It is almost that time of the spring semester. You know, that full week where millions of college students get to recharge their batteries after surviving almost the entire month of March. Usually, the sun is shining and it’s getting warmer, which might happen in the next few weeks. Teenagers and young adults will be going to the beach and having other types of vacations while procrastinating on their homework.

Spring break has been around in the United States since the 1930s according to the article “How Did Spring Break Get its Start?” in Mental Floss. However, the purpose of spring break was not always for young people to have fun and to have a break from school. It was originally scheduled around the Christian holiday of Easter Sunday. Students got off from school to celebrate Good Friday, which is the Friday before Easter Sunday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and to be at church on Easter Sunday. Basically, spring break is seen by some to be part of a religious holiday.

The change began around 1960 due to a movie called “Where the Boys Are” that became a coming-of-age movie about four female college students who spent their spring break in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The film was a huge success because of its accurate portrayal of adolescent sexuality and the attitudes of young adults at the time, but the biggest impact it had was on how spring break was seen by college students. From that point on, students rushed to the Florida beaches, and spring break was the mid-semester getaway that all students need.

I personally see spring break and Easter Sunday as being separate from each other because they are celebrated for two very different reasons, but that does not mean that they should not be scheduled at the same time. Having them in the same week benefits those who want to celebrate the sacrifice  of their savior made for them while also having some fun with friends. Those who want to do one but not the other are not affected by both spring break and Easter Sunday being on the same week.

So, while I will be staring at my laptop or procrastinating on my homework, the rest of you should go out, enjoy spring break and get that well-needed relaxation so that you can finish out the semester. Or depending on your beliefs, go out and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus with your family or friends.