Picturing Easter

Easter Sunrise Service at Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Michael Rougier, 1955.

Easter Sunrise Service at Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.  Michael Rougier, 1955.

All week we’ve been working with the idea of how to visually represent Easter.  The explorations led in many different directions before ending with these, various Easter scenes from around the world as captured by LIFE photographers. The images span vastly different denominations and cultures. We hope that, grouped together, they generate reflection on the experience of Easter – and the wide variety of playfulness, solemnity, and community encompassed therein. 

Easter Sermon. Alfred Eisenstaedt, 1957.

Easter Sermon. Alfred Eisenstaedt, 1957.

Easter Rabbits. Walter Sanders, 1950.

Easter Rabbits. Walter Sanders, 1950.

O'Neill Family (Easter Fashions). Nina Leen, 1952.

O'Neill Family (Easter Fashions). Nina Leen, 1952.

Easter in the Holy Land, Dmitri Kessel.  

Easter in the Holy Land. Dmitri Kessel.

Women of the Episcopal church decorating easter eggs to later be sold for church funds. Thomas Mcavoy, 1959.

Women of the Episcopal church decorating Easter eggs to later be sold for church funds. Thomas Mcavoy, 1959.


German civilians join American soldiers of the 45th Div. for impromptu Easter church services being held in a garage. April 1945.

German civilians join American soldiers of the 45th Div. for impromptu Easter church services being held in a garage. April 1945.