Easter Celebrations in UK

It is believed that long before Christianity arrived in UK, Easter was celebrated in Britain. According to British theologians, the word Easter is derived from Anglo Saxon Goddess whose name was Eostre.

Its celebrations in UK take place at different times every year. Generally, it falls between March 22nd and April 25th.

Easter traditions in UK

Morris Dancing and eating hot cross buns are part of its traditions in UK. Morris dancing is a folk dance that is performed in other countries like Australia and United States (English speaking nations). The origin of this form of traditional dance can be traced back to the Middle Ages.

Men wear hats and special costumes. Bells and ribbons are tied around the ankles. With pig bladders tied to the end of a long stick the dancers make their way through streets dancing all the way. On the way these men approach ladies and touch their heads with the pig bladder. This is believed to bring good luck to the lady.

Symbols in UK

Every icon in UK is closely associated with fertility, renewal, good luck, and birth. Palm leaves, The Cross, Easter Bunny, and Easter Eggs are all its symbols widely known in United Kingdom.

Palms
Easter week starts on Palm Sunday. In olden days it was customary to honor royal family by paving palms on the way and by waving palms as the royalty arrived. So, when Jesus reached Jerusalem, He was given the same respect and people waved palm leaves and paved is way with palm branches. These days, garlands and decorative items are made out of palm leaves and branches during Easter.

The Cross
The Cross symbolizes “victory over death” owing to the fact that Jesus was resurrected despite being crucified. The Cross is the official icon of Christianity ever since it was declared in 325 AD at the Council of Nicaea by Constantine.

Easter Bunny
Bunny or rabbit or for that matter hare is one of the Easter symbols in UK. In United Kingdom children wait for bunny as they believe that bunny will get chocolates for them during Easter. Hunting around for a rabbit is also one of the activities children take part in as they observe its traditions in UK.

Easter Eggs
Eggs have always been part of its celebrations since time immemorial. Earlier real eggs were used for celebrating Easter. These days however, you will find more chocolate eggs as compared to real colored and decorated eggs in the departmental stores across UK from where you get your Easter stuff.

The most popular tradition is to roll eggs down a slope, preferably a hill. If none of your eggs crack as they roll down, you are declared the winner. Alternatively, if you could save the most umber of eggs from cracking, you are a winner too.

The egg rolling contests are prevalent in areas like Lancashire and Preston. Different forms of contests are held. In few areas, you roll the egg and ask your competitor to do so, if your egg travels a longer distance you are the winner.

In some areas in UK, 2 eggs are thrown in such a way so that they collide. If one egg cracks, the owner of the egg is the loser.

Last Updated on 25/02/2011