According to many theologians, the celebration of Easter in Great Britain has 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.
UK Traditions
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, known as a time of penance and fasting in the Christian religion. That is why Easter is a time 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 foot washing, 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 is also attended by the queen: during this event the Maundy Money is distributed every year to two particularly deserving elderly citizens, a man and a woman usually the age of the sovereign, chosen among those who have distinguished themselves by having served their community. They receive, respectively, a white purse and a red purse, containing coins specially minted for the occasion. In the white purse is a number of coins equal to the years of the reigning sovereign; the red purse, instead, contains coins that replace gifts that used to be 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, so two days off for everyone.
