From buns to bunnies: A guide to Easter traditions in the UK
From chocolate eggs and hot cross buns to the Easter Bunny and egg hunts, Easter is filled with traditions that many people recognise and enjoy each spring. But where do these customs actually come from?
Easter is one of the biggest celebrations in the UK calendar. For some people, it’s a major Christian festival; for others it’s a chance to enjoy springtime traditions and (of course) chocolate. If you’re new to the UK or just curious about the meaning behind the holiday, here’s a simple overview.
Why Easter is celebrated
Easter is a Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The week leading up to Easter Sunday is known as Holy Week, a time of reflection and worship. Many churches hold services throughout this period, including:
- Palm Sunday – the beginning of the week marking Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. Palm branches are often distributed to worshippers as a symbol of the branches laid before Jesus by the crowds.
- Good Friday – a solemn day when Christians remember the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
- Easter Vigil – held on the evening before Easter Sunday. During this service, candles are lit in a darkened church to symbolise the transition from darkness to light.
- Easter Sunday – a joyful celebration marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the culmination of Holy Week.
Where Easter traditions come from
Many of the traditions associated with Easter today have developed over centuries. As Christianity spread across Europe, it often blended with existing spring festivals and incorporated elements of local customs
Symbols such as eggs and rabbits were originally linked to pagan spring celebrations. Eggs represented new life and renewal, while rabbits symbolised fertility. Over time, these symbols became associated with Easter and the idea of rebirth and resurrection, which is why they remain such a big part of the holiday. Today they appear in playful traditions such as the Easter Bunny delivering treats and Easter egg hunts, where eggs are hidden for children to find.
Traditional Easter foods in the UK
Food also plays a big part in Easter celebrations across the UK. Some classics you might see around this time of year include:
Hot cross buns – these spiced buns marked with a cross are traditionally eaten on Good Friday and are flavoured with ingredients such as cinnamon, nutmeg and dried fruit.
Roast lamb – in Christian symbolism, lamb represents the “Lamb of God” and is often served on Easter Sunday with seasonal vegetables and mint sauce.
Chocolate eggs – the tradition of giving eggs, originally a symbol of new life, has evolved into the modern custom of exchanging chocolate eggs and sweets.
Simnel cake – this rich fruitcake is decorated with eleven marzipan balls representing the apostles of Jesus, excluding Judas.
Key event highlights:
Easter Eggstravaganza
Guild of Students, Calthorpe Court Games Room
2 April, 17:00 - 19:00
Make your own Easter plant pot and plant a succulent to take home with you. Enjoy a chocolate Easter egg hunt and receive one large Easter egg as a reward!
Fredo’s Egg-cellent Easter show
Cadbury World
28 March - 12 April, timings may vary
Join everyone’s favourite frog, Freddo, for an exciting Easter adventure packed with laughter, magic, and music at Cadbury World!
Free Easter Trail at Coventry Cathedral
Coventry Cathedral, 1 Hill Top
Available during normal Cathedral opening hours, 28 March to 12tApril
Collect a trail sheet from the welcome desk, find all 8 Easter Eggs in the ruins and the grounds of the Cathedral and return to the welcome desk for your reward!
Sky Garden: An Easter Family Fun Day!
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
28 March – 12 April, 10:00 – 17:00
Enjoy Cloudscapes, an imaginative audio journey by Lorna Rees, blending storytelling and sky science, while you have the opportunity for cloud gazing. You can also explore the cosy Cloud Library and even meet the artist from Good Friday to Easter Monday!
Want to explore more?
Don’t miss Easter content from your Student Content Shapers , including a blog from Gautam sharing her first experience of celebrating Easter in the UK and a video from Holly with ideas for things to do if you are staying on campus over the break.