Why Christians Don’t Celebrate Easter but Resurrection Sunday

By Karim Maguid

Author’s Note: Why I Wrote This Book

Hi, I’m Karim Maguid. I’m not a theologian, not a scholar, and definitely not someone who grew up knowing all the answers. In fact, I’m a relatively new Christian. A few years ago, my life looked very different. But by God’s grace, everything changed. Now, I’m not just a follower of Christ—I’m a husband, a father to two young sons (one is 6 months old, the other just 2 years old), and a stepfather to a bright, beautiful 12-year-old daughter. God didn’t just transform me; He transformed my whole family. Together, we’ve found a home in His church, and today I’m honored to serve as a leader in that very church. As a father, I’ve become deeply aware of the responsibility I have to teach my children not just traditions, but truth. I want them to grow up knowing why we believe what we believe—not just following the crowd, but following Christ. That’s exactly why I wrote this book. I wanted to explore and explain something that confused me when I first became a Christian: Why do some Christians avoid using the word "Easter" and instead focus on Resurrection Sunday? What I discovered was powerful, eye-opening, and rooted in Scripture. My prayer is that this book speaks to people like me—whether you’re new to faith, a Sunday-only churchgoer, or just curious—so you can understand why the resurrection of Jesus is more than a holiday… it’s the foundation of everything.      

Chapter 1: A Chocolate Bunny, Colored Eggs, and... Jesus?

Let’s be honest—when most people think of Easter, what comes to mind first? Probably something like:

• Chocolate bunnies big enough to last till summer.
• Kids hunting plastic eggs filled with candy.
• Bright pastel suits and fancy hats.

And for some, maybe squeezing in that one Sunday church service a year (no judgment... yet). But here’s the thing: if someone who had never heard of Easter walked into a grocery store in March, they’d never guess it had anything to do with the most powerful, history-changing event ever—the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Easter in Pop Culture vs Resurrection in the Bible

The Apostle Paul put it like this: “And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty.” (1 Corinthians 15:14, NKJV) Think about that! The resurrection isn’t just another Bible story. It’s the entire foundation of Christianity. Without it, our faith has no power. But when we call it “Easter,” the focus often shifts away from Jesus and toward a mix of springtime fun and cultural traditions. It’s easy to get caught up in the celebration without asking: Where did all this come from? And what does it have to do with Jesus rising from the grave? Spoiler alert: Not much!

So How Did We Get Here?

Believe it or not, nowhere in Scripture will you find the word “Easter.” The early Christians celebrated the resurrection, but you won’t find Peter or Paul painting eggs or handing out chocolate crosses. Instead, they focused on something much more profound: “He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.” (Matthew 28:6, NKJV) Their celebration wasn’t tied to a specific day on the calendar or spring festivals—it was about the victory of Jesus over sin and death.  

Chapter 2: Where Did Easter Come From Anyway?

Alright, time to lift the curtain on this thing we call “Easter.” Spoiler alert: its origins aren’t as holy as you might think.

The Word “Easter” – A Pagan Beginning?

The first place we need to look is the actual word "Easter." It doesn’t show up in the original Greek or Hebrew Bibles. So where did it come from? Many scholars trace the word back to Eostre (or Ostara)—a pagan goddess of fertility and spring worshiped by ancient Germanic tribes. Guess what her symbols were? Yep—rabbits (because of their... well, you know, reproductive talents) and eggs (symbols of fertility and new life). Some historians argue that as Christianity spread across Europe, local customs and festivals got merged with Christian celebrations to make things more “palatable” to new converts. Thus, Easter became an amalgamation of Christian truth and pagan tradition. But wait—it gets deeper.

Biblical Times: What Did They Celebrate?

Now, let’s check the Word. The early followers of Christ didn’t use the term “Easter.” Instead, they observed something rooted in their Jewish heritage—Passover. In fact, when Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper, it was during Passover: “Now on the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying to Him, ‘Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?’” (Matthew 26:17, NKJV) Jesus’ death and resurrection occurred during Passover—a significant connection! Passover celebrated Israel’s deliverance from Egypt through the blood of the lamb. Jesus became THE Lamb of God, fulfilling that very picture (John 1:29).

