What is Easter: How is Easter festival celebrated across the world?
- Ananya A Kukanur
- 1 day ago
- 10 min read
Easter is a holiday filled with meaning, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ and symbolizing hope and renewal. While it holds deep religious significance for Christians, it’s also celebrated with fun traditions like egg hunts, family meals, and festive parades.
In this blog, we’ll look into the meaning behind Easter, why it’s celebrated, and how different cultures put their own charm on the holiday.
List of Contents
What does Easter mean?
Easter is the Christian celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, three days after His crucifixion. This event, described in the New Testament, is seen as the cornerstone of Christian faith, symbolizing victory over death and the promise of eternal life. For Christians, Easter represents hope, renewal, and new beginnings, as it marks the triumph of life over death.
When is Easter celebrated?
Easter is celebrated on different dates each year because it falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox (the point when day and night are equal in length). This timing connects Easter not only to Christianity but also to the arrival of spring, which symbolizes new beginnings and growth.
Is Easter and Good Friday same? How are they both related?
Good Friday is a day to remember when Jesus was crucified. It's a sad and serious day, as Christians believe Jesus died on the cross to take away the sins of the world. It shows His great sacrifice for humanity.
Easter Sunday is the opposite; it’s a day of joy, celebrating that Jesus rose from the dead three days after His crucifixion. Christians believe this proves that Jesus is divine and gives the hope of eternal life.
In short, Good Friday and Easter Sunday are closely connected. Good Friday is about Jesus’ suffering and death, while Easter celebrates His victory over death and the hope of new life. Together, they are the core of Christian faith.
How is Easter celebrated?
Easter is celebrated in many ways, with church services, family gatherings, and fun activities like egg hunts being at the heart of the holiday. Christians attend special services to mark the resurrection of Jesus, while families often come together for festive meals and traditions like decorating Easter eggs.
The Easter Bunny, egg rolling, and giving chocolate treats are popular, especially for children. In some countries, public parades and festivals bring communities together to celebrate, while Easter Monday is often a day for outdoor fun and relaxation.
Why do we have Easter bunny and Easter eggs?
When you think of Easter, what comes to mind? Egg hunts, chocolate bunnies, and lots of colorful eggs, right? But have you ever wondered, why a bunny? It might seem a bit random, but there's actually an interesting story behind this fluffy creature’s connection to Easter.
First things first: the Easter Bunny is all about spring and new beginnings. Rabbits have been symbols of fertility and new life for centuries because of how quickly they reproduce. And what better time to celebrate life and renewal than in spring, right? Easter, which falls right around the time of the spring equinox, is all about celebrating rebirth, both in nature and in the Christian tradition.
The egg, like the bunny, is a symbol of new life. Back in the day, people would decorate eggs to mark the end of Lent (the 40-day period leading up to Easter). During Lent, they couldn’t eat eggs, so they’d boil or paint them to get ready for the big day. Over time, eggs became tied to Easter celebrations.
The German Connection
The modern Easter Bunny actually comes from German folklore. In the 1700s, German immigrants brought the tradition of the “Osterhase” (Easter Hare) to America. The hare would lay eggs for children to find, and this evolved into the Easter Bunny we know today, hopping around and delivering treats like chocolate eggs and toys.
So, there you have it! The Easter Bunny might not have much to do with the religious side of Easter, but it sure makes the holiday more fun. It’s all about celebrating new life, nature, and the joy of spring. Plus, who doesn’t love a good egg hunt? 🐰🌸🥚
How is Easter celebrated in USA?
Easter in the United States is a vibrant mix of religious observance and fun-filled traditions. While Easter holds deep religious significance, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ, it also incorporates cultural traditions that make the holiday uniquely American.
The week leading up to Easter, known as Holy Week, includes significant events such as Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. For many, attending church services is a central part of the celebration, as it offers a time for reflection and worship. But it’s not just about the religious aspects—Easter is also a time for families and communities to come together and enjoy fun activities.
One of the most beloved symbols of Easter is the Easter Bunny. This mythical figure is said to bring Easter eggs and candy to children, often depicted as a rabbit dressed in human clothes and carrying a basket filled with colorful eggs. The Easter Bunny is a fun and magical part of the holiday, especially for kids.
Another cherished tradition is the Easter Egg Hunt. In homes across the country, parents hide decorated Easter eggs in gardens or houses for children to search for. It’s not just a small family affair—many communities host large-scale egg hunts with prizes for the child who finds the most eggs.
