NOTE: This puzzle relates to some of the common traditions of a contemporary Easter Celebration and some historical references.  For a Clue Search Puzzle about Easter as it relates to the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, please see the Easter Week puzzle in The Clue Searcher's Discovery Guide to: Bible Trivia!


SOLUTION
Real, hard-boiled, dyed or plastic ones with surprises inside EGGS
Easter usually falls during this month, but occasionally in March APRIL
In parts of Europe, church BELLS are silent for the three days before Easter
The word Easter is not used in modern English translations of the BIBLE
The Easter BUNNY delivers presents and candy to everyone
In Medieval times eggs were often given as GIFTS to the servants
Some people dye their eggs, others prefer to PAINT them
Fill it with plastic grass and go find the eggs BASKET
Easter celebrates the resurrection of CHRIST
Many people attend early morning mass or CHURCH services
Families often gather for a large DINNER with lamb, ham, or turkey
The LENTEN season before Easter is a time for reflection and sacrifice
Some cities may have an Easter PARADE running through town
This hue of color is popular during the spring PASTEL
Day of the week on which Easter has fallen since 325 A.D. SUNDAY
Traditionally women and girls wear fancy dresses and hats or BONNETS
Easter is always celebrated after the Vernal EQUINOX
The symbol of the Easter Bunny came from this country GERMANY
The Easter Egg is a symbol of REBIRTH or renewal
Baking HOT CROSS buns is an old Easter tradition
Jewish people celebrate PASSOVER during the Christian Easter season
One of the leading holidays for candy and CHOCOLATE consumption
Indoors or outdoors, children look forward to the EASTER EGG hunt
Faschnacht, MARDI GRAS and Carnival all begin the Tuesday before Lent
Easter concludes the 46 days of Lent that starts on Ash WEDNESDAY
Along with chocolates, a candy sometimes associated with Easter JELLYBEANS
Easter often occurs near SPRING BREAK when kids are out of school
Early MISSIONARIES converted the pagan festival of Eastre to a Christian event