One Weird Verse: Acts 12:4

If you’re reading the King James Version, you might notice something odd: “And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison... intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.” (Acts 12:4, KJV) Some folks use this to argue Easter’s biblical basis, but here’s the catch: The Greek word used here is Pascha, which literally means Passover. Many modern translations correctly render it as Passover, not Easter. It’s a mistranslation based on later traditions, not the original text.

How Did It All Get Mixed?

Fast forward a few centuries: Under Emperor Constantine in the 4th century, Christianity became the Roman Empire’s official religion. Many pagan practices were absorbed or rebranded to "Christianize" local customs. Thus, festivals celebrating spring, fertility, and new life (Eostre-style) got merged with the celebration of Christ’s resurrection. And just like that:

• Pagan spring festivals
• Bunny and egg symbols
• Cultural traditions

…all blended into what we now know as Easter. But here’s the thing: Jesus doesn’t need help from rabbits and chocolate. His resurrection stands alone in its power.

The Bible’s Takeaway

“Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.” (1 Corinthians 5:7, NKJV) The early church knew what they were celebrating—it was about Resurrection Power, not spring rituals.

 

Chapter 3: Resurrection Sunday – What It’s Really About

Let’s get back to basics. Forget the bunnies, eggs, and pastel-colored baskets for a second. At the heart of the Christian faith is one historical, earth-shaking event: The resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Why Is the Resurrection Such a Big Deal?

Here’s what Scripture says: “And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!” (1 Corinthians 15:17, NKJV) That’s heavy. Without the resurrection, Christianity collapses. Jesus’ resurrection wasn’t just a nice ending to a tragic story—it was the proof that:

1. Sin was defeated.
2. Death lost its sting.
3. Jesus is exactly who He said He is—the Son of God.

What Did Early Christians Actually Celebrate?

So how did the early church commemorate this world-changing event? The New Testament shows us they didn’t celebrate something called “Easter.” Instead, they gathered regularly on the first day of the week—Sunday—to remember Jesus’ resurrection. Check it out: “Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread...” (Acts 20:7, NKJV) Why Sunday? Because that’s the day Jesus rose from the dead! “Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.” (Matthew 28:1, NKJV)

Why “Resurrection Sunday” Over “Easter”?

The phrase “Resurrection Sunday” is intentional. It points us directly to:

• The empty tomb.
• The risen Savior.
• The fulfilled promises of God.

Calling it Resurrection Sunday keeps our focus where it belongs—on Jesus’ victory over sin and death. It’s not about:

• Seasonal changes.
• Fertility goddesses.
• Cultural traditions.

It’s about a risen King.

Power in the Resurrection

Paul breaks it down beautifully: “That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.” (Philippians 3:10, NKJV) The resurrection wasn’t a one-day event; it’s the ongoing, life-changing power available to every believer.

What’s Wrong with the Word “Easter”?

Let me be clear—it’s not a sin to use the word “Easter” casually. But here’s the catch: Words shape focus. And over the centuries, “Easter” became tangled with so many non-biblical elements that it often distracts from the real message. Resurrection Sunday, on the other hand, leaves no room for confusion.

Bottom Line:

Resurrection Sunday is:

• A declaration.
• A celebration of freedom.
• A reminder of God’s ultimate victory.

 

Chapter 4: Paganism & The Church – How Things Got Messy

So far, we’ve seen that early Christians celebrated Resurrection Sunday, not “Easter,” and it was all about Jesus' victory. But here’s the million-dollar question: How did all this pagan stuff—eggs, bunnies, fertility goddesses—sneak into the church in the first place? Let’s break it down.

