Easter in the UK is all about age-old customs, mind-boggling folklore and traditional feasts. The observance of Easter in the UK is not a recent phenomenon. In fact, it has been in vogue even before the pre-Christian times. In order to honor the Anglo Saxon goddess, Eostre, Easter was observed in England even before Christianity spread its roots all over the continent. Easter is a day, which is celebrated to commemorate the rising of the Christ. The Easter celebrations in England are quite unlike the way it is celebrated in other parts of the world. Lent marks the beginning of Easter celebrations in England that falls on Ash Wednesday. The last three days before the beginning of Lent is known as Shrovetide, which is marked by huge celebrations. The Easter celebration, which extends over a period of 40 days, is a low-key affair here since the British people like to limit their celebrations to extensive prayer sessions. Nevertheless, feasting, games, fun and egg-hunt does make for an important part of their Easter observance too. Easter customs like egg rolling, performing Pace Egg plays, Morris dancing and display of Easter bunny form the major attractions of Easter celebrations in the UK. Read below to know more about the Easter traditions in England.
Here are some ideas about Easter customs and traditions in UK: -
Here are ideas about Easter customs and traditions followed in England/UK. Read about Easter celebration in Britain.
Easter Traditions In England
- As a part of Easter tradition, there is a trend among British people to eat yummy hams, in order to commemorate the Easter Sunday.
- In England, special springtime dance troupes are called upon, to give exclusive Morris dance performances. This trend of holding dances is not new, rather it is a century old tradition.
- Morris Dance is the biggest attraction of Easter jubilation in England. This dance is always staged by professional male troupes who observe old spring dances to frighten away the evil spirits of winter. The attire of the dancers is extremely traditional wherein they wear white shorts, red sashes, black trousers and straw hats. Red and green ribbons along with flowers and streamers are also added to their attire to make their look all the more colorful.
- In a small town of England called Olney, the tradition is of conducting pancake race on every Shrove Tuesday. It is an event that is celebrated on a large scale and people have a real gala time enjoying this unique day also addressed as Pancake Tuesday.
- Churches are beautifully decorated with different color flowers. White lilies are placed on the altar and these gorgeous flowers are also displayed on the graveyard.
- For offering prayers in the church, men and women dress up in their special outfits and as a part of their wardrobe, colorful Easter bonnets embellished with flowers is like a must.
- Special Easter parades are held in Britain and the parade conducted at Battersea Park in London is a very popular one.
- The Easter celebrations commences with great zeal and vigor before the Palm Sunday. According to the legends, on this particular day Jesus Christ had arrived in Jerusalem and had been welcomed by the city by laying a carpet of Palm leaves and waving Palm branches. This custom is still observed in UK even and on the day of Easter, the entire city parades on the city streets with people carrying palm branches.
- Special Easter parades are held in Britain and the parade conducted at Battersea Park in London is a very popular one.