Easter is a beacon of aspiration and renovation in the tapestry of various cultures. An anticipation of an energetic start and nature’s reawakening, it has been cherished for countless centuries as far back as 2 BC. In some countries, even non-religious people participate in this event, as it denotes the appearance of long-awaited spring warmth. Join us in rediscovering the main ideas behind the celebration, its complicated yet fascinating history, and diverse symbolism. Wondering “What are the origins of Easter traditions?” — get answers to these questions and discover fascinating facts about this cherished ceremony.
It’s a moment that blends spiritual reflection with seasonal joy, meaningful for people of all backgrounds. As traditions evolve, it remains an enduring symbol of fresh beginnings and the charm of nature’s reawakening after a long, frosty slumber.
When is Easter Sunday in 2025?
Easter 2025 is decided to take place on Sunday, 20 April. It might be challenging to work out the exact time even for those who have followed this holiday for years, but this event doesn’t have a fixed date. Instead of settling on a distinct period, it was decided to rely on the ongoing moon cycles. As a result, there are annual date fluctuations that require precise calculations to be conducted in advance. This system keeps the commemoration in sync with springtime and aligns the salutations with Passover.
While this event can feel like a fleeting moment, it’s crucial to understand the reasoning behind this decision. It can help bring clarity to the festival’s deeper significance.
Why does the date of Easter change each year?
This variability is directly affected by the celestial lunar cycles, the single natural satellite of the Earth. The variability reflects the endeavour to correlate closely with Passover, a famous Jewish holiday; its timing is also dictated by maintaining records of the lunar phases and their annual occurrence.
As both religious observances share historic connections, maintaining this timing respects the historical and religious narrative preserved for multiple generations. It’s a practice rooted in centuries of lore and astronomical awareness.
How to calculate the date of Easter?
The feast unfolds on the first Sunday following the first full moon of the month, succeeding the March equinox. Should the full moon grace the sky on a Sunday, the event transfers to the ensuing Sunday. This method suggests any day in a set period could be a viable date, usually as early as 22 March and as late as 25 April.
This formula has remained largely unchanged since it was formalised in 325 AD. Though based on ancient understanding, it continues to govern modern calendars.
For those wondering “When is Easter this year?”, we’ve got it: in 2025, 20 April is the big day to delight in hunting for delectable egg treats and savouring a joyous festive dinner!
As it’s a popular holiday, the places are often overcrowded. It’s advisable to plan gatherings and traditional meals well in advance, especially because of the long weekend. It’s a wonderful chance to take a small break from everyday challenges and enjoy springtime while embracing the spirit of togetherness.
Another essential point to note is that this holiday’s timing varies across Christian denominations. Unlike Western traditions, Orthodox believers closely follow another timekeeping approach: the Julian calendar. This variance results in a discrepancy, where different traditions begin the feast separately, despite celebrating a similar holiday.
This gap often leads to celebrations taking place a week or more apart, though the rituals and sentiments remain alike. Countless families with multicultural backgrounds observe both dates to honour their full heritage.
Curious about “When is Greek Easter in 2025?” This year, it is set to happen on 27 April.
Easter celebration dates for the coming years
If you’re curious, “When is Easter in 2025?” — rest assured, the answer is already prepared: mark your planner for April 20 to revel in the festivities.
- When is Easter in 2026 or When is Easter next year? The joyous celebration is already planned for April 5
- As for 2027, the cheer starts on March 28
- For 2028, circle April 16 in your planner for the blissful celebration
- April 1, 2029, promises to be a delightful occasion as it marks the vibrant festivities and joy awaiting us
- In 2030, the date is April 21
This pattern shows how widely the commemorations can shift over the years. Staying on top of future dates helps with long-term planning — from family holidays to church services.
When are the Easter holidays in 2025 in the UK?
Of course, a vital part of any festivity is receiving some well-earned time off. Whether it’s a job break or a school break, it’s always a nice bonus. In the UK and countless other countries, it is a way to enjoy some leisure time, restore, and unite with loved ones.
Easter break offers a great opportunity to recharge while enjoying seasonal traditions. Many families also opt for short getaways or cultural outings, especially if the long weekend is available.
When are the Easter bank holidays in 2025?
In 2025, the long weekend is set to commence on 18 April. It will conclude on 21 April. The only exception is Scotland, where the last date won’t be a public holiday. This extended break offers an excellent chance to relish a refreshing getaway, engage in exciting recreational pursuits, and indulge in the delightful tradition of savouring festive delicacies.
