As Easter approaches, pastel-colored candies line store shelves, spring sales flood inboxes and television screens light up with bunny-filled commercials. But beyond the commercial spectacle, what does Easter mean to the average American today?
Once a deeply religious observance and a cultural mainstay, Easter now finds itself at an intersection of shifting societal values, commercialization, and debates over religious inclusivity.
Instead of debating whether Easter should receive more or less attention, the focus should shift toward acknowledging all major religious holidays with equal respect. America is a pluralistic society, and the prominence of one holiday should not overshadow others.
Schools, workplaces and media could foster greater cultural literacy by recognizing various traditions rather than prioritizing one over another. However, as Easter’s mainstream recognition declines, should we be concerned about shifting traditions, or is this a natural progression?
For practicing Christians, Easter remains the most significant holiday of the year — a celebration of Jesus Christ’s resurrection and the foundation of Christian faith. Church attendance spikes on Easter Sunday, families gather for traditional meals and religious ceremonies mark the occasion. But outside these circles, Easter’s broader cultural presence is undeniably fading. Unlike Christmas, which retains both its religious and secular significance, Easter has seen a decline in mainstream prominence, especially among non-Christian Americans.
One reason may be the growing secularization of American culture. According to the Pew Research Center, the number of Americans who identify as religiously unaffiliated has steadily increased over the past two decades. Without the religious framework, Easter risks being reduced to little more than an excuse for candy consumption and egg hunts. While these traditions remain popular, they don’t hold the same weight as Christmas traditions, which have managed to transcend religious boundaries through gift-giving and universal themes of family and togetherness.
Another factor is the dominance of commercialized holidays. While retailers still capitalize on Easter, its marketing appeal pales in comparison to Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas. According to the National Retail Federation, Easter spending has remained relatively stagnant compared to the explosive commercial success of other holidays. The Easter Bunny, while a charming symbol, lacks the cultural staying power of Santa Claus. And unlike Thanksgiving, Easter is not universally associated with time off from work or school, making it easier to overlook in a fast-paced society.
Media portrayal also plays a role in Easter’s diminishing significance. While Christmas is inescapable in movies, music and television specials, Easter-themed content is much scarcer.
Once-popular Easter TV specials and religious films have seen a decline in mainstream networks. Even in public schools, many districts have scaled back Easter celebrations in favor of more neutral “spring festivals,” reflecting a broader move toward religious neutrality in an increasingly diverse society.
This raises an important cultural question: Should Easter — and other religious holidays — receive equal recognition in public spaces?
Some argue that the decline in Easter recognition signals cultural erasure, while others see it as a necessary shift toward inclusivity. Perhaps, rather than choosing sides, we should reframe the conversation.
If Christmas can be celebrated in both religious and secular ways, why hasn’t Easter adapted similarly? The answer may lie in how Easter has remained primarily within the Christian domain, making its public celebration a more delicate topic.
For those who do wish to celebrate Easter outside of a strictly religious context, there are ways to keep its spirit alive. Emphasizing themes of renewal, hope, and community can make Easter relevant to a broader audience. Organizing charity drives, hosting inclusive spring festivals, or simply using the time to reconnect with loved ones can help preserve Easter’s place in American culture without limiting it to one faith.
Easter may never regain the widespread cultural prominence it once held, but does that mean its decline should go unquestioned? Traditions evolve, but their disappearance isn’t always neutral. If the fading importance of Easter is indicative of a broader shift in how American society values and prioritizes traditions, then perhaps it’s worth asking: What do we lose when we let traditions fade?
Whether through religious observance, family traditions or personal reflection, Easter still offers an opportunity for renewal and connection in a world that could always use more of both.
