Easter, the spring holiday that marks the rebirth of Jesus within Christian faith - not to mention an observed federal holiday, will be celebrated this year on Sunday, April 8, 2012. Greek/Orthodox Easter will be celebrated one week later on Sunday, April 15.

The Easter holiday is tricky with its day as it is not observed on the same date each year. Easter changes depending on the moon, as it is celebrated on the first Sunday after the full moon after the Paschal equinox around March 21. Typically, its Sunday date coincides with the end of Lent between March 22 and April 25, as the holiday marks the end of the 30-day period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline in Christianity.

Easter is one of the most important holidays for those who practice the Christian faith, as it marks the end of lent and celebrates Jesus Christ's resurrection. Christians attend church services on Easter Sunday, which it is typically called. According to the Christian Scripture, Jesus came back to life three days after his death on the cross. Good Friday marks the crucifixion of Jesus, three days before Easter. In the bible, the meaning of Easter is found in the following passages of Scripture: Matthew 27:27-28:8; Mark 15:16-16:19; Luke 23:26-24:35; and John 19:16-20:30, according to About.com.

The name Easter was arguably taken from either Eostre, a Teutonic goddess of spring and fertility, or hebdomada alba, which means white week in Latin, according to History.com.

Aside from religion, Easter is also celebrated commercially, with bunnies, chocolate, marshmallow chicks, colored eggs and baskets for children as a standard for the celebration.

In the United States, by tradition, the President joins in the celebration of Easter with an annual Easter Egg Roll held at the White House. This year, President Barack Obama and family will host the 134-year tradition on the Monday after Easter, or Easter Monday as it is called.

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