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Easter

Easter marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ, according to the Christian religion. It is common that Christian families will celebrate this day in church. It is also a part of the spring festival that welcomes new life after the period of stagnation (which is Winter).

Upcoming Dates & Where They Are Celebrated

Easter is aligned with the March equinox, therefore adjusting each year. It's celebrated on the first Sunday after the equinox. Here are the upcoming dates:

  • Sunday, April 16, 2017
  • Sunday, April 1, 2018
  • Sunday, April 21, 2019
  • Sunday, April 12, 2020
  • Sunday, April 4, 2021
  • Sunday, April 17, 2022
  • Sunday, April 9, 2023
  • Sunday, March 31, 2024
  • Sunday, April 20, 2025

Where Is Easter Considered A Holiday?

Easter is a public holiday. There is nothing open on Easter Sunday, with the exception of a few random stores. These stores will likely be family-owned and only open for a few hours. Most pubs will also be closed on Easter. There is often public transportation available. Since many families are home for the day, it's unlikely to face traffic jams on this day.

Festivities & Events During Easter

Christian families choose to spend the day in church, with those they love. The church services may be adjusted on Easter, to reflect the sun rise. After the church services, people gather with friends and family. They do so to enjoy a nice feast. This is often a roasted meat, with potatoes. Vegetables and stuffing will also accompany the meal. This meal may be a special occasion for some. Many choose to avoid meats and sweets between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. So, it would be the first time they ate either. After the feast, there is a chocolate exchange. Children, most commonly, are given chocolate Easter eggs.

A Brief History Of Easter

Easter is part of a spring celebration in Ireland. It was a time when the land came back to life, including the new birth of hibernating animals and plants. This became tied in with the Christian religion after St. Patrick brought Christianity over to Ireland. Now, Easter is more commonly known as the day Jesus Christ was resurrected. Either way, it celebrates rebirth as a universal theme.