Introduction: What Is Easter & Why Is It Celebrated?
Easter. A time of new beginnings, the Easter bunny, and, of course, the occasional chocolate Easter egg. But Easter symbolises much more than Easter egg hunts and family gatherings. It’s one of the most important religious events in the Christian calendar, with the earliest recorded observance dating back to the 2nd Century, around 2000 years ago.
But what exactly is Easter? Why is it so important, and how can people get involved?
Easter is the celebration of Jesus Christ’s resurrection on the third day following his crucifixion. According to the Bible, Jesus was crucified and died on the cross but came back to life three days later. This act of resurrection is considered central to Christianity as it demonstrates to its followers that there is life after death. It also serves as a testament to God’s omnipotence, thereby strengthening the belief in God and Christianity as a broader belief system.
The United States has the largest Christian population in the world, but Christians worldwide celebrate Easter in many different ways. Many church ceremonies are held throughout the country where the story of Jesus is told. Observers may pray for those in need and reflect on the positive things in their lives.
Easter eggs and Easter egg hunts are always a popular favourite too, especially with young children. The egg represents new life as per the story of Jesus’s resurrection, hence the use of the egg to symbolise the occasion. Children and their parents often enjoy painting eggs and decorating them with bright colours. Chocolate egg hunts are also a firm favourite.
The Significance of Easter in the UK
Easter is very significant to the story of Jesus and the Christian faith. It’s also a time when the nation comes together to celebrate the arrival of spring and the start of new beginnings and new life. But what is Easter made up of?
Good Friday
Good Friday is a public holiday in the UK and takes place at the start of April each year. Good Friday is the Friday before the day of Easter. Both early and some modern practicing Christians observe this day as a day of sorrow and penance. This is because it was on Good Friday that Jesus suffered and died by crucifixion as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. Others may gather together to enjoy afternoon tea, where hot cross buns are served as the traditional food.
Easter Sunday
Also known as “Resurrection Sunday,” Easter Sunday is the most significant date in the Christian calendar. This was the day that Jesus was resurrected following crucifixion. The event is considered significant to Christians as it demonstrates that God’s love is stronger than death. Easter Sunday traditions include Church services, Easter egg hunts, and family gatherings. This day is considered one of momentous joy as it celebrates the return of Jesus Christ and all the good that God has done for humanity.
Easter Monday
Easter Monday is another public holiday for UK citizens. This day is considered an extension of Easter Sunday as a time for continued rest, reflection, and time to be with others to celebrate the story of Jesus. Whilst generally considered now as significant as the time of resurrection the day prior, Easter Monday is observed and enjoyed by many millions of Christians all over the world.
Traditional Easter Customs & Celebrations
Religious Observances & Church Traditions
Church services are held right across the Easter period with special hymns, prayers, stories, and songs. Practising Christians are strongly encouraged to attend Church ceremonies as observance and belief in God are considered central to the Christian faith.
The Easter Vigil, sometimes called the Paschal Vigil, is a congregation of Christians, mostly at church in the hours of darkness between Holy Saturday and Sunrise on Easter Sunday.
Sometimes, when the church is darkened, the priest lights a candle at midnight (sometimes called the Paschal candle), which represents the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Easter Eggs & Chocolate Traditions
The British tradition of giving and receiving gifts is born out of the Christian faith as acts of goodwill, kindness, friendship, and benevolence. Easter is no different, and although modern adaptations of this may have emerged, the act of giving is still central to the celebration of Easter.
Today, many people choose to give chocolate Easter eggs or variations of Easter-themed chocolates. Many schools, families, and community-led events hold Easter egg hunts, mostly for young children who enjoy the thrill of searching and finding chocolate eggs that have been hidden for them to find.
The traditional practice of hand-painting Easter eggs is also enjoyed by many. These craft sessions take place at many community centres, schools, nurseries and event spaces.
As well as Easter eggs, the Easter bunny is also a common figure throughout the period. Taking the appearance of a rabbit, sometimes dressed in clothes, the Easter bunny is depicted as a positive figure clutching a basket full of Easter eggs to bring joy to all who celebrate Easter.
Easter Food & Family Gatherings
Family celebrations and gatherings often take place over the Easter period. Easter-themed foods may be enjoyed, such as roast lamb (symbolising spring and renewal) as well as hot cross buns, which are typically enjoyed on Good Friday.
Other specialities include Simnel cake, which is a fruit cake much like hot cross buns, with the addition of a delicious marzipan topping, as well as the much-loved chocolate Easter egg.
Easter Parades & Public Celebrations
Many schools, theatres and community halls celebrate Easter by showing plays and performances about the story of Jesus. Across the UK, events will take place to mark the occasion, including the highly acclaimed “Passion of Jesus” play held in London each year. The event which, is typically held in Trafalgar Square, is free of charge and is shown as a gift to London and its visitors.
Charitable organisations such as the National Trust and English Heritage, have always been invested in events such as Christmas and Easter. They usually have some fantastic events and games for children and their families.
