Celebrating Easter traditions

Easter might make you think of chocolate and a well-earned break, but for millions around the world, it also holds deep spiritual meaning. As one of Christianity's oldest and most significant celebrations, Easter marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ. But how did bunnies and eggs become part of the festivities?

Australia's multicultural society includes over 100 different religious affiliations so not everyone may know the background to Easter. Let's hop in and find out more.

Easter’s date isn’t fixed, it moves each year based on the lunar cycle. Specifically, it falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox. For Church purposes, this equinox is pinned to 21 March (even if astronomers might differ slightly).

Because the moon’s cycle doesn’t align neatly with our calendar, Easter can land anywhere between 22 March and 25 April in Western Christianity. If the full moon lands on a Sunday, Easter is pushed to the following one, ensuring it always stays on a Sunday.

Easter isn’t celebrated on the same date everywhere. This difference stems from the use of different calendars.

Western Christianity (Catholic and Protestant) follows the Gregorian calendar, introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582. In contrast, Eastern Orthodox churches use the older Julian calendar. As a result, Orthodox Easter often falls one to five weeks after Western Easter, though in some years, like this one, they coincide.

In countries such as Greece, Russia, Ukraine, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Syria, Orthodox Christians often celebrate Easter in mid-to-late April or even early May.

How did a rabbit become such a key symbol of Easter? One theory connects it to Eostre (or Ostara), a pre-Christian goddess of fertility, often associated with springtime and possibly a rabbit companion.

The first clear written reference to an Easter Hare comes from 1682, in a Latin essay by Georg Franck von Franckenau. He described how children in Germany believed a hare (der Oster-Hase) laid eggs hidden in gardens, which they would then hunt.

This charming tradition came to America with German immigrants especially the "Pennsylvania Dutch" as early as the 1700s. The "Oschter Haws" or "Oster Haas" (Easter Hare) would leave eggs in nests made by children from hats or bonnets, but only if they'd behaved well.

In English, the character gradually became known as the "Easter Bunny," a name that didn’t gain popularity until the 20th century.

Lent is a crucial period in the Christian calendar. Lasting 40 days (excluding Sundays), it begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter. It commemorates the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness, resisting temptation before beginning his ministry.

During Lent, many Christians reflect, fast, give up luxuries, pray, and engage in acts of charity as spiritual preparation for Easter. Holy Week featuring Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday - focuses on themes of sacrifice, redemption, and renewal.

Through Lent, believers reflect on Jesus' suffering and ultimate sacrifice, culminating in the joy of Easter Sunday. His resurrection symbolises hope, renewal, and triumph over sin and death which are central themes to the Christian faith.

When Lent is done, it’s time to feast. Easter foods vary around the world, often celebrating the end of Lent's fasting period with delicious treats.

• Greece - People play tsougrisma, cracking red eggs in a game where the winner enjoys good luck. The red dye symbolises Christ’s blood.
• Italy - Families enjoy Colomba di Pasqua, a dove-shaped sweet bread symbolising peace.
• Mexico - Capirotada, a symbolic bread pudding, is served - each ingredient representing part of Christ’s suffering during Lent.
• Poland - Easter bread or babka, sausages, ham, cheeses.
• Russia - Celebrations include kulich (sweet bread) and pashka (a rich cheese dessert).
• Ukraine - Orthodox Christians mark Velykden with midnight liturgies and baskets of paska or Easter bread, beautifully decorated eggs, meats, and cheeses.
• United Kingdom - Simnel cake, a fruitcake with marzipan, features 11 balls symbolising the apostles (excluding Judas).

Across cultures, eggs have long represented new life. Ancient Egyptians, Persians, and Romans all used eggs in springtime celebrations.

For Christians, eggs symbolise resurrection - the hard shell like Jesus' sealed tomb, and the chick hatching out representing new life and rebirth. That symbolism endures, even if it now comes wrapped in shiny foil and made of chocolate.

Whether you observe Western or Eastern Easter, and whatever your beliefs, the season is a time to embrace hope, renewal, and maybe enjoy a chocolate egg (or two).

Going camping this Easter? You may like to read our camping tips or how to celebrate Easter with your kids.

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