Though Easter was not a major festival in USA until the civil war there, but devastated by the havoc created by this war, people found comfort in the story of resurrection of Jesus. Since then Easter is celebrated in big way in every American home. There are two aspects of the festivities of this festival as in all other countries; religious and non-religious. Easter is celebrated with great devotion and fervor.
Easter festivities are started on Easter Sunday by church services in USA which are followed by the grand Easter dinner and lots of Easter games for the kids. Children wear their best dresses ion this day and hunt for the Easter eggs hidden by the adults and fill them in their baskets. Best hunter gets the prize.
Easter bunny in USA is as popular as the Santa Claus. Children go to their beds at night expecting something interesting left by the Easter bunny. Families and friends get together for big Easter feast and spend time together. Easter holidays are one of the best time for the retail businesses as people spend millions of dollars every year on the Easter shopping and Easter festivities.
Large Easter parades are organized in the large cities like New York where people, come out in there best Easter costumes and trendy Easter bonnets. Participants of the parade keep Cross or candles in their hands.
The most engrossing Easter activity in America is making Easter craft and decorating Easter eggs. Easter bunny and egg tree were introduced by the German settlers in USA during 1700 century.
Pre-lent carnivals are also the part of Easter tradition in USA like in many other nations. Each Year, in new Orleans, the famous Mardi Gras Carnival is held on Shrove Tuesday which is the day before Ash Wednesday. These carnivals are all about fun, frolic, partying and dancing.