This year, both Passover and Easter fall in April. Each celebrates an important event from different perspectives. The Christians celebrate Easter each year in remembrance of Christ’s death and resurrection. The Jews observe Passover in remembrance of the Israelite’s release from Egypt. There are many beautiful and meaningful rituals and customs associated with each to make the celebration special in each family’s home.
Passover is an eight-day observance of the Jews' flight and escape from Egypt and the Pharaoh, Ramses II. The pharaoh had ignored God’s order to free the Jews, and only released them after the 10th plague, the killing of all first-born, had come. The word Passover, also called Pesach, is taken from God’s order for all Jewish families to spread lamb’s blood over their doorway to identify their home, so God would “pass over” them, sparing their children. Once Pharaoh freed them, the Jews left so quickly, they took their bread unbaked. They baked it in the hot desert sun creating a cracker-like item now called Matzoh. Jews continue to eat Matzoh every year during Passover in remembrance of their flight to freedom.
During the first two nights of Passover a feast called a Seder is eaten. Nothing with yeast may be served during this time and foods similar to what was eaten during the Jews' time in the desert are the main focus. Here is a link to some great Passover Recipes.
For more information on Passover and the customs accompanying it, check out these sites: Passover on the 'Net, Judaism 101: Passover, Kosher4Passover and KidsDomain: Passover.
Easter is the observance of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated sometime between March 22nd and April 25th depending on when the ecclesiastical full moon falls. Greek, and other Orthodox religions, follow the Julian calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar, so their dates are often different. This year, conveniently, all the Easter observances fall on the same date. The season begins 40 days earlier with the Lenten season and Ash Wednesday. Observers attend church and receive an ash cross on their forehead to remind them that life passes away from Earth—ash to ash, dust to dust. The ash is created from burnt palms from the previous year’s Palm Sunday. The time between Ash Wednesday and Easter is a time of reflection, and many observers give something up as a sacrifice during the time. Some families also observe Easter with Egg Hunts and Easter Baskets brought by the Easter Bunny.
Regardless of how you celebrate, everyone eats on Easter! From ham to lamb, no matter what your family likes, it is certain your family will feast on their Easter favorites. Here are some links for ideas to help you decide what to serve this year; Traditional Easter Dinner, Traditional Easter Menu and Easter Menus with Recipes.
And to learn even more about Easter and its traditions, check out these sites full of additional information, history and fun! 
Traditions of Easter
The Story of Easter
Easter and Spring
Greek Easter
Greek Easter Holy Week
KidsDomain: Easter
No matter which holiday you celebrate, we hope you enjoy the time with your family and make many special memories.
Julie is looking forward to enjoying Easter with her husband and two sons. They are now old enough to become more involved in crafts and all the fun and preparation for the celebration.
