Easter is a major celebration in Great Britain. It always falls on a Sunday in spring. On this day, people greet each other by saying, "Happy Easter." The holiday is rich in symbols and fun traditions, especially for children.
The Easter Bunny
One of the most famous Easter symbols is the Easter Bunny — a cheerful rabbit who carries a basket filled with chocolate eggs. On Easter morning, children take part in an exciting egg hunt, searching for these eggs around the house or garden. Chocolate bunnies and Easter eggs are especially popular during this time, and children use small baskets to collect their treats.
Painting Eggs
Decorating eggs is a favorite Easter activity among children in the UK. Eggs symbolize spring and new beginnings, which is why painting them is such a meaningful tradition.
Easter Egg Tree
Families often make Easter egg trees by placing decorative branches in a vase and hanging colorful eggs on them. It’s a creative and festive way to decorate the home for Easter.
Easter Bonnet
Wearing special hats, called bonnets, is a classic Easter custom. These hats are usually new and brightly decorated. Some schools organize Easter Bonnet Parades where children show off their creations and compete for prizes.
Maundy Thursday
In the UK, the Thursday before Easter is called Maundy Thursday. On this day, the Queen traditionally visits Westminster Abbey in London to give special coins to a few selected citizens, symbolizing charity and service.
Good Friday and Hot Cross Buns
Good Friday is observed two days before Easter Sunday. A popular food on this day is hot cross buns — sweet, spiced bread rolls marked with a cross on top. They are typically served warm and enjoyed with butter or jam.
Easter Egg Rolling
Egg rolling is another fun Easter tradition. Decorated eggs are rolled down a hill, and the egg that reaches the bottom first is the winner. This activity symbolizes the rolling away of the stone from Jesus' tomb.