Discover Easter: Meaning and Global Celebrations

Easter is a significant Christian festival celebrated worldwide, commemorating Jesus' resurrection three days after his crucifixion on a cross. Alongside religious observances, Easter is a time for traditions like hot cross buns, chocolate eggs, and family gatherings.

The date of Easter Sunday varies each year, falling on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox. The equinox date is determined by the Earth's tilt, with day and night nearly equal in length. In 2025, Easter Sunday will be on April 20th, following Good Friday on April 18th.

During Easter, Christians observe different events from Jesus' life as described in the Bible. Good Friday marks Jesus' crucifixion, a day of reflection and mourning in churches. Easter Sunday celebrates Jesus' resurrection, with church services and traditions like the Easter vigil and decorating churches with flowers.

The tradition of giving eggs during Easter symbolizes new life and spring festivals. Originally real eggs were painted, but now chocolate eggs are common. Easter egg hunts have also become popular, alongside the tradition of hot cross buns, currant buns with a cross made of flour paste.

Various countries have unique Easter traditions. In a town in France, a giant omelette is cooked annually, while in Corfu, Greece, old pots are thrown out of windows. In Poland and other countries, people participate in Wet Monday by throwing water at each other, a tradition linked to the baptism of a Polish prince.

Legend has it that in a town in France, a massive omelette is shared every Easter Monday, using around 15,000 eggs. This tradition is said to have originated from a request by French Emperor Napoléon Bonaparte for a large omelette for himself and his army.