What is Easter?
This blog post will cover the holiday period of Easter, its history and its importance in the UK. It will also detail how this religious event is celebrated and what events will be happening in Leeds.
Easter is a Christian celebration that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The event in the Christian calendar takes place over a four-day period. This period is known as Holy week and runs through Thursday to Sunday. Easter itself takes place on a Sunday in March or April, with the specific dates decided by the first Sunday that falls after the first full moon after the spring equinox.
The Thursday is known as Holy Thursday (sometimes Maundy Thursday), which is known as the day the last supper took place. The Friday before the Sunday is known as Good Friday, this day is often a Bank Holiday in many countries, including the UK. The Saturday before Easter Sunday is known as Holy Saturday.
This week marks the end of Lent. Lent is a 40-day period leading up to Easter. This is a period where Christians are encouraged to fast and pray in the lead up to Easter. During the week many churches will hold special sermons to coincide with the period, including vigils on Saturday in the lead up to Easter Sunday.
Easter eggs are another tradition for this holiday. They relate to pagan beliefs around spring and new life. This also links to Easter, with ideas around rebirth. Activities related to Easter eggs include egg decorating, where children are encouraged to paint eggs and display them around their home or school. Easter egg hunts are also a common activity, where chocolate eggs are hidden, and children must find them. This tradition can trace its roots to Germany and the 16th century, with some reports that church congregations would organise Easter egg hunts.
Chocolate Easter eggs are a relatively recent addition to Easter. The first time these were sold is the 19th century in France and Germany. It wasn’t until 1875 when the first Cadbury Easter egg was made, with the earliest eggs made with dark chocolate as opposed to the modern milk chocolate eggs. It is estimated that between 80–90 million eggs are sold in the UK each year, this works out to two eggs per person.
In Leeds there are many activities that will be taking place over the Easter period. Leeds Young Film Festival will have a variety of films and activities, including a VR showcase and Short Film showcase. Temple Newsam has English afternoon tea rooms and an onsite farm. Left bank has several workshops that will be running throughout the Easter period, including poetry, crafting, painting and vegetable gardening.
What’s happening at Leeds ISC?
Leeds ISC will also be running some events during the Easter period. We are having a trip down to Meanwood Valley Urban Farm on the Thursday 11 May 2024. We will also be running a photography competition during this period, so they will plenty to get involved, if you are staying in the UK or not.
