Easter is considered a sacred holiday in many countries globally. Most people acknowledge Easter by reflecting on the death and resurrection of Jesus. Although Easter is known for religious activities, many cultural activities have become associated with the beloved holiday. We’ve got some well-known Easter activities and a few facts that may surprise you.

The celebration of Easter is one of the oldest Christian festivals.

Easter (Pascha), Epiphany, and Christmas are three of the oldest Christian festivals. Easter is considered a religious holiday that features activities that start with Lent and culminate with the Holy Week. Holy Week includes Holy Thursday, which celebrates the last supper, Good Friday (the crucifixion of Jesus), and Easter Sunday (Resurrection Sunday).

Good Friday is not a holiday in some countries.

Good Friday is a public or federal holiday in countries with a strong Christian tradition. Many of us look forward to the Good Friday holiday in the Caribbean. However, the Republic of Ireland, the US, and Italy are some countries that do not acknowledge it as a federal or public holiday. Only 12 states recognise Good Friday as a state holiday in the US.

The Easter Bunny and Easter eggs are folklore. 

Easter egg hunts are typical in the Caribbean and other countries, although it is not a religious feature of Easter. Some sources believe that the Easter Bunny originated in Germany and was brought to America in the 1700s by German immigrants. Hares and eggs were considered signs of fertility during the Middle Ages in Germany. The folklore featured a hare that carried a basket of coloured eggs and gave candy or gifts to children. Over time, the custom gained popularity and included chocolate, sweets, and other treats in decorated baskets to replace nests.

Chocolate is a huge deal for Easter too.

Chocolate is usually associated with Valentine’s Day. However, it is also a huge part of boosting chocolate commerce at Easter. Indulging in chocolate at Easter is a relatively new tradition, linked to the Easter Bunny and Easter eggs. Chocolate Easter eggs are so popular that Guinness World Records has records for the World’s Largest Decorated Easter Egg (Brazil, 2019) and World’s Largest Chocolate Easter Egg (Italy, 2011).

Moon observations determine Easter.

The date for Easter changes each year and maybe in March or April, depending on observations of the moon. This year, Easter (Christian) falls on Sunday 17 April 2022. The date for Easter coincides with the first full moon (Paschal full moon) after the spring equinox. Eastern Orthodox churches usually celebrate Easter on a different day since they have historically used the Julian calendar. They also use the astronomical full moon and observations of the actual vernal equinox as observed along the meridian of Jerusalem. Orthodox Easter is Sunday 24 April 2022.

Popular Caribbean Easter activities.

Most people across the Caribbean celebrate Easter by attending church services. Other Easter traditions include egg hunts, Easter camps, kite-flying, and kite-making. Kite-making and flying competitions are popular in Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Bermuda, Jamaica, and St Kitts and Nevis. For some, the activity of flying a kite symbolises Jesus being risen from the dead. Bun and cheese and eating fried fish are also typical during this holiday.

We hope you enjoyed reading about Easter and some of the surprising activities and facts associated with the holiday. We love the idea of buying new clothes for Easter. Who doesn’t want to welcome good luck for the rest of the year?

Check our Find Yello listings for stores, supermarkets, hardware stores, and related businesses if you’re ready to shop for Easter.

Sources: Country Living, House Beautiful, Insider, Facts.Net, History, Guinness World Records, and Getaway.