Easter in England

Easter Sunday 8 April 2012

Easter Traditions in London...

Easter in England is celebrated in the Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox religions.

In England Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent and so Pancake Day is always held on Tuesday as it's the last day before fasting begins for Lent.

In France this day is called Mardi Gras which translates as Fat Tuesday and in the Greek Orthodox Church, Lent officially begins on Green Monday in Cyprus and Clean Monday in Greece, not on a Wednesday as in the UK.

This year the Orthodox Easter Sunday falls on 15 April 2012 because the dates are organized by the Julian Calendar.

Easter Eggs represent the re-birth of Christ and are often colored red to represent the blood of Christ when he was crucified on the cross.

In Newcastle and many places in the north of England, Greece, Cyprus and many other European countries, it's customary to tap the hard boiled eggs against each other. The one with the egg that doesn't break is the winner.

Easter Food

Many people celebrate the end of Lent on Easter Sunday with roast turkey or lamb and Simnel cake which is made from marzipan, fruit and spices.

The origin of this delicious cake is said to have started when daughters in service baked the cake for Mothering Sunday.

Hot Cross Buns are marked with a cinammon flavored white cross and eaten throughout Easter. They're sold in bakeries and stores and quite easy to make.

Easter Parade

The Easter Parade at Battersea Park in London is one of the most popular. As with all Easter parades, many Easter Bonnets are worn by the ladies.

Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race

This annual event between Oxford and Cambridge university students is always part of the Easter period and this year will be held on Saturday 3 April 2010. The race covers 4 miles starting at Putney Bridge and finishing at Chiswick Bridge.

Things to do at Easter in London

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