(April 2, 2007 : I updated this post after reading some recent market trends –Heather)

Date : The Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox, between March 22 and April 25.
Publishers start thinking about creating Easter designs in : September

History :

Easter commemorates the Resurrection of Christ and is the most sacred of holy days on the Christian ecclesiastical calendar. It is classified as a “movable feast” meaning that it is a religious celebration that changes its date each year. The rabbit and the egg are the most popular illustrations for Easter cards. The Easter Bunny originates from pre-Christian legends, in which rabbits were used to symbolize new life. The custom of decorating Easter eggs dates back to the Middle Ages.
– Greeting Card Association

Easter is celebrated by Christians and is a significant religious holiday in the church year. It is a religious holiday that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after his death by crucifixion nearly 2,000 years ago. The holiday traditionally represents the arrival of spring. For children, Easter is a festive celebration – more than 20 percent of Easter cards are given to children, often as a way to personalize Easter baskets. Family and community traditions include Easter egg hunts, visits by the Easter Bunny, Easter parades, Easter brunch, family gatherings, and attending church.
– Hallmark

Icons :

• baby animals & farm pets
• baskets of goodies
• blossoming trees
• bows
• buds
• buckets of flowers
• bunnies
• butterflies
• chicks
• chocolate eggs & bunnies
• chocolates
• Easter buns
• eggs
• flowers
• garden scenes
• hot cross buns
• lilies
• rabbits
• rainbows
• spring flowers
• topiary trees
• umbrellas

Religious Icons : dogwood tree, cross, lamb, dove, clouds, god beams, skyscapes

Colors : lavender, purple, green, pink, yellow, baby blue, and any light babyish patterns

Fonts : whimsical, scripty, cartoony, handwritten, fun, loose, lightheartedFlowers :

• Daffodil (yellow): Gallantry
• Dogwood
• Lily-of-the-valley
• Tulips
• any spring buds and blossoms