Chocolate eggs and candies shaped like bunnies and chicks are also common treats during this time.
Easter Baskets are another staple of the holiday. These baskets, often filled with sweets like chocolate eggs and jelly beans, are given to children as gifts. The tradition has roots in the idea of new life and fertility, symbolized by the eggs, and it’s always exciting to see what goodies the Easter Bunny has left behind!
The Easter Parade is an iconic part of the celebration, especially in cities like New York. The parade, which has been held on Fifth Avenue since 1857, is a lively event featuring decorated floats, marching bands, and people dressed as bunnies and other springtime creatures. It’s a colorful spectacle that brings joy and excitement to the streets.
When it comes to food, Easter Lunch is a big deal. The star of the meal is often honey-glazed ham, though some families might opt for turkey or lamb instead. These main dishes are accompanied by delicious sides, and for dessert, you’ll often find carrot cake or lemon cake gracing the table, both of which fit the springtime theme perfectly.
Easter in the United States is a time of celebration that blends religious reverence with joyful traditions. Whether it’s the excitement of an Easter egg hunt, the sweetness of Easter baskets, or the spectacle of the Easter Parade, the holiday is a special time for Americans to enjoy family, community, and fun.
How is Easter celebrated in The United Kingdom?
Easter in the United Kingdom is a time of both religious reflection and joyous celebration, with various traditions that date back centuries.
In the UK, Easter is marked by several unique traditions that make the season special. One of the most popular is Egg Rolling, where people roll hard-boiled eggs down a hill, with the aim of having the egg travel the furthest without breaking. This outdoor activity has roots in ancient spring rituals.
Another unique tradition is the Easter Bonnet Parade, where participants create and wear decorated hats, often adorned with flowers and Easter-themed decorations, a custom dating back to Victorian times.
Combined with festive foods like Hot Cross Buns, Roast Lamb, and Simnel Cake, these traditions make Easter in the UK a joyful celebration of both religious and cultural significance.
How is Easter celebrated in Germany?
Easter in Germany is a little different from other countries; it’s celebrated for an extra day!
While Easter Sunday (Ostersonntag) is filled with egg hunts and family feasts, Easter Monday (Ostermontag) is a more relaxed day, often spent enjoying an egg race or simply unwinding. The holiday also kicks off with Good Friday (Karfreitag), making it a four-day weekend, perfect for a getaway or just enjoying some downtime.
When it comes to food, Easter in Germany is a treat. Expect colorful Ostereier (Easter eggs) and hearty dishes like Lammbraten (roast lamb) and Grüne Sosse (green sauce), a specialty from Frankfurt made with seven herbs. For dessert, don’t miss Osterlamm, a cute and delicious lamb-shaped cake, dusted with powdered sugar.
Unique customs like the Osterhase (Easter Bunny) hiding eggs for the kids and the Osterkorb (Easter basket) to collect them make Easter in Germany extra special.
In some areas, you might even see Osterbrunnen, fountains decorated with colorful eggs and greenery, adding charm to the festive atmosphere. Whether you’re hunting for eggs, savoring treats, or enjoying the sights, Easter in Germany is a memorable celebration. Frohe Ostern!
How is Easter celebrated in France?
While many countries celebrate Easter with the Easter Bunny, France has its own unique twist: les cloches de Pâques—magical flying bells! According to French tradition, the church bells stop ringing from Good Friday to Easter Sunday to mourn Christ’s death.
But instead of being sad, the bells are said to fly to Rome, returning on Easter with gifts for children. As they return, they drop colorful eggs, chocolates, and treats, filling the gardens with goodies for the annual chasse aux œufs (Easter egg hunt). Kids eagerly hunt for chocolate eggs, lambs, and bunnies in a spirited race to collect the treasures, shouting "Les cloches sont passées!" as they rush outside.
While the egg hunt is a highlight, food plays a central role in French Easter celebrations. Families gather for a lavish meal featuring l’agneau pascal (roast lamb), a symbol of resurrection and new life. Traditional accompaniments include green beans, fresh vegetables, and the first strawberries of spring.
For dessert, the Easter table often overflows with chocolate treats, though it's also common to serve a colorful nest-shaped cake or the season’s first sweet strawberries. Easter in France is a joyful celebration of spring, family, and unique traditions, making it an unforgettable holiday. Joyeuses Pâques! 🐣
How is Easter celebrated in Spain?
