Most of us know that Easter came a bit early this year. This Sunday, many Christian teens will be in church celebrating the resurrection of Christ. Yet it is amazing how many of us end up in church on Easter without really knowing much about why we are celebrating.

In my own study of Easter I found that I was ignorant to the origins of traditions and what each Holy Day really meant. I understood on the surface, but researching the days further, I felt closer to God through my new understanding. For instance, I found out that the ash used on Ash Wednesday represented death and sorrow for sin. I also found out that the eggs we search for each Easter were originally part of a pagan celebration to represent everlasting life, and the symbol was adopted by Christians to represent rebirth in Christ.

• An Overview of Easter, Holy Week, and Traditions
• Where do those Easter Traditions and Symbols Come From?