Easter in the UK

Easter

Easter day is named after the Saxon goddess of spring, Easter, whose feast took place at the spring equinox. Easter is now the spring feast of the Christian church, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus. It falls on a Sunday between 22 March and 25 April, according to the church calendar.

Traditionally, Easter eggs, dyed and decorated or made of chocolate, are given as presents symbolizing new life and the coming of spring.

Egg rolling competitions take place in northern Britain on Easter Monday;  had – boiled eggs are rolled down a slope, with the winner being – according to local preference – the one which rolls the furthest, survives the most rolls, or is successfully aimed between two pegs! The best publicized event takes place at Avenham Park in Preston, Lancashire.

Easter parades are also part of the Easter tradition, with those taking part wearing Easter bonnets or hats, traditionally decorated with spring flowers and ribbons.