Easter is one of the biggest celebrations in the UK, bringing four days of festivities, from Good Friday to Easter Monday.
Easter in the UK is a Christian holiday marking the miracle of Jesus’ resurrection and the end of Lent. However a lot of Easter traditions go beyond religious observances. Many customs, including Easter egg painting and egg hunting, have roots in ancient folklore and symbolize spring, renewal, and new beginnings. The word Easter actually comes from “Eostre” – the ancient Goddess of rebirth and spring in Anglo-Saxon mythology!
When is Easter 2025?
Easter falls on Sunday, April 20, 2025. Unlike fixed-date holidays, Easter follows the lunar cycle, meaning its date changes every year.
Easter Eggs – A Sweet Tradition
Eggs are a staple of Easter celebrations, used for food, decoration and even rolling down hills in traditional games and activities. This is because during Lent people gave up animal products like meat, milk and eggs. By saving these products up, they finally got to enjoy them on Easter day!
However, painting and eating eggs actually dates back to pre-Christian times. Eggs represent fertility, renewal, and the arrival of spring. In the past, people would decorate and eat real chicken eggs, using bright colors and unique details reflecting their symbolic meaning. This tradition continues in many parts of the world today.
Today in the UK eggs have largely been replaced by chocolate eggs. In evert store you can find chocolate eggs of different sizes, flavors and often filled with surprises inside! Did you know? The first chocolate Easter eggs appeared in the 19th century, and they were solid, not hollow! Good luck sinking your teeth into one of those!
The Easter Bunny
The Easter Bunny is a more recent addition to Easter celebrations, originally stemming from German folklore. According to the story, a magical bunny or hare would visit children on Easter Sunday, delivering colorful eggs to those who had been well-behaved.
The Easter Bunny is now an iconic symbol of Easter celebrations, appearing in chocolate shapes and at festive Easter egg hunts. The egg hunt tradition itself was made popular by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and was also originally German. It remains a beloved activity for children across the UK, filled with riddles, games, and, of course, chocolate!
Hot Cross Buns – A Delicious Easter Treat
No Easter in the UK is complete without hot cross buns! These sweet, spiced bread rolls are a typical English Easter treat. The buns are marked with a cross on top, symbolizing the crucifixion of Jesus. Appearing first in the 19th century, traditionally these buns were baked on Good Friday. A fascinating belief from the past was that bread baked on Good Friday would never go mouldy and could even bring good luck. This is also why some people would hang a hot cross bun from their kitchen ceiling for protection throughout the year!
Today hot cross buns are available in supermarkets almost all year-round. You can find them in a variety of different flavours – ranging from classic raisin and cinnamon to chocolate, custard, and even chili-infused. If you haven’t tried one yet, this is your sign to grab one!
Maypole Dancing
While not strictly an Easter tradition, Maypole dancing is a joyful springtime activity that often takes place around Easter. Dancers weave colorful ribbons around a tall pole, celebrating the arrival of warmer days and new beginnings. This tradition has been practiced for centuries and is still performed at spring festivals across the UK.
Easter Cards – A British Favorite
Sending greeting cards is kind of a big deal in the UK! The British love sending each other cards for every occasion, and Easter is no exception. You can find beautifully decorated cards featuring eggs, bunnies, chicks and floral designs of all shapes and sizes.
Fun fact: There are even cards for April Fool’s Day (April 1st)! The UK’s love for greeting cards is so strong that entire stores are dedicated to them!
Celebrating Easter in the UK as an International Student
Whether you celebrate Easter or simply want to immerse yourself in British culture, this holiday is a fantastic time to experience local traditions. Indulge in chocolate eggs or join an Easter egg hunt, taste hot cross buns, or decorate your own egg or easter card. There’s something for everyone to enjoy during this festive time!
If you’re studying in the UK, take this opportunity to explore the different Easter activities, join events at your university, and maybe even start your own Easter traditions!
Happy Easter!