We mostly think of chocolates and egg hunts, but Easter is also a holiday full of meaning. Behind these well-known traditions lies an ancient history, mixing popular rites and religious celebration. Here’s where this holiday really comes from.
For many, Easter weekend above all evokes moments of celebration and conviviality, where young and old come together to find eggs in the garden and taste chocolates all together. But in the Christian traditionthis date has a much deeper significance: it recalls a central moment in the life of Jesus Christ. Return to rites and symbols which surround this Easter celebration.
When is Easter in 2026?
In 2026, Easter will be celebrated on April 5. Like every year, the Easter festival takes place on a Sunday, following the first full moon after the spring equinox. If the day of the week remains fixed, the date varies according to the lunar cycles and not according to our usual solar calendar.
THE Easter Mondayfor its part, falls the next day, i.e. April 6, 2026. This day is a public holiday in France, providing a long weekend to enjoy the festivities.
What is the origin of Easter for Christians?
For Christians, Easter is a major holiday, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus, foundation of their faith. Originally, it marks the end of Holy Week, which traces the last days of Christ, from his last meal (the Last Supper) to his crucifixion and burial. This celebration symbolizes both the sacrifice of Jesus, a spiritual renewal and the affirmation of the Christian faith.
What is the meaning of the word Easter?
The term “Easter” finds its origin in the Hebrew word “Pesach”, which means “passage” and refers to the Jewish holiday of Passover (also called Pesach). Later, Christians took up this term by adding an “s”, giving birth to the word “Easter” as we know it today.
What are the Easter traditions?
Around the world, Easter traditions are numerous. In France, we find some of them like:
► Easter bunnies. In eastern France and Germany, it is this long-eared animal that distributes chocolate eggs to children. This tradition was born in southern Germany. In the past, people in these regions could not eat meat during Lent. Rabbits therefore multiplied in the fields during this period and marked the beginning of the revival. It’s in the 17the century that they were associated with Easter eggs.
► Decorated Easter eggs. This custom, which dates back to the Middle Ages, comes from the fact that, during Lent, the consumption of eggs was prohibited, fasting and abstinence required. To avoid losing them, we only consumed them during Mid-Lent, by preparing pancakes and donuts, then we decorated those laid the following days in order to offer them at Easter.
► Chocolate eggs. In the 18th centurye century, people began to empty eggs to fill them with chocolate and give them away. Chocolate egg molds only appeared in the 19th century.e century with the evolution of manufacturing techniques.
► Easter bells. Popular tradition has it that it is the bells, leaving Rome on Maundy Thursday, which bring the eggs on Easter morning and ring out loudly the resurrection of Jesus. In eastern France, the stork or the rabbit sometimes replaces the bells to bring Easter eggs.
► Easter egg hunt. Traditionally, Easter eggs and other chocolates are hidden in gardens, houses or apartments for children to collect. Egg hunts often take place on Easter Sunday morning.
What Easter activities to do with the children?
Easter is also Children’s Day! THE manual activities and the DIY are a sure bet to keep them busy while having fun. Coloring rabbits, making chicks or eggs at home, decorating cakes or even sending personalized cards… Without forgetting the essential chocolate egg huntwhich can be organized outdoors, in a garden, park or field, as well as at home. Here are all our Easter activities:
What to eat for Easter meal?
The star ingredient of the main meal at Easter remains lamb.. From leg to shoulder, including ribs, lamb is cooked and savored in all its forms. Find out how to prepare this meat and what dishes to accompany it with. Our gourmet recipe ideas :
Our Easter decoration ideas for the table and home
There Easter decoration is just as important. To do this, rely on the DIY to create Easter bells thanks to cardboard boxes or pretty place cards for the tableor even rabbit-shaped napkin folds. You can give free rein to your imagination and decorate your interior and your table with a whole bunch of decorative objects to make yourself.
Easter is an opportunity to multiply simple pleasures. You can prepare seasonal recipes, organize activities for children or even rethink your decoration to mark the return of sunny days. Between cooking, family moments and small creations, everyone can make this celebration their own and make it a moment that is both joyful and unifying.
