The origins of the word “Easter” are somewhat obscure. The holiday is celebrated worldwide as “Pascha,” a name that derives from Hebrew word for the Jewish tradition of Passover, “Pesach.” In the first centuries following Jesus' death, Christians came to understand Jesus as the sacrificial Passover lamb, who died so others may live. Early Christians, many with Jewish heritage, adapted the traditional Passover celebration as a way to honor Christ's resurrection from the dead. Over time, other rituals of springtime were incorporated into the celebration. The Easter season is a time for rejoicing in new life, and new possibilities.