by L.S. Watts

Created on: March 17, 2009   Last Updated: March 18, 2009

Easter has many religious traditions surrounding it whether you are Christian or Pagan. However, in today's society there are many aspects of Easter that are considered to be secular. Most often it is because they don't realize what the various commercial Easter traditions represent. This is apparent by the marketing done right before Easter.

So what do you think, when you think Easter? Most kids will mention Easter Egg Hunts, candy, and the Easter Bunny. With many kids, religion is the furthest from their mind. Even those raised in strict religious families tend to answer religiously because that is what they think you want to hear, but really they are looking forward to the Easter Bunny.

Although, we are a Pagan household and my children do know the history behind Easter both from a Pagan point of view and a Christian point of view, we carry on our own family traditions that aren't steeped in dogma.

EASTER EGGS

Easter eggs are funny. Regardless of their representation, kids just want to get in and be artistic. You can find plenty of Easter egg dye boxes throughout most stores. Sometimes the kids like to use a variety of avenues to decorate that doesn't come in a box. They have used markers, wax, crayons, stickers, paint, and more. Even if we don't use real eggs, the kids love to fill the plastic eggs with candy and sometimes money. It's all about letting out their creativity and looking forward to the hunt.

EASTER EGG HUNT

Easter has arrived and the second most important thing on a child's mind is The Hunt. Someone sends the kids off to another room or location while the eggs are being carefully hidden. Anticipation mounts in the young minds of the kids. They are ready to start running to be the one to find the most eggs. As soon as they are given the go ahead, kids scatter in all directions quickly scooping up egg after egg. If the plastic eggs are used, this means more surprises.

EASTER BUNNY

Kids and their parents flock to the mall each year to visit the Easter Bunny much like they do each Christmas to visit Santa Clause. The Easter Bunny is a big part of Easter for kids. He is the one that brings them a basket filled with goodies.

EASTER BASKETS

Ah, yes. The infamous Easter basket filled with tons of candies and sometimes cheap toys. They clutter the shelves and risers of many stores each year in order for the Easter Bunny to pick them up and take to children everywhere. This is the number one thing most children get excited for at Easter.

EASTER MEAL

Some fix a

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