Many businesses and public services reduce their working hours for celebrations, so it’s worth planning your activities ahead of time. The long weekend also encourages participation in parades, local fairs, and religious ceremonies, so expect overcrowding.
When are the Easter school holidays in 2025?
In the UK, many schools are expected to start their breaks on Monday, 7 April, and conclude on Monday, 21 April; nevertheless, certain regions may observe different schedules. Wishing all students a happy and enjoyable break!
Parents should check with individual schools for confirmation, especially in areas with flexible term times. This period is also a popular time for family activities, creative workshops, and cultural events for children.
Operation of shops during Easter holidays
As per governmental regulations, establishments exceeding an area of 280 square metres are required to shut down operations on Easter Day; consequently, all leading supermarkets will be inaccessible on that occasion. Conversely, businesses with dimensions smaller than 280 square metres are authorised to operate as usual.
It’s advisable to do any major shopping in advance to avoid inconvenience on Easter Sunday. Many restaurants, cafes, and independent shops will still open with adjusted hours, especially in tourist areas.
Easter history and facts about Easter
Origin of the word “Easter”
One theory connects the name to Eostre, a goddess honoured by early Anglo-Saxon peoples. Festivities dedicated to her were believed to take place around April, marking nature’s reawakening. Another theory links the term to the German word for “east”, which itself traces back to a Latin root meaning “dawn”. In spring, dawn arrives earlier and stretches longer across the eastern sky — a poetic parallel to the spiritual light and renewal symbolised.
These multiple linguistic origins reflect how the festival has drawn from different cultures over time. Regardless of the exact root, the name is now deeply embedded in numerous traditions.
Spring celebrations before Christianity
Long before this religion became widespread, ancient civilisations held sacred the seasonal transitions observed during the solstices and equinoxes. These moments — especially the March equinox, an instance when both day and night are the same length — were seen as significant turning points. The balance between light and darkness, followed by the increasing length of day hours were seen as the Earth’s emergence from the shadow of frost. As Christianity took root, the existing symbols were adapted and merged into a religious message, weaving ancient seasonal reverence into Christian observance. The result is a rich blend of seasonal rejuvenation and spiritual resurrection that continues even in present times.
Such blending helped the early church connect with diverse populations and ease the change to Christian belief. The echoes of these early activities still resonate in modern customs.
Why do Christians celebrate Easter?
The reason is tied to the holiday being the cornerstone for honouring Jesus Christ’s return after the crucifixion. It marks the ultimate sacrifice committed to overcoming sin and death, offering a vision of immortal life beyond the mortal world. It also demonstrates the divine confirmation of Christ’s teachings and the fulfilment of God’s assurance to humanity. Therefore, it is not only a ceremony but a chance for deep reflection on salvation, redemption, and the unyielding faith that emerges from despair.
Overall, it’s a spiritual anchor, concluding the solemn period of fasting during Lent. Churches worldwide mark the day with joyful liturgies, hymns, and communal gatherings.
Do other religions celebrate Easter?
While it is a Christian tradition, the renewal season is rich with important observances across different faiths and cultures. For example, Passover (Pesach) — a Jewish holiday — marks the exodus from Egypt and usually happens around Easter due to shared lunar timing. In Hinduism, Holi welcomes spring and promotes the idea that good deeds always overcome evil. Though rooted in different beliefs, these observances reflect common human themes of liberation, light, and rejuvenation. They highlight a shared reverence for seasonal change and the renewal of life. This universal symbolism helps foster understanding and appreciation between faiths.
Easter traditions and their origins
Egg rolling
During Lent, the consumption of eggs was historically avoided. With Easter’s arrival, they re-entered festive use and became gradually included in a variety of customs. One such tradition is egg rolling — a playful contest where participants guide hard-boiled eggs across a surface with a long-handled spoon. While fun in nature, the act carries symbolic weight, recalling how an angel removed the guarding stone from Jesus’ burial chamber — a gesture that revealed the miracle of the resurrection.
In some communities, public egg-rolling events are held annually, attracting families and locals. The simple game combines both tradition and seasonal joy.
Easter egg colouring
The egg itself has long stood for new life, making it a perfect emblem for this celebration. In Christian tradition, the egg’s shell represents the sealed tomb, and the breaking of the shell evokes Christ’s emergence. Some also interpret the yolk, white, and shell as a metaphor for the Holy Trinity. Dyeing eggs red — which hints at the blood of Christ — dates back centuries. Today, the practice includes additional activities that create a colourful celebration, with intricate patterns and vibrant hues reflecting the rejuvenation of nature.
