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The cross with the purple cloth and crown of thorns is displayed in the Middleport First Baptist Church as the choir sings in the background.

<p>A large stuffed Easter Bunny holds eggs in the window of the Middleport Flower Shop, just one of the many Easter items displayed throughout the shop.</p>

A large stuffed Easter Bunny holds eggs in the window of the Middleport Flower Shop, just one of the many Easter items displayed throughout the shop.

The chocolate colored Easter bunny displayed at the Middelport Flower Shop carries and Easter egg on his back.

<p>Trees, both inside and outside of homes, are often decorated with Easter eggs and other items in pastel colors to remind people of the Easter season.</p>

Trees, both inside and outside of homes, are often decorated with Easter eggs and other items in pastel colors to remind people of the Easter season.

<p>Kids around the region take part in Easter egg hunts hosted by many groups and organizations. Egg hunts have become associated with the holiday and are held at churches, fire departments, and communities.</p>

Kids around the region take part in Easter egg hunts hosted by many groups and organizations. Egg hunts have become associated with the holiday and are held at churches, fire departments, and communities.

<p>Palm branches are traditionally waved by congregations on Palm Sunday to make the entry of Jesus into Jeruselum. Palm branches, like these, are available at the Middleport Flower Shop.</p>

Palm branches are traditionally waved by congregations on Palm Sunday to make the entry of Jesus into Jeruselum. Palm branches, like these, are available at the Middleport Flower Shop.

Candy lines the shelves at Powell’s Foodfair in Pomeroy. Candy is just one of the commercial symbols that is associated with Easter season.

Daffodils and lillies are in bloom in the spring and are incorporated in Easter floral displays.

OHIO VALLEY — Everywhere you look this time of you see bunnies, eggs and other things that remind you of the upcoming Easter holiday.

The Easter holiday that is celebrated around the world is based in the Christian church, and centered around the death and resurrection of Jesus. In addition to Easter Sunday, other religious holidays associated with Easter are Palm Sunday (the Sunday before Easter), Ash Wednesday (the beginning of Lent, 40 days prior to Easter) and Good Friday (the Friday before Easter).

Easter in the Christian church is celebrated on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox (start of spring). Easter can be anywhere from March 22 to April 25 each year. Orthodox Christians typically celebrate Easter one to two weeks later.

The holiday is wrapped in tradition and symbols which have been passed down from generation to generation. While some of there are religion based, others take on the commercial side of the holiday.

The cross with the purple cloth and crown of thorns is a traditional religious Easter symbol that signifies the crucifixion of Jesus.

Palm branches are used in many churches on Palm Sunday to symbolize the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem riding on a donkey.

Churches around the region will hold special services this week for Maunday Thursday (symbolizing the Last Supper), Good Friday (symbolizing the crucifixion), and Sunrise (symbolizing the Resurrection of Jesus).

Store shelves are lined with items to be purchased and placed in Easter baskets or stuffed in eggs to be found by kids of all ages.

Other traditions associated with Easter include the Easter parade, Easter Bunny and egg hunts.

A schedule of upcoming services and events centered around the Easter season can be found in the calendar of events located in the Sunday Times-Sentinel and the daily editions of The Daily Sentinel and Gallipolis Daily Tribune.