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The somber observance of Passover and Good Friday, the joyous celebration of Easter, and the delight in watching little girls dressed in their spring finest are traditions rooted deep in American families everywhere.

Religious and holiday celebrations abound in the area, whether it's a spring day watching the children search for Easter eggs or attending a sunrise service.

The History of the Spring Religious Holidays

Would you be surprised to know that Christians recognize Passover as an important historical event...and that Jesus celebrated Passover the week before He was crucified?

"In the Christian calendar, Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week. During this week Christians are asked to reflect on the meaning of Jesus' death on the cross, an event that took place nearly two millennia ago at a place which still remains the epicenter of religious and political violence today.

"...The festival of Pesah, or Passover, is the most celebrated Jewish holiday of the year. Passover commemorates God's deliverance of the children of Israel from slavery in Egypt. Jesus had gone to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover with his disciples (where events unfolded that led to his death).

While most Jews do not recognize Jesus as the Messiah, the New Testament weaves the central events of this week into one overarching story of redemptive history." -Christianity Today

What is Passover?

The Jewish festival commemorates the exodus, led by Moses, of the Israelites from Egypt and their safe flight across the Red Sea.

Who is Moses?

What is Easter?

Approximately 2,000 years ago, a Jewish infant was born to a young virgin, Mary. This birth is what is celebrated by Christians as Christmas. The infant grew to become the man, Jesus Christ, whom at age 33 was crucified on a cross--and later miraculously rose from the dead. This is what Christians celebrate at Easter.

Who is Jesus
Christians believe this to be the most important question each person must answer, because it will determine one's eternal destiny. Was He just a man? If so, one would have to consider him a lunatic or a liar. More...

Easter Symbols
The Easter Bunny, Easter Eggs, Easter Candy...why?