A More Sacred Easter Season
Around the start of spring, we might be used to traditions that involve symbols of seasonal birth in nature, such as eggs and baby animals. We know Easter has a deeper meaning beyond these symbols, being the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ through his Atonement and Resurrection. This time can be a sacred experience for you and your family. We invite you to elevate your view to focus on the Savior and His mission to save us.
Let us dedicate this Easter season in the same manner we do Christmas with tangible suggestions of Easter traditions to try in your home. During these several weeks of the Easter Season, might you try some of the following ideas?
John 12-21: You might have a tradition of reading Luke 2 with your family at Christmastime. Consider reading from the final 10 chapters of John during these several weeks leading up to Easter day (Start here: https://bit.ly/4iro7TL).
Easter “creche”: perhaps you own or have made Christmas nativity scenes for your home. What can you do to draw or create an Easter scene to display in your home during March and April? You might depict the tomb and stone; the angels; Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary; and more.
With children in the yard or garden: symbolism of the tomb. Build up soil as a small hilltop scene, with an empty pot tipped on its side to represent the empty tomb. Use smaller rocks arranged in front of the tomb with a large boulder that leans against the opening, as if it has been rolled away by the angels. You can use twigs to build the crosses of Calvary on the little hillside mound you have created. This scene can help children imagine the events of the crucifixion.
Visit graves of loved ones: you might even bring flowers with you and sing Easter songs while you visit those who have passed on. Feel the Savior’s love as you remember that you will see them again, thanks to his glorious Resurrection. Because of Jesus Christ, death has lost its sting (see 1 Corinthians 15:55).
The Greatest Easter Story Ever Told (Read/watch: https://bit.ly/4kvG5X3)
“Because of the Lord’s Atonement…resurrection became a reality…eternal life a possibility…for this sublime message of Easter—thanks be to God!”—Russell M. Nelson
Watch He Is Risen message from the First Presidency: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzPZ9PRE0WE
Young Women General President Emily Belle Freeman’s Holy Week traditions (https://bit.ly/43oN4uU)
Plant grass on a spot where you live to create a special place to feel hope and peace.
Go Easter caroling! You can find Easter songs in the hymnbook and Children’s songbook under the topic “Easter” and also here: https://bit.ly/4iksY9D
Resurrection Eggs (aka 12-Day Easter Advent): a tradition for children. Some families use advent calendars to commemorate the birth of Christ, with a new symbol each day (such as the star, a shepherd, or the baby Jesus). How might you share a symbol of Easter each day with the children in your family? You might keep each symbol in a plastic egg. The twelve days might include (idea credit goes to Jamie Heil):
#1—”Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. The people waved palm branches.” (flat twig of pine needles)
#2—”Mary poured expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet.” (vial with essential oils, or perfumed cotton ball)
#3—”Jesus shared the Last Supper with his disciples.” (a tiny toy cup, or thimble, and a piece of bread)
#4—”Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver.” (3 dimes)
#5—”Jesus carried his own cross.” (toothpicks fashioned into a tiny cross)
#6—”Soldiers placed a crown of thorns on Jesus’ head.” (a circular twig, or a snip of a thorn from a rose)
#7—”Soldiers parted Jesus’ garments and cast lots for His coat.” (a dice and a piece of white fabric)
#8—”Jesus was nailed to a cross and pierced in His side.” (3 nails)
#9—”They gave Jesus vinegar mixed with gall on a sponge to drink.” (fragment of a sponge)
#10—”Spices to prepare Jesus for burial.” (bay leaf and two cinnamon sticks, or cloves)
#11—”The stone covering Jesus’ tomb was rolled away.” (small rock)
#12—”The napkin around Jesus’ head was lying separately from His linen clothes. He was not there. He has risen!” (this egg is empty)
“On Easter Sunday we celebrate the most long-awaited and glorious event in the history of the world. It is the day that changed everything. On that day, my life changed. Your life changed. The destiny of all God’s children changed.”—Dieter F. Uchtdorf