The Roman Empire's Influence: Enter Constantine

Fast forward to the 4th century. Up until this point, Christians had been persecuted, fed to lions, burned at the stake—not exactly invited to Easter egg hunts. Then, everything changed when Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity. Sounds great, right? Well… sort of. Constantine legalized Christianity (big win), but he also wanted to unite the empire. How do you do that when you’ve got:

• Pagans worshiping the sun, moon, and fertility gods
• Christians worshiping Jesus

Simple: You start blending traditions to make everyone happy. One way this happened was merging springtime pagan festivals (full of symbols like eggs and rabbits) with the Christian celebration of Christ’s resurrection. Suddenly:

• The Festival of Eostre (celebrating new life and fertility)…
• Got mixed in with Resurrection Sunday.

Why Pagan Traditions Appealed to People

Let’s be real—people like traditions.

• Festivals
• Feasts
• Family activities

The problem is, many of these pagan symbols had meanings completely opposite to what the Gospel teaches. Example:

• Rabbits & eggs = Fertility symbols tied to goddess worship
• Resurrection = New life through the blood of Jesus, not nature cycles

Over time, the lines blurred.

What Does Scripture Say About Mixing Traditions?

Here’s a powerful warning from the Apostle Paul: “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14, NKJV) God repeatedly warned His people in the Old Testament NOT to mix their worship with pagan practices: “You shall not worship the Lord your God with such things.” (Deuteronomy 12:4, NKJV) The goal was always pure, focused worship.

The Church's Gradual Compromise

Unfortunately, by trying to “make Christianity more appealing,” many church leaders allowed non-biblical customs in, thinking it was harmless. But here’s what happened:

1. The message got watered down.
2. The focus shifted from Christ’s resurrection to cultural activities.
3. Centuries later, people forgot the true meaning altogether!

A Modern Example:

Imagine throwing a birthday party for your best friend, but:

• Half the decorations are for a random celebrity.
• The cake has someone else’s name on it.
• Guests don’t even mention your friend.

That’s what mixing pagan traditions with Resurrection Sunday is like.

The Call Back to Purity

The good news? Many Christians today are waking up, realizing it’s time to return to celebrating the resurrection the way the early church did: Simple. Powerful. Christ-focused.

Scripture Focus:

“Therefore, come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 6:17, NKJV) God’s desire is clear—He wants us to celebrate in a way that reflects His holiness and truth.

   

Chapter 5: Why It Matters Today

At this point, you might be thinking: “Okay, I get it. Easter has some questionable roots. But does it really matter what we call it or how we celebrate, as long as I believe in Jesus?” Fair question. Let’s dig into why this isn’t just about words—it’s about focus, faith, and truth.

1. Words Shape Beliefs

The Bible says: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” (Proverbs 18:21, NKJV) What we speak, how we describe things, and what we call our celebrations reflects and reinforces what we believe. When you say “Resurrection Sunday”, you’re literally declaring:

• Jesus rose!
• Death is defeated!
• Sin no longer has power!

But when you casually toss around “Easter” without thought, it’s easy to get swept into the cultural clutter—bunnies, eggs, candy—none of which has anything to do with the empty tomb.

2. Jesus Deserves the Spotlight

Imagine you won the championship game, but instead of celebrating your victory, the crowd is distracted by a halftime mascot show. That’s what happens when Resurrection Sunday turns into Easter egg hunts and chocolate sales. Jesus’ resurrection is the greatest victory in history. “He is not here, but is risen!” (Luke 24:6, NKJV) Doesn’t He deserve 100% of our attention, especially on the day we commemorate it?

3. Cultural Traditions Can Distract

Now, are egg hunts evil? Of course not. Painting eggs isn’t going to cancel your salvation. But… the question isn’t, “Is it sinful?” The question is: “Does this tradition point people to Christ—or distract from Him?” Paul warns about this in Colossians: “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.” (Colossians 2:8, NKJV)

4. Setting the Example for Others

Remember, we’re not just living for ourselves. Non-believers, kids, new Christians—they’re watching. If all they see is Easter eggs and candy, they might never understand the true power of Resurrection Sunday. But if they see a believer joyfully proclaiming “Jesus is risen!”, teaching their kids the story straight from Scripture, and focusing on the cross and the empty tomb… That leaves an eternal impact.