Families often decorate eggs together, blending artistry with storytelling. Across different cultures, unique techniques and materials are used, adding regional flair.
Easter Bunny
The Bunny is a charming figure with both ancient and contemporary roots. In German Lutheran tradition, tales emerged of an egg-laying hare who would visit children with gifts during the commemoration. This folkloric creature may also draw from pagan symbols of fertility and springtime, as rabbits were often associated with life’s abundance. Over time, the Bunny evolved into a playful and much-loved character in celebrations, bringing chocolates, toys, and a sense of magic to gardens, baskets, and breakfast tables across the UK and beyond.
Today, the Bunny often appears in decorations, gift packaging, and themed events for children. His playful image has been established as one of the many recognisable customs.
Traditional Easter gifts
Easter baskets
This gift captures the joyful spirit of springtime — overflowing with treats, small surprises, and seasonal cheer. Traditionally brimming with chocolates, sweets, trinkets, and toys, these baskets are often presented to children in the morning. According to popular custom, the elusive Bunny makes a secret visit during the night to fill each basket with goodies, turning the morning into a celebration of wonder and delight.
In recent years, adult versions of baskets have gained popularity, filled with gourmet items and themed gifts. The basket tradition brings a sense of surprise and personal joy to the day.
Cakes for Easter
Cakes form an integral part of festivities around the world, symbolising renewal, abundance, and shared happiness. Gathering with loved ones over a beautifully baked cake is a time-honoured tradition found in many cultures. In Britain, classic options like Simnel cake continue to be a staple, while lighter sponge and vanilla cakes also grace festive tables with their celebratory flair.
Some families choose to decorate with spring motifs such as flowers, chicks, or pastel icing. Homemade baking is also a beloved ritual shared among numerous generations.
Flowers for Easter
This event has long been associated with floral decorations, echoing nature’s return to bloom after winter’s retreat. Decorating homes and churches with seasonal flowers is a vivid way to celebrate life’s renewal. Among the most cherished symbols are:
- Lilies – particularly in white, denoting Christ’s purity and faithfulness
- Tulips – a sign of vitality and the spirit of new beginnings
- Daffodils – reflecting the optimism and joy of spring’s arrival
Floral arrangements can also be used to create centrepieces for brunches and dinner tables. Each bloom brings beauty, fragrance, and a reminder of life’s gentle return.
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Easter treats
Сhocolate eggs for Easter
Expertly crafted from smooth, luxurious chocolate, sweet eggs have become an iconic symbol of the season. Often beautifully wrapped or filled with hidden surprises, these eggs bring joy to both children and adults. Whether nestled in baskets or exchanged as gifts, they serve as a delicious reminder of rebirth and celebration.
Many confectioners produce limited-edition designs that become collectables or centrepieces. Egg hunts remain one of the most exciting and beloved spring activities.
Hot cross buns
A firm favourite in Britain, these soft, sticky buns are traditionally enjoyed on Good Friday. Made with special dough, citrus peel, and dried fruit, each bun features a symbolic cross on the top. The cross signifies the crucifixion of Christ, and the bitterness is said to reflect the suffering he endured. Toasted and spread with butter, they’re a comforting and nostalgic seasonal treat.
Supermarkets and bakeries often release special variations with chocolate chips, toffee, or apples. The familiar aroma of baking buns fills kitchens and shops each spring.
Simnel cake
This cherished dessert is a staple in many British traditions. It’s a rich fruitcake, adorned with a layer of golden marzipan, that is historically associated with both Easter and Mothering Sunday. It’s customarily adorned with eleven marzipan balls, hinting at the apostles of Jesus — Judas Iscariot, evidently, omitted. The cake’s distinctive flavour and heritage make it a beloved recipe.
Many families prepare it weeks in advance, allowing the flavours to deepen. It’s often served with tea and enjoyed across multiple generations gathered together.
Easter Sunday Roast
For countless families, it’s a chance to meet around a warm and hearty meal. The centrepiece is frequently a roast — lamb is usually the most popular choice, though beef, chicken, and pork are also enjoyed. In combination with roasted vegetables, rich gravy, and stuffing, the roast is all about togetherness, abundance, and seasonal comfort. It’s a time to share stories, laughter, and good food with those who matter most.
Roast dinners symbolise nourishment and gratitude after the completion of the fasting period. For many, it’s one of the most long-awaited happy occasions.
