Easter donations

What is Easter?

Easter is a Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after his crucifixion. It marks the end of a series of celebrations, including Lent — a tradition of fasting and sacrifice lasting 40 days — and Holy Week. This holiday is an emblem of hope and new beginnings for those who celebrate.

When is Easter?

Easter falls on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox, meaning it falls on a different day each year. This year, Easter is Sunday, March 31, 2024.

How we celebrate Easter

People around the world celebrate Easter with religious observances, Easter events and Easter traditions.

Drawing of an Easter egg with the words "Happy Easter" by St. Jude patient Ellen. — Artwork by St. Jude patient **Ellen**

Religious observances

Christians often celebrate Easter through religious observances. Beginning with the 40 days of Lent and ending on Easter Sunday, observers attend church services and participate in fasting, prayer and sacrifice to honor Jesus and his rebirth.

Easter eggs

One notable Easter tradition is decorating and hiding Easter eggs. In pagan traditions, eggs represented fertility and rebirth. The tradition of decorating eggs was adopted as part of modern Easter celebrations, paying tribute to the rebirth of Jesus Christ.

The Easter Bunny and Easter baskets

While the exact origins of the Easter Bunny are unknown, this character has become a symbol of Easter celebrations. Children line up to meet and take photos with the Easter Bunny each year. On Easter morning, the Easter Bunny leaves baskets filled with toys and candy for children to find.

Why do we celebrate Easter? Ava’s story

Around Easter 2022, Ava’s mom noticed there was some swelling on her daughter’s neck that was later diagnosed as a neuroblastoma — a rare kind of cancerous tumor in her abdomen.

Ava was referred to St. Jude when the hospital close to their home in the Bahamas was not equipped to treat her. At a time when things felt scary for Ava and her mom, St. Jude was able to give them hope.

Thanks to generous donations from our supporters, Ava has a chance to grow up and continue to celebrate Easter with her family.