<P> Jehovah's Witnesses maintain a similar view, observing a yearly commemorative service of the Last Supper and the subsequent execution of Christ on the evening of Nisan 14 (as they calculate the dates derived from the lunar Hebrew Calendar). It is commonly referred to by many Witnesses as simply "The Memorial". Jehovah's Witnesses believe that such verses as Luke 22: 19--20 and 1 Corinthians 11: 26 constitute a commandment to remember the death of Christ though not the resurrection, and they do so on a yearly basis just as Passover is celebrated annually by the Jews . </P> <P> Members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), as part of their historic testimony against times and seasons, do not celebrate or observe Easter or any other Christian holidays, believing instead that "every day is the Lord's day", and that elevation of one day above others suggests that it is acceptable to do un-Christian acts on other days . During the 17th and 18th centuries, Quakers were persecuted for this non-observance of Holy Days . </P> <P> Some Christian groups feel that Easter is something to be regarded with great joy: not marking the day itself, but remembering and rejoicing in the event it commemorates--the miracle of Christ's resurrection . In this spirit, these Christians teach that each day and all Sabbaths should be kept holy, in Christ's teachings . Hebrew - Christian, Sacred Name, and Armstrong movement churches (such as the Living Church of God) usually reject Easter in favor of Nisan 14 observance and celebration of the Christian Passover . This is especially true of Christian groups that celebrate the New Moons or annual High Sabbaths in addition to seventh - day Sabbath . They support this textually with reference to the letter to the Colossians: "Let no one...pass judgment on you in matters of food and drink or with regard to a festival or new moon or sabbath . These are shadows of things to come; the reality belongs to Christ ." (Col. 2: 16--17, NAB) </P> <P> In countries where Christianity is a state religion, or where the country has large Christian population, Easter is often a public holiday . As Easter is always a Sunday, many countries in the world also have Easter Monday as a public holiday . Some retail stores, shopping malls, and restaurants are closed on Easter Sunday . Good Friday, which occurs two days before Easter Sunday, is also a public holiday in many countries, as well as in 12 U.S. states . Even in states where Good Friday is not a holiday, many financial institutions, stock markets, and public schools are closed . Few banks that are normally open on regular Sundays are closed on Easter . </P>

When did the first easter egg come out