Easter in Spain blends religion, art, and festivity. In southern cities like Málaga and Seville, Semana Santa features elaborate floats (tronos) and life-sized statues (pasos), paraded through streets by penitents and costaleros.
The highlight in Seville is La Madruga, a dramatic night of processions. On Easter Sunday, celebrations turn lively with music and sweet treats like torrijas (Spanish French toast).
In Castile and León, especially Salamanca, Zamora, and Valladolid, the atmosphere is solemn and reflective, with ancient processions and remarkable sculptures. In Murcia, parades are colorful and precise, with dramatic floats and rhythmic drumbeats.
Smaller towns like Viveiro in Galicia and Hellín in Albacete also offer unique traditions, including tamboradas (drum rituals) and candlelit processions.
Spain’s Semana Santa offers a deep cultural and spiritual experience, whether in the grandeur of Andalusia or the quiet beauty of Castile y León. ¡Feliz Semana Santa!
How is Easter celebrated in Italy?
Easter in Italy, or Pasqua, is a blend of religious traditions and festive celebrations. The holiday begins with Good Friday processions, including the Via Crucis in Rome, and culminates in Easter Sunday mass.
Traditional foods include roast lamb, Colomba di Pasqua (Easter dove cake), and Pastiera Napoletana (ricotta pie).
On Easter Monday, known as Lunedì dell'Angelo, Italians enjoy outdoor picnics and barbecues, often in the countryside. Regional traditions, such as Florence’s Scoppio del Carro and chocolate eggs, make Easter in Italy a vibrant and joyful celebration. Buona Pasqua!
How is Easter celebrated in Japan?
Easter isn't widely celebrated in Japan, as it is a predominantly non-Christian country. However, in recent years, the influence of Western culture has led to some Easter-themed activities, especially in larger cities and for those involved in the Christian community.
For Japan's Christian population, Easter is a religious celebration with church services marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Many Christians attend Mass or special services at churches, particularly in cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama.
Though not traditional, Easter egg hunts have started to make an appearance in Japan, especially in international schools or communities. Some shopping malls and theme parks, like Tokyo Disneyland, organize Easter egg hunts and decorate their spaces with Easter motifs like bunnies and eggs.
Japan has a knack for adopting global holidays in a commercial way. In recent years, Easter-themed products have started to appear in stores, with chocolate eggs, bunnies, and special pastries (like Easter cakes or bunny-shaped treats) becoming more popular around springtime. Some cafes and restaurants also create limited-time Easter menus.
Since Easter coincides with Japan’s cherry blossom season, many people associate this time of year with enjoying the beauty of nature. While it's not connected to Easter, the festivities surrounding cherry blossom viewing (hanami) are popular, and many people enjoy picnics under the blooming sakura trees during this period.
How is Easter celebrated in South Korea?
In South Korea, Easter is celebrated mainly by the Christian community, as Christianity is one of the largest religions in the country. While it is not a public holiday, many Christian churches hold special services to mark the occasion.
On Easter Sunday, Christians attend church services where they celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. These services are often marked by hymns, prayers, and sermons.
After church, many Christians enjoy family meals and gatherings to celebrate the day. Some families also exchange Easter eggs or gifts.
Though not as common as in Western countries, some Christian communities in South Korea organize Easter egg hunts for children, particularly in larger cities.
In areas with a high concentration of Christians, you may see some Easter decorations in churchyards, stores, or cafes. These often include Easter lilies, crosses, and sometimes chocolate eggs or other festive foods.
Special Easter-themed foods, like cakes and pastries, might be available in cafes or bakeries, but there isn't a distinct Easter meal tradition like in some other countries.
Easter is much more than just a holiday, it’s a beautiful reminder of renewal, hope, and the power of community. Across the world, each country has its own unique way of celebrating, adding special traditions that make the holiday even more meaningful. From the colorful egg hunts in the United States to the solemn processions in Spain, Easter brings people together in ways that feel both personal and universal. No matter where you are, it's a time to reflect, rejoice, and embrace new beginnings.
So, wherever you’re celebrating, we wish you a joyful and peaceful Easter filled with love, laughter, and the warmth of togetherness. May this season of renewal bring you fresh hope and beautiful moments to cherish. Happy Easter! 🌸🥚✨
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