Easter – what does it mean to you?

Ryan Chartrand

Easter – the Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ – is fast approaching. And along with the religious connotations comes the onslaught of primary-colored marshmallow Peeps, crème-filled Cadbury eggs and the search for colorful candy-filled plastic eggs. For Cal Poly students, a celebration of this holiday is related to a number of these themes – or it’s not celebrated at all. Whether you celebrate Easter or not, it’s not too much of a stretch to see that American society has turned it into another over-commercialized holiday. Here’s what some Cal Poly students think:

	Do you celebrate Easter and, if so, why?	Do you think that the meaning of Easter has been lost with commercialization?
Sarah Cutler, architecture junior	“It’s a joyous celebration. For me, it represents freedom, victory and peace; knowing that Jesus, the person I believe in, was able to conquer death. And (it’s) joyful because we were reconciled with God again.”	“It’s become this sentimental day that you are supposed to think is important, but it doesn’t always feel like that … it has been a watered down religious holiday that everyone can celebrate without the religious connotations.”
Emily Fiore, biology senior	“Yes, because I was raised in a Christian home and we always celebrated Easter.”	“A little bit; I feel like a lot of people just do Easter baskets, candy and stuff like that.”
Danielle Elsea, liberal studies junior	“I celebrate Easter because I have found truth and a living hope in Jesus Christ. His victory over death has given me a hope for life and has given me joy that is not found anywhere else. Easter is a true celebration of God’s love.”	“When I finally realized the heart of Easter, that’s what captivated my spirit. Plastic eggs are great, but only the cross is life-alternating.”
Neil McCarthy, forestry and natural resources senior	“Now I don’t, but I did as a kid because I grew up Catholic, but I’ve kind of strayed from that.”	“A little bit, but definitely not as much as Christmas.”
Chao Yang, electrical engineering senior	“No, I don’t celebrate Easter.”	“Yeah, kids are being raised on Easter baskets and egg hunts. I don’t think it’s as much of a religious holiday as it should be.”
Samantha Rider, nutrition senior	“I used to celebrate Easter because of my family and tradition. Then I moved away from home and that stopped.”	“It’s all about the Easter chocolate now. I guess like any other holiday.”
Allan Park, computer science junior	“I’m Catholic, but I don’t celebrate Easter because I stopped going to Church.”	“Yes, definitely. Those Cadbury eggs or those marshmallow ducks are all I see when I think of Easter.”
Cory Goral, mechanical engineering senior	“(I’m) uncertain due to religious reasons because of its ties to pagan traditions.”	“Quite a bit just because of the Easter bunny and candy — all those other things instead of the rebirth of Christ. It also is tied back to the Roman days and pagan traditions.”
Hermyn Mendez, computer engineering junior	“Yeah, kind of, just for my nieces and nephews. I’m not really religious, but I take the time to enjoy it with my family.”	“Yeah, what the hell does a bunny have to do with Easter?”
Jennifer Bello, architecture junior	“I kind of celebrate Easter because of the belief system behind it.”	“Absolutely, I think that the whole Easter bunny thing is a joke. There’s no symbolism that correlates with the true meaning of Easter.”
Jose Aguilera, computer science senior	“Yes, for religious and family traditions.”	“Different people celebrate it for different reasons now…for family or because it is a fun thing to do.”