5. Reclaiming What’s Holy

Here’s the deal:

• The world commercializes everything.
• The enemy loves muddying the waters.
• Culture doesn’t care about biblical truth.

But the Church should. The resurrection isn’t just another holiday. It’s THE defining event of the Christian faith!

Scripture Anchor:

“But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct.” (1 Peter 1:15, NKJV) We are called to set apart what belongs to God—our worship, our words, our celebrations.  

 

Chapter 6: Can You Still Enjoy Peeps and Egg Hunts?

Okay, now for the fun question I know some people have been waiting for: “So… does this mean I have to throw out all the candy, ban egg hunts, and tell my kids no more chocolate bunnies?” Short answer: Not necessarily. Let’s talk real, practical life here.

The Heart Matters More Than the Candy

The Bible is very clear about intentions: “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.” (1 Corinthians 10:23, NKJV) Paul’s saying:

• Just because something isn’t a sin doesn’t mean it’s spiritually beneficial.
• It depends on how you use it, and whether it glorifies God or distracts you.

So Can You Enjoy Easter Activities?

Yes, with balance and intentionality. Here’s a simple guideline:

• Is Jesus still at the center?
• Are you clear with your family about what the day is truly about?
• Are you teaching the resurrection story first, before getting to eggs or candy?

For example:

• You can use an egg hunt as a teaching moment (some families even include Scripture verses in the eggs!).
• You can give out candy, but also take time to read Matthew 28 or John 20 as a family.
• You can have a fun meal, but make sure the conversation centers around why we celebrate.

It’s About Setting Priorities

The problem comes when:

• All focus is on activities, and the resurrection barely gets mentioned.
• Kids grow up associating Easter only with treats, not truth.
• Church becomes a once-a-year tradition, not a lifestyle of following Christ.

Jesus said: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33, NKJV) First things first. If the resurrection is truly the priority, the other fun stuff stays in its proper place.

Grace Over Legalism

One thing I want to make super clear: This isn’t about creating a list of “do’s and don’ts”. It’s not about judging people who enjoy Easter baskets or family brunches. It’s about knowing why you celebrate and making sure nothing overshadows the cross and empty tomb. Remember: “For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17, NKJV)

A Simple Litmus Test:

Ask yourself:

1. Is this activity pointing me and others toward Jesus?
2. Am I honoring God with how I’m spending this day?

If the answer is “yes”—enjoy that chocolate bunny guilt-free. If the answer is “no”—maybe it’s time to refocus.      

Conclusion: The Empty Tomb > Everything Else

Let’s bring it all together. You’ve probably realized by now—this wasn’t just a history lesson or a deep dive into cultural traditions. It’s a call to refocus. Every year, the world gets louder about “Easter”:

• Sales on candy
• Bunny costumes
• Commercials telling you how to throw the perfect brunch

But quietly, powerfully, behind all of that noise, there’s still one unshakable truth: The tomb is empty.

It’s Not About Eggs. It’s About Eternity.

Jesus conquered death. He didn’t need help from spring festivals or fertility symbols. The early Christians celebrated that boldly. And today, you can too. Whether you’ve been:

• A lifelong believer,
• A once-in-a-while churchgoer,
• Or someone still figuring this whole "faith" thing out…

Resurrection Sunday is an open invitation.

The Real Celebration

So here’s the challenge: This year, when the world says Easter, you say: “He is Risen!” When others get caught up in chocolate and egg hunts, you fix your eyes on: “…Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross…” (Hebrews 12:2, NKJV)

Final Encouragement:

You don’t have to throw away the candy. But don’t miss the chance to truly celebrate what matters most: Resurrection Power. Victory over sin. New life in Christ.

One Last Scripture:

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” (1 Peter 1:3, NKJV)