Morris dancing is also an Easter favourite. The tradition dates back to the 15th Century and involves the rhythmic stepping to music by a group of dancers dressed in elaborate costumes, typically with bells attached to the shins and shoes.
Easter fairs and outdoor activities take place, usually on Easter weekend. These include fun fairs, farmers markets, and garden and park festivals.
Easter Monday & Sporting Traditions
Easter Monday is a bank holiday in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, but not in Scotland. On Easter Monday, families tend to come together and may go for countryside walks, host Easter lunch or evening meals, or go out for family outings.
For those with an interest in sports, the tradition of egg rolling is enjoyed by many. This bizarre yet fun tradition involves decorating eggs, which are then rolled down steep hills like the famous Avenham Park in Preston.
The London Harness Horse Parade is another long-standing Easter Monday tradition. The event sees thousands of spectators gather at the South of England Centre, Ardingly in West Sussex (Not London!). The event is displayed for families who get to experience the sights and sounds of old English transportation. With over 100 horse-drawn vehicles and carriages, riders in traditional dress parade the grounds for all to see.
If you’re into ball games, local football and rugby matches are often held on Easter Monday. Many Rugby clubs incentivise spectators to attend by hosting post-match Easter buffets and events.
Regional Easter Traditions in the UK
As well as nationally recognised Easter traditions, many regional-based traditions also take place. In Lancashire and Yorkshire, for example, the tradition of “pace egging” is observed. This historic tradition sees a band of performers known as “pace eggers” reenact medieval plays. In return, the local villagers or townspeople would gift them decorated hardboiled hen’s eggs. The practice largely died out in the 19th century, but if you know where to look, pace egging performances can still be found in some Northern towns.
Whilst Easter Monday isn’t recognised as a bank holiday in Scotland, celebrations still take place in and around Easter. The more obscure of these are battle reenactments that take place in some of Scotland’s medieval castles. These reenactments are the closest thing you’ll get to real historic battles. Check sites like Historic Environment Scotland for more information.
In Northern Ireland, the tradition of the Easter parade is observed alongside the usual Easter festivities like egg hunts. Across many Irish towns and cities, participants parade the streets in bright-coloured traditional dress, on floats, or as bands of performers. The biggest of these parades is held in Dublin, where thousands of people flock to the streets to watch the spectacle take place.
The Future of Easter Celebrations in the UK
Whilst retaining its cultural significance, Easter traditions are always evolving in Britain. Take, for example, the tradition of “pace egging” in Northern England, which largely died out after the Second World War, but then re-emerged as a long-lost regional tradition.
More broadly, however, we can observe how the commercialisation of Easter has affected the way we celebrate this historic occasion. Consider the commercial sale of chocolate eggs and Easter-themed chocolate, as well as ticketed Easter events and experiences.
One positive we can draw from this process is the shift toward more sustainable Easter practices. With the growing focus on environmentally-friendly goods and services, businesses have been quick to implement plastic-free packaging, eco-friendly celebrations, and less wasteful methods of distribution.
We can also observe how the internet has played its part in changing the future of Easter. With social media driving interest and bringing awareness, many families enjoy sharing their best moments with others online. Similarly, virtual easter events like the Cadbury Worldwide Hide allow everyone with a reliable internet connection to take part in the festivities.
Of course, none of these celebrations would exist without the historical and religious origins and the story of Jesus’s resurrection. In the modern day, it’s easy for many to lose sight of this, but thanks to many Christan church ceremonies and celebrations, the true origins of Easter can be told.
Conclusion
Easter remains one of the most critical dates in the Christian calendar. For this reason, Easter is significant to many practising Christians in the UK who observe Easter from a religious perspective.
Elsewhere in the UK, many British families celebrate the event by gathering for meals and Easter-themed food like hot-cross buns. Family traditions like Easter egg painting and chocolate Easter egg hunts also occur.
Looking at Easter from a more philosophical perspective, the occasion evokes feelings of joy, reflection, and gratitude. It marks new beginnings and new life.
We’d encourage our readers to get involved in Easter by getting together with family or friends. If there are little ones in the family, there are so many great traditions and fun activities to put on for them. Try a chocolate Easter egg hunt or Easter egg painting.
FAQs
Is Easter a public holiday in the UK?
Yes, Good Friday and Easter Monday are bank holidays in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, but Scotland does not observe Easter Monday as a holiday.
How do people celebrate Easter in the UK?
Common activities include attending church services, enjoying Easter egg hunts, eating traditional foods, and spending time with family.
What are traditional Easter foods in the UK?
Hot cross buns, roast lamb, Simnel cake, and chocolate eggs are among the most popular Easter treats.
Why do people roll eggs down hills at Easter?
Egg rolling is a symbolic tradition representing the rolling away of the stone from Jesus’ tomb and is a popular game for children.
Do all British people celebrate Easter?
While Easter is widely celebrated in the UK, participation varies based on religious beliefs, cultural background, and personal traditions.
Where are the best places to celebrate Easter in the UK?
London, Edinburgh, York, and countryside villages offer some of the best Easter events, from religious services to family-friendly activities.