts, and festive meals, families can create a joyful atmosphere that reflects renewal and togetherness. This approach allows for a celebration filled with hope and gratitude, making Easter a special occasion for all.