Easter Sunday

Easter History

Easter is dedicated to celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It's considered the principal feast of the Christian year, celebrating the redemption of humanity from sin. An event that encompasses reflections on sacrifice, redemption, and renewal, it holds spiritual significance, yet is also marked by community gatherings and family celebrations.

The observance of Easter in the United Kingdom traces back to early Christian ages, with influences from both Christian and Pagan traditions. When Christianity arrived in the UK, it integrated with existing Pagan spring festivals, bringing symbolic elements such as the egg, a symbol of new life, into Easter customs. This integration resulted in unique traditions, like the game of egg rolling, where children roll painted eggs downhill to see whose breaks last. Another notable aspect of UK Easter is the Easter Bilby, a unique British spin on the concept of the Easter Bunny, which highlights the country's commitment to wildlife preservation.

Easter in the United Kingdom is recognised with a long weekend, starting from Good Friday through to Easter Monday, with both days being public holidays. Over the Easter weekend, church services, family gatherings, feasting, and exchange of Easter eggs and gifts are the norm. Church bells ring in celebration, and parades called 'processions of witness' are held in many cities. Easter egg hunts are quite popular, and children enjoy indulging in chocolate eggs, known as Easter eggs. Easter Sunday, the day on which Easter principally falls, is observed on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox, lending this holiday a movable date that can fall between March 22 and April 25 in the UK.

Facts about Easter Sunday

• For many Christian congregations, the first Easter service for the year is the Service of Light. The worship typically starts in darkness on the preceding Saturday night or early Sunday morning. Light is brought into the church with candles to signify hope based on the resurrection. The service culminates with the lighting of a paschal candle, signifying Christ.
• Easter eggs represent new life and also symbolize the shape of Jesus' tomb.
• The tradition of Easter Egg Roll is popular in England, where children roll their brightly painted eggs down a hill and whoever’s egg rolls the furthest is the winner. Some believe this originated from pagan traditions and symbols of rebirth.
• In Hallaton, Leicestershire, a unique Easter Monday custom called the Hare Pie Scramble and Bottle Kicking has been celebrated for centuries, involving a hare pie being blessed by a local vicar, and a raucous, rugby-like game between two teams who try to move a "bottle" (a small keg) over a stream by any means possible.

In the News and Trending in the UK for Easter Sunday

Top things to do in the UK for Easter

• Go to a children's Easter egg hunt or hold one of your own. Many churches have them the Saturday before Easter too.
• Cook an Easter dinner for family and friends. Traditional entrees include lamb or ham. During Lent (period leading up to Easter), many Roman Catholics exclude meat from their diet, so Easter is often indulgent on meat.
• Participate in Easter Egg Hunts: Many places in the UK, such as National Trust properties, host Easter egg hunts. These are fun activities for children, who are given clues to find hidden chocolate eggs around the property.
• Prepare dishes for the occasion of Easter, such as:
  1) Roast Lamb: It's a traditional English Easter main dish that is seasoned with garlic and rosemary or fresh mint, then roasted until tender.
  2) Leg of Lamb with Garlic and Rosemary: Another classic Easter main dish, this is often served with roasted vegetables and fresh mint sauce.
  3) Spring Vegetables: Roasted or steamed seasonal vegetables, including new potatoes, spring greens and peas are often served alongside the main dish.