Easter is one of the oldest and most important Christian festivals, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. According to the Gospels, Jesus Christ was resurrected from the dead three days after his crucifixion, with the Resurrection occurring on Sunday. For this reason, many Christians commemorate the triumph of Jesus Christ over death during the Easter celebration. Thus, Easter is a symbolic event that serves as a reminder for most, if not all, Christians that through his resurrection, Jesus marked the victory of good over evil, and those who trust and accept God will be raised from the dead to heaven. Nonetheless, people have, for a long time, developed different celebration habits depending on geographical location and doctrines of the faith. Because of the difference in principles of their faith, Catholic and non-Catholic people celebrate Easter differently, especially in this area of the world.

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Catholics have a profound belief that Easter symbolizes the fulfillment of their Christian faith, hence making it their greatest feast. According to the Catholic faith, Easter manifests the fulfillment of God’s promise to the world through the resurrection of His son Jesus Christ. For this reason, Catholics approach the Easter celebration with considerably high devotion. Their hope is to have their own sins forgiven through the commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

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In contrast, there is little, if any, meaning ascribed to Easter by non-Catholics because of their conflicting views in relation to sin. For this reason, many non-Catholics concentrate on feasting and spending time with family and friends just like on many other holidays - as opposed to observing any special attention to God’s promise to mankind.

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The celebration of Easter by Catholics is characterized by prayer, repentance and sacraments. Catholic devotees believe that the resurrection symbolizes new hope for the followers of Jesus Christ. For this reason, they celebrate Easter by performing certain rituals synonymous with the doctrines of the Catholic Church, such as attending the Easter Vigil at midnight, where sacraments are performed. Baptisms are traditionally performed at this time.  On the other hand, non-Catholics do not engage in any specific rituals. Protestants attend church services to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ without performing rituals like sacraments, while non-believers and other denominations do not observe Easter celebrations. Therefore, Easter rituals and traditions that are followed by Catholics are largely non-existent when it comes to Easter celebrations by non-Catholics.

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However, a remarkable similarity between Catholic and non-Catholic Easter celebrations exist when it comes to traditional family activities. Throughout much of the United States, children from Catholic and non-Catholic families often hunt for brightly-colored boiled Easter eggs and receive gifts in form of candy. In both sides, sharing gifts is common among adults including greetings cards and bouquets of flowers. They also exchange greetings cards. Thus, the main similarity in how Catholics and non-Catholics celebrate Easter results from traditional family activities and habits.

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Easter is a significant celebration among Christians. However, locational differences and faith-based approaches often influence Easter celebrations. No matter their faith, it is likely that many people in this country and around the world will be celebrating this holiday through their own traditions this coming weekend and for many years to come.