Celebrating Easter

This weekend is Easter, one of the most significant events in the Christian calendar where Christians across the world celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Easter is the culmination of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and self-reflection which leads up to the celebration of Christ’s resurrection. Described in the New Testament, this event signifies the victory of life over death, good over evil, and hope over despair. Christ’s resurrection symbolises the promise of eternal life and the grace of redemption available to all who believe.

Beyond its religious significance, Easter marks the arrival of spring – a season celebrated for its promise of new beginnings and the resurgence of life. In many traditions, eggs symbolise new life, hence why they are a popular symbol at this time of year. The practice of decorating eggs not only symbolises the resurrection but also the arrival of spring, linking faith and nature. The Easter Bunny, another popular symbol, represents fertility and the joy associated with the season.

Did you know?

• The timing of Easter varies each year and is determined by the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox.
   
• Hot cross buns are traditionally eaten at Easter, particularly on Good Friday, to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus. The cross on the buns symbolises the cross Jesus was crucified on, and the spices and fruit represent health and prosperity.
   
• Easter egg painting originated in Ukraine and the Easter Bunny originated from Germany.
   
• The first chocolate eggs appeared in France and Germany in the 19^th Century.
   
• The first chocolate Easter Eggs sold in the UK were released in 1873.
   
• It’s estimated that 80 million chocolate Easter Eggs are bought in the UK each year.
   

• Cadbury makes 500 million Crème Eggs each year; if you piled them on top of each other they would be 10x higher than Mount Everest!

For everyone who is celebrating this weekend, whether that be through prayer and worship or enjoying Easter Eggs with family and friends, we wish you a very Happy Easter.