British Life and Culture by Mandy Barrow
Easter Day is one of the most important days in the Christian calendar. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, which Christians believe happened three days after his crucifixion. It’s a day filled with hope and joy, marking new life and new beginnings. For many, it’s a time for family, reflection, and enjoying the arrival of spring.
Unlike Christmas, Easter Day does not fall on the same date every year. It is a ‘moveable feast’. In Western Christianity, Easter Day is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon that occurs on or after the spring equinox (March 21st). This means Easter can fall anywhere between March 22nd and April 25th. This changing date adds to the unique feel of Easter each year.
For Christians, Easter Day begins with special church services. Many churches hold sunrise services, celebrating the new day and the resurrection. These services are often very joyful, with special hymns, music, and decorations like flowers, especially lilies, which symbolise purity and new life. Churches are often filled with people celebrating this holy day.
One of the most popular and enjoyable customs on Easter Day, especially for children, is the giving and receiving of Easter eggs. Eggs have long been a symbol of new life and rebirth, even before Christianity. In the UK, chocolate Easter eggs are a huge tradition. These hollow chocolate treats come in all sizes and are often beautifully wrapped. They are exchanged between family and friends.
Easter Day is also a time for fun activities involving eggs. Many families organise Easter egg hunts in their gardens or local parks. Children search for hidden chocolate eggs or brightly decorated hard-boiled eggs. Another old custom, particularly in northern England, is egg rolling. Hard-boiled eggs are decorated and then rolled down a hill. The winner is often the egg that rolls the furthest without breaking. This is a very old spring tradition, symbolising the rolling away of the stone from Jesus’ tomb.
The Easter Bunny is a beloved character associated with Easter, especially for young children. This mythical rabbit is said to deliver Easter eggs and treats to children on Easter Eve or Easter morning. The idea of the Easter Bunny originated in Germany and was brought to Britain. Rabbits and hares are ancient symbols of spring and fertility, fitting perfectly with the themes of new life at Easter.
Easter Day is a special occasion for families to gather and share a traditional meal. A common main course is roast lamb, which has ancient symbolic links to Passover and Christian traditions. Other popular choices include roast chicken or beef. These are usually served with roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and gravy. For dessert, many families enjoy chocolate Easter eggs or a Simnel cake, a fruit cake with a layer of marzipan, often decorated with eleven marzipan balls representing the apostles (minus Judas).
| Meal Course | Example Food |
|---|---|
| Main Course | Roast Lamb or Chicken |
| Side Dishes | Roast Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables |
| Dessert | Simnel Cake, Chocolate Easter Eggs |
In some parts of Britain, especially in towns and cities, you might see Easter bon
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Special Days in December
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Learn about Christmas in England from the children who live in Britain Christmas traditions why do what we do at chrsitmas time
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is the creator of the Woodlands Resources section of the Woodlands Junior website. left Woodlands in 2003 to work in Kent schools as an ICT Consulatant. Woodlands Junior Homework Help new website |
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