By Sharadyn Janssen

Decorating eggs, participating in Easter egg hunts, or waking up for sunrise service are all traditions that come along with the holiday of Easter.

Easter is a Christian holiday that celebrates Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead. This year, Easter falls on Sunday, April 4. Students are choosing to celebrate in a variety of different ways.

Juliann Heck, QU junior, plans on going to church at The Crossing with her family and eating lunch with them after.

“I always get so excited to spend time with my family, but especially on Easter because we always have a huge Easter egg hunt,” Heck said.

“I can’t wait to attend the Easter Mass to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus,” Brianna Hildebrand, QU senior, said.

Lynnea Janssen, QU senior, also has plans to attend a church service.

“Easter is extra special this year because my dad is preaching the Sunrise Service sermon at our home church, Bowen Christian Church. I can’t wait to be in fellowship with my whole family, praising the Lord,” Janssen said.

Along with the celebration, students also have certain religious beliefs regarding Easter.

“Easter is a time for me to rejoice, as well as a time to reflect on the fact that Jesus rose and ascended into heaven after dying on the cross for us,” Hildebrand said.

“It is such a pivotal holiday in the Catholic religion, and to me it really means that Jesus is risen,” Heck said.

“Christ’s resurrection should be celebrated because it grants those who believe in him eternal life with him in heaven,” Janssen said.

Easter holds true to having special traditions for students as well.

“Every year, my family members and I get a lamb cake made by my grandparents,” Hildebrand said. “We also get to go to both of my grandparents’ houses.”

“Besides going to church and spending the day together, we also have an Easter egg hunt every year where there is always one hidden special egg for each grandchild,” Heck said. “My family also dyes eggs together the week of Easter.”

“My favorite tradition is the Easter egg hunt because I get to watch all of my nephews and nieces get so excited when they find each egg,” Janssen said.

Quincy University is having an Easter Break from April 2 until April 4, making it easier for students to return home for the holiday. On Monday, April 5, classes resume at 5:00 p.m.

There will be no services at the The St. Francis Solanus Chapel (main QU chapel) on Holy Thursday or Good Friday. However, there will be a 6:00 p.m. Mass on Easter Sunday.