Easter greetings and traditions: How to celebrate Good Friday and Easter this weekend
EASTER has arrived and children and adults alike are preparing to indulge in chocolate eggs. But how can you celebrate Good Friday and Easter this weekend?
Easter is the time of year children happily engage in Easter egg hunts and many indulge in hot cross buns. But this year Easter is likely to look like no other as the UK has been put on lockdown as the coronavirus pandemic sweeps across the globe. We has compiled a guide about how you can celebrate Good Friday and Easter this year?
Why do we celebrate Easter?
Easter weekend has arrived and while the Christian festival is associated with confectionery for many, Easter has a deeper significance for many.
Easter is one of the most important festivals in the Christian calendar celebrating the resurrection of Jesus and the end of the period known as Lent.
How to celebrate Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday?
Good Friday falls on April 10 while Easter Sunday falls on April 12 and Easter Monday on April 13.
Typically parades and church services are held throughout the weekend to commemorate Jesus Christ’s sacrifice.
Additionally, many worshipers carry wooden crosses to church in a bid to replicate the actions of Jesus.
Christians have also abstained from eating meat on Good Friday for centuries as meat was seen as celebratory and people were not meant to celebrate on Good Friday.
On Easter Sunday, many celebrate by eating Easter Eggs, undertaking egg hunts after the Easter Bunny has visited and eating hot cross buns.
Why are Easter Eggs a tradition?
Eggs exemplify new life and rebirth, just as Jesus Christ began a new life on Easter. Sunday after his resurrection
When eggs are cracked open, they are said to represent an empty tomb.
Traditionally, eating eggs was forbidden in the run up to Easter, instead being saved and decorated to be given as gifts on Easter Sunday.
Chocolate eggs became popularized in France and Germany in the 19th century and spread worldwide as chocolate-making techniques improved.
Why is the Easter Bunny a tradition?
Traditionally, the Easter Bunny is believed to have derived from the pagan festival Eostre which is dedicated to the goddess of fertility, who was often represented as a rabbit.
Rabbits also birth large litters which are another emblem of new life.
Many children now believe an Easter bunny lays and hides baskets of eggs, sweets and toys around their homes and gardens the night before Easter, much like Santa Clause delivering presents on Christmas Eve.
Why are hot cross buns traditional at Easter?
Hot cross buns are sweet rolls studded with raisins or currents marked with a cross on the top.
These sweetened buns are thought to date back to the 12th century with a monk who was inspired to mark his rolls to celebrate Good Friday.
The cross is meant to represent the crucifixion of Jesus, while the spices are said to remind Christians of the spices put on his body.
Wishing you a season filled with peace, joy, and beautiful weather. Happy Easter!