Easter traditions

Tradiţii de paste

Although like most Christian holidays and Easter has its origins in fact a was a pagan festival. The ancient Saxons celebrated the return of spring brings praise the goddess of spring, Eastre.

When the Second century Christian missionaries arrived in the middle of the northern tribes with their pagan celebrations, they attempted to convert to Christianity. They succeeded, but only to a certain extent. For new Christians to ban and celebrate the old pagan holidays that would have meant death.

Easter in England is celebrated in the Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox religions. In England Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent and so Pancake Day is always held on Tuesday as it's the last day before fasting begins for Lent.

Easter Eggs represent the re-birth of Christ and are often colored red to represent the blood of Christ when he was crucified on the cross. In Newcastle and many places in the north of England, Greece, Cyprus and many other European countries, it's customary to tap the hard boiled eggs against each other. The one with the egg that doesn't break is the winner.

Easter Food Many people celebrate the end of Lent on

Easter Sunday with roast turkey or lamb and Simnel cake which is made from marzipan, fruit and spices

The origin of this delicious cake is said to have started when daughters in service baked the cake for Mothering Sunday.

Hot Cross Buns are marked with a cinammon flavored white cross and eaten throughout Easter. They're sold in bakeries and stores and quite easy to make.

Easter ParadeThe Easter Parade at Battersea Park in London is one of the most

popular. As with all Easter parades, many Easter Bonnets are worn by the ladies.

Oxford and Cambridge Boat RaceThis annual event between Oxford and Cambridge university

students is always part of the Easter period and this year will be held on Saturday 3 April 2010. The race covers 4 miles starting

at Putney Bridge and finishing at Chiswick Bridge.

Presented by Mihai Florin Claudiu

End