Easter - Traditions & Symbols

The Easter is over but let´s remember this most important celebration for Christians. We celebrate the resurrection* /vzkříšení/ of Jesus Christ after he was crucified*/ukřižován/ by the Romans outside of Jeruzalem. In the western Christian countries Easter is celebrated always on Sunday 7 days after a full moon (22th March - 25 April) and in most eastern orthodox countries Easter is is celebrated on the 8th of April. There are the 3 symbols of Easter that every nation shares. Eggs are meant to be a symbol of the tomb Jesus was buried in. The lamb is supposed to be Jesus because he was kind like a lamb and the Easter bunny comes from a German folk story where a bunny lays eggs. The Easter bunny is also a Pagan symbol of rebirth and spring. Easter in other Countries: UK - Easter - The English bake buns called hot cross buns. They are filled with raisins and have a cross on them (just like the cross Jesus died on). Parents in England hide chocolate eggs in their gardens for their children to find (Easter egg hunt). Germany - das Ostern - a tradition to make a Easter egg tree and decorate it with Easter eggs. Just like in other countries Germans paint eggs and bake a lamb shaped cake. A pretty unique custom in Germany is to make a large bonfire and watch it burn. France - Pâques. On Easter Monday French people eat lamb with their families. Adults organize Easter egg hunts for kids where the kids have to find eggs in parks or other places.

- L. Stoupa -