The Easter Bunny, eggs and candy are probably the top three traditions that come to mind when thinking of Easter. But what do these traditions have to do with the Resurrection, the most important religious feast of the Christian liturgical year?

Like Christmas, the celebration of Easter extends beyond the church. Commercial customs are carried out with little to no emphasis on the origins of the holiday. In fact, many families celebrate both Christmas and Easter without religious affiliation.

Corporate America has made Christmas and Easter colloquial, and despite yearly complaints that the holidays are getting too commercial, the demand for kitschy merchandise does not seem to be declining. In a predominately Christian nation, one has to wonder why?

Consider there is no mention of an Easter Bunny in the Bible and Jolly Old Saint Nicholas was actually Turkish. But these two icons have come to symbolize both the birth and death of Jesus. Moreover Christians seem to promote it. As if it's appropriate to display baby Jesus in a six-foot inflatable snow globe, but not acceptable to put a Santa hat on Scooby-Doo.

The argument typically boils down to a right to practice these customs. But as colored eggs and chocolate bunnies have nothing to do with Christianity, I see no reason why these traditions can't be shared. Let's face it, Americans love a good party and what better excuse than a holiday? Good food, good wine, good conversation #... it's hard to resist.

Frankly, in an economy that makes it difficult for both parents to be at home, I applaud any occasion that brings a family together. If nothing else the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus both promote love and generosity, traditional Christian virtues. In fact, the celebration of Easter as we know it predates the Christian church. Second-century missionaries cleverly decided to spread their religious message by incorporating Christian beliefs into a pagan celebration honoring Esther (Easter), their goddess of spring.

It's Americanization at its finest; the influence of America over cultural tradition.

Missionaries incorporated Christian virtues into a pagan holiday as corporations incorporate their products today; hence Santa Sponge Bob.

It's hokey, but it's inclusive. Faith practices vary, but everyone can celebrate charity, hope and love.

During a time when every other day a celebrity is on the news for a racial or ethnic outburst, I'm happy to share a common custom with a fellow American.

Estabrook's column appears

Mondays in The Citizen

and she can be reached at

estabrookcarole@yahoo.com