The Ceremonies Program Manager who values all systems of belief, when ‘affirming the worth and dignity of the individual and the right of every human to the greatest possible freedom and fullest possible development’, within the equilibrium of science, reason and community.

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Easter's origins trace back to pagan spring festivals celebrating renewal, long before Christianity. The spring equinox, a time of balance between light and dark, was considered sacred, marking the end of winter and the arrival of new life. Is this a reason to celebrate Easter? As Christianity spread, Easter became associated with the resurrection of Jesus, with early Christians attaching feast days to existing pagan celebrations. In 325 CE, the Council of Nicaea set Easter's date as the Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox, making it a "moveable feast." Is this a reason to celebrate Easter?

Easter's name in English and German derives from Eostre/Ostara, an Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring. Pagan symbols like eggs, representing new life, were incorporated into Christian traditions, with egg decoration becoming popular in medieval Europe. Rabbits, associated with fertility and Eostre, also became part of Easter folklore. The "Easter hare" first appeared in the 18th century, hiding eggs for children to find. Is this a reason to celebrate Easter?

In the 19th century, commercialization transformed Easter, with chocolate eggs and bunny-shaped treats becoming popular, especially after the rise of the greeting card and confectionery industries. Today, Easter celebrations in Australia, while occurring in autumn, continue to feature these symbols of spring, through egg hunts and chocolate treats, alongside Christian traditions and a public holiday. Is this a reason to celebrate Easter?

*“a perfect way to take a much-needed break with family and friends”*

For the majority of Australians, Easter has very little to do with Christianity as only 17% attend Easter services each year. Australians prefer to spend their Easter holiday travelling ($11.1 bn), on home improvements ($6.7 bn) and splurging out on food ($2.2 bn), a perfect way to take a much-needed break with family and friends. Is this a reason to celebrate Easter?

Humanists are every-day people who are deeply committed to living their one life ethically, compassionately, and based on evidence and reason. The Humanists worldview is grounded in respect for the dignity and worth of every person, and guided by shared values. From ancient traditions to modern interpretations, Easter is what you make it.

Humanists approach the Easter holiday with a diversity of meaning and activities. Here, five neighbourly Humanists share their thoughts and activities about Easter:

**Brian**

*What does Easter mean to you?*
Easter for me was always about my kids. Now that they’re all grown up it’s really just about a long weekend and some chocolate.
*What do you do on the Easter public holidays?*
Our grown up kids will probably visit. We still have an Easter egg hunt around the house for a bit of a laugh. And chocolate.
*Can a humanist celebrate Easter and remain true to their beliefs?*
Absolutely. I don’t really see Easter as a celebration and it has no bearing on anything I believe in. It’s just a good excuse to eat chocolate.
*Have other people criticised you for celebrating Easter as a non-religious person? How do you respond?*
No one has ever criticised me for celebrating Easter. If they did I wouldn’t care. I’d be too busy eating chocolate.

**Willow**

*What does Easter mean to you?*
Before coming to Australia, I did not participate in Easter because I view it as a religious event participated by my Catholic or Christian friends. But, when I arrived, I was surprised to learn that Easter is also a holiday for children here, and people travel on Easter. I learnt about Easter rabbits, even Easter egg hunting, etc., which I only know about on the internet before.
*What do you do on the Easter public holidays?*
I do not have any plans yet, but probably take rests and travel around, happy to participate in any religious or non-religious activities for Easter if invited by close friends!
*Can a humanist celebrate Easter and remain true to their beliefs?*
I do not think I have enough knowledge to answer this one. But I believe we should celebrate every event with respect and knowledge about ourselves and the event we are celebrating!
*Have other people criticised you for celebrating Easter as a non-religious person? How do you respond?*
No, not so far that I know.

Sam

What does Easter mean to you?

A time for Family and friends.

What do you do on the Easter public holidays?

Camping, enjoying the outdoors, nature walks, swimming in the ocean.

Can a humanist celebrate Easter and remain true to their beliefs?

Easter means different things to different people. What a Humanist chooses to celebrate or not at a time commonly known in western culture as Easter is entirely up to the western individual, within the equilibrium of science, reason and community.

Have other people criticised you for celebrating Easter as a non-religious person? How do you respond?

No, not yet.