Easter is the most significant holiday in the Christian liturgical calendar, commemorating the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christian Easter is inherently linked, both in events and timing, to the Jewish Passover, which recalls the Biblical account of the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt after years of slavery. The holiday’s Swedish name also comes from its Hebrew name “פֶּסַח” (pesach), which means “pass” or “pass over,” vividly reflecting the Jewish significance of the holiday. But all of this is perhaps irrelevant when considering all the Easter candy one must consume before the end of Easter, right? The editorial team wishes everyone a Happy Easter and presents here ten facts you might not have known about the Easter holiday!
Determined by an Astronomical Event…
Easter Sunday is determined by an astronomical event. Easter Sunday always falls on the Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox, which also means that Easter Saturday is almost never on the same date as the previous year.
April Fools’ Day and Easter Saturday on the Same Day…
in 2018 – Easter Saturday will fall on April 1st. So, you’ll be busy playing pranks while trying to consume all the candy from your Easter egg!
Various Easter Traditions Worldwide…
In Poland, it has been a long-standing tradition on Easter Monday for men to throw water on women and give them a light tap on the backside. In the Czech Republic and Slovakia, there’s a tradition of gently tapping women with a handmade whip. In Scandinavia, on the other hand, dressing up as Easter witches and Easter men to go door-to-door for candy is quite unique.
Why the Easter Bunny…?
At one time, it was believed that hares were hermaphroditic and could mate without losing their virginity (intact hymen) – that’s why the Easter bunny is a symbol of Mary, with eggs symbolizing rebirth, traditionally dyed red to represent Christ’s blood.
Easter Saturday Already on March 22nd…
In the year 2285, Easter Saturday is likely to fall on March 22nd, the earliest date Easter can occur. This will be the first time since 1818 that Easter has fallen at this time.
Easter Eggs for the Visually Impaired…
It’s not only in Sweden that there’s a tradition of children searching for Easter eggs filled with candy. This is a widespread tradition around the world, and today there are even Easter eggs for the blind – these eggs emit a gentle chirping sound so that visually impaired children can also participate in the hunt.
Easter Tuesday…
In Tasmania, Australia, an extra day is dedicated to Easter – Easter Tuesday. Only in Tasmania is this extra day an integral part of Easter celebrations, like all the other days.
AD/BC Was Coined Thanks to Easter…
AD and BC (Anno Domini and Before Christ) were coined in 525 AD by Dionysius Exiguus solely for the purpose of determining the correct date of Easter Saturday.
Spaniards Celebrate Easter with White Hoods…
While the pointed white hood is a symbol of racism in the USA (Ku Klux Klan), the same costume is used in Spain during Easter celebrations. In other words, if you’re on vacation in Spain during Easter weekend, there’s no need to run for your life – it’s just the Spaniards celebrating!
Candy – a Massive Market…
In the USA, more candy is sold during Easter weekend than during Halloween. In just the past year, Easter candy sales exceeded $823,000,000.
