Easter is probably the most important _____________ holiday on the calendar because it _____________ Christ's resurrection from the dead. Like _____________ other religious holidays, though, Easter has _____________ many traditions from pagan beliefs and _____________ rites of seasonal regeneration.

_____________ word Easter has Indo-European roots and _____________ "dawn". This is a direct reference _____________ the pagan goddess of dawn and _____________ life. The egg, a symbol of _____________, is a sign of fertility which _____________ ancient spring renewal rites and beliefs _____________ have been absorbed into the Christian _____________. Even the Easter bunny who brings _____________ eggs was the escort of the _____________ goddess Ostara, which had a holiday _____________ after her that fell on the _____________ equinox. This serves to underscore the _____________ elements that still remain a part _____________ this quintessential Christian holy day.

_____________ the United States Easter is celebrated _____________ several ways. On Easter morning children _____________ begin their day by looking for _____________ eggs that the Easter bunny has _____________ for them. Of course, most children _____________ that the eggs were hidden by _____________ parents and not the Easter bunny. _____________ fact, many children help their parents _____________ the Easter eggs knowing that soon _____________ will be eating them as a _____________ on Easter day. Some cities have _____________ egg hunts at the local parks.

_____________ Easter is always celebrated _____________ Sunday, many people attend "Sunrise Services" _____________ their local church. In fact, more _____________ go to church on Easter Sunday _____________ at any other time of the _____________. Sunrise services begin very early in _____________ morning, usually right about the same _____________ as when the sun begins to _____________, and last until almost noon. _____________ church families gather and have a _____________ holiday feast.

Easter also marks _____________ coming of spring. People are usually _____________ that winter is over, so parks _____________ usually full of people who want _____________ get outside and enjoy the fresh _____________.