Easter
This year Easter Sunday falls on the 20th of April. Easter is the most important festival in the Christian calendar. It celebrates Jesus rising from the dead, three days after he was crucified.
The week leading up to Easter is called Holy Week. Palm Sunday (the Sunday before Easter Sunday) starts the Holy Week, and people also celebrate Maundy Thursday (the day of the Last Supper) and Good Friday (the day Jesus was crucified) during the week. Easter is also a busy time in many churches. Special church services are held, and some communities hold Easter parades.
Easter traditions
Probably the most famous symbol of easter is the Easter egg. Today, Easter eggs are made from chocolate, but traditionally, people boiled chicken eggs and decorated them by hand. Eggs symbolize new life, and for Christians, Easter eggs represent the resurrection of Jesus.
Easter marks the end of Lent, the 40 days leading up to Easter. Many people give something up for Lent, so if you have given up chocolate you can enjoy it again on Easter Sunday!
Another well-known Easter tradition is the Easter bunny. The original story of the Easter bunny came from Germany but over time the story spread, and many families take part in Easter egg hunts, where children search for hidden chocolate eggs in gardens, parks, or homes.
Traditional Easter Food
Food is a big part of Easter celebrations. Many families come together for a special Easter meal, which often includes lamb, a traditional symbol of sacrifice in Christianity. Hot cross buns are also eaten, especially on Good Friday. In some countries, people bake Easter cakes. in the UK, a popular Easter dessert is Simnel cake, a fruitcake decorated with marzipan balls, which represent Jesus’ disciples.
Easter Around the World
Different countries have unique ways of celebrating Easter:
- Spain: Easter is marked by big religious processions, especially in cities like Seville. People dressed in traditional robes carry large statues of Jesus and Mary through the streets, with music and prayers.
- Italy: In Rome, the Pope leads special Easter services, including a blessing from the Vatican balcony on Easter Sunday. Thousands of people gather in St. Peter’s Square.
- Greece: Easter is the most significant religious holiday in Greece. Celebrations include midnight church services, where people hold candles and greet each other with the words “Christos Anesti!” (Christ has risen). The Easter feast often features roast lamb and a special sweet bread called tsoureki.
- United States & the UK: Easter egg hunts, parades, and chocolate eggs are popular traditions
