Happy Easter to all

It’s that time of year again – spring in the northern hemisphere, when new growth pokes its head above the thawing ground and little lambies frolic in green pastures. We in the southern hemisphere, where it’s autumn, join Christians in the northern hemisphere to celebrate Easter, commemorating the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. However, beneath the surface of this religious observance lies a fascinating interplay between Christian beliefs and pre-existing pagan practices.

Many pagan cultures had springtime festivals dedicated to various deities associated with fertility, rebirth, and renewal. The festival of Eostre, named after the Germanic goddess of fertility, Eostre or Ostara, was celebrated by pagan tribes in Northern Europe. Occurring around the vernal equinox, this festival marked the arrival of spring and the resurgence of life in nature. Symbolized by the hare and the egg, Eostre’s symbols of fertility, this festival involved feasting, dancing, and the exchange of gifts. The Christian holiday of Easter borrowed many elements from this pagan festival, including the name “Easter” itself, as well as the traditions of egg decorating and the Easter bunny.

As Christianity spread across Europe, it encountered diverse pagan traditions, many of which were assimilated into Christian practices. In an effort to facilitate the conversion of pagans to Christianity, early Church leaders strategically incorporated elements of pagan festivals into Christian holidays. By adopting familiar customs and rituals, Christianity was able to supplant existing belief systems while allowing converts to retain a sense of cultural continuity.

The Council of Nicaea in 325 CE played a pivotal role in solidifying Easter’s place within the Christian calendar. At this council, church leaders established a standardized method for calculating the date of Easter, tying it to the timing of the Jewish Passover and distancing it from its pagan associations. However, despite these efforts, remnants of Easter’s pagan origins endure to this day.

In modern times, Easter has become a multifaceted holiday, blending religious observance with secular customs and traditions. While for many it remains a sacred time for reflection and worship, for others, it is an occasion for family gatherings, egg hunts, indulging in sweet treats, and taking advantage of a long weekend.

But it isn’t just Christians who celebrate the arrival of spring – or, more accurately, the vernal equinox.

1. Nowruz (Iranian New Year): Nowruz, which means “new day,” marks the Persian New Year and the beginning of spring. Celebrated by Iranian and Central Asian communities, Nowruz typically falls on the vernal equinox. Festivities include cleansing rituals, feasting on symbolic foods, such as sprouted grains and dried fruits, and setting up the Haft-Seen table adorned with seven symbolic items.
2. Holi (Festival of Colors): Holi, a Hindu festival celebrated predominantly in India and Nepal, heralds the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. Participants engage in playful activities, including throwing colored powders and water at each other, dancing, and feasting on traditional sweets like gujiya and thandai.
3. Cherry Blossom Festivals: Across East Asia, the blooming of cherry blossoms heralds the onset of spring and is celebrated with various festivals. Japan’s Hanami festival involves picnicking under cherry blossom trees, while South Korea’s Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival features parades, performances, and illuminated displays.
4. Carnival: Carnival, celebrated in numerous countries around the world, is a pre-Lenten festival characterized by colorful parades, masquerade balls, and street parties. Originating in Catholic regions, Carnival serves as a farewell to winter and a joyous celebration before the solemnity of Lent. Notable examples include the Carnival of Venice, Brazil’s Rio Carnival, and the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival.
5. Songkran (Thai New Year): Songkran is the traditional Thai New Year celebration, marking the beginning of the astrological year and the arrival of spring. Water plays a central role in the festivities, with people engaging in water fights and cleansing rituals to wash away the past year’s misfortunes.
6. Walpurgis Night: Celebrated primarily in Northern and Central Europe, Walpurgis Night, also known as Witches’ Night, occurs on the eve of May Day (May 1st). Bonfires are lit to ward off evil spirits and welcome the arrival of spring. In some countries like Sweden, it’s a time for singing, dancing, and revelry.
7. May Day: May Day celebrations have ancient roots, dating back to pagan festivals honoring fertility and the renewal of life. In many cultures, May 1st is associated with dancing around the Maypole, crowning a May Queen, and gathering flowers to celebrate the blossoming of nature.

These days, of course, Easter is yet another opportunity for retailers to inveigle consumers into spending up big for the holiday. Hot cross buns, which were supposed to be an Easter treat, appear in the shops on Boxing Day. They call them ‘fruit buns’ – but they still put the tell-tale cross on them, which is all about the crucifixion. Easter eggs are a very expensive way of buying chocolate, even if they’re colourful. Buy them on the Tuesday after Easter and note the discount – and the shops are still making a profit.

However you celebrate Easter, we hope it’s everything you’d wish for you. If you’re venturing onto the roads, please take care. It’s better to be two minutes late than to be a road statistic.