Easter in Devout America
#34 of Maverick Hotel side content
Just another in-universe report I made up, detailing the state of Easter in my dystopian world of Maverick Hotel.
NOTE: To avoid shitposting and political ranting in the comments, let's all just agree that you're reading this because a) you're looking for some entertainment b) you want to read a dystopian furry story or c) the most likely of reasons, you want to read something that'll make you feel like a romantic horndog. Let's all just have fun. Alright? Alright.
Easter is considered a sacred time in Devout America. Celebrated as a festival dedicating the resurrection of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, this holiday is considered one of the least changed since 1997. This does not mean attempts have been made, similar to holidays such as Halloween and Christmas, in scaling down the pagan-inspired customs engrained into Easter. One of these is the name itself, with the Revenant Party pushing for 'Easter Sunday' to be replaced by 'Resurrection Sunday', though the rebranded name hasn't been lobbied as heavily compared to other holidays in the Devout States.
The Easter Bunny, a folkloric figure originating from German Lutheran beliefs, has been surprisingly changed little since the Revenant Party's rise to power. The tradition of parents leaving presents and candies in baskets for good cubs to find also has not been banned as well. The reasons for this are disputed by observers, with European and other non-Devout historians still contesting why the concept of the Easter Bunny hasn't gradually been censored over time. Some have suggested that unlike Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny's origins are not traced to pagan gods or traditions (there was speculation how Easter had once been connected to a festival worshipping the goddess Eostre, but there's little evidence to support the theory), and therefore doesn't violate the Anti-Paganism Enforcement Act of 2009. However, the possibility of the Easter Bunny becoming yet another banned folkloric figure still isn't off the table.
Others believe that the nation's income revenue made from candy and Easter decoration sales plays a role in Congress' decisions against banning the aspect of the holiday. Many also suggest that the National Church of America doesn't mind citizens holding this belief if it continues to be a folkloric teaching tool in helping cubs and preteens learn how to be good and obedient towards their elders. Some have even gone so far as to suggest that it is a favorite holiday of David Farthing's, who allegedly holds fond memories towards the holiday. These rumors have not been confirmed.
What has been confirmed is the way in which the National Church has coded certain elements into the story of Jesus Christ's crucifixion. It is also noticeable in the dialogue of most plays performed at churches in-between sermons. The most popular depiction found in various churches across Devout America is having the Roman Empire represent either the United Nations or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (of which the D.S.A. hasn't been a member since 1998), with Judas representing Old America's previous politicians who betray their Messiah, Saint Peter representing David Farthing and his continued devotion, and Jesus Himself representing the personification of the country. He is tortured by outsiders, died on a cross and is reborn more powerful than ever before.