According to many theologians, the celebration of Easter in Great Britain would have its roots long before the advent of Christianity, and they derive the word “Easter“, the English term for Easter, from Eostre, the name of the Anglo-Saxon goddess of dawn and spring. Easter, in fact, falls precisely in spring, the season of rebirth, renewal, and therefore fertility and prosperity par excellence.
Traditions of the United Kingdom
Easter in England
The arrival of Easter in the United Kingdom marks the end of the long and harsh winter as well as the period of Lent, notoriously a time of penance and fasting in the Christian religion. This is why Easter is a moment of joy, fun, and celebration after many sacrifices and privations.
Maundy Thursday in the United Kingdom
Maundy Thursday (Maundy Thursday), traditionally the day of the Last Supper and the washing of feet, is a very important occasion in the United Kingdom: the so-called Ceremony of the Royal Maundy is celebrated, which dates back to the time of Edward I and in which the queen also participates: during this event, the Maundy Money are distributed every year to two particularly deserving elderly citizens, one man and one woman usually of the sovereign’s age, chosen from those who have distinguished themselves by serving their community. They receive respectively a white and a red purse containing coins specially minted for the occasion. The white purse contains a number of coins equal to the years of reign of the current sovereign; the red purse, on the other hand, holds coins that replace the gifts that were once given to the poor.
Good Friday in the United Kingdom
Good Friday (in English Good Friday) and Easter Monday are two national holidays in Great Britain, therefore two days off for everyone.
