Easter is one of the great Christian festivals of the year. It is full of traditions, folklore and food. However, Easter in

Britain has its beginnings before the arrival of

christianity. Many theologians believe Easter is named after the Anglo-Saxon goddess of the dawn and spring-Eostre.

Easter is at a different time each year. It is observed on the first Sunday after the first

full moon following the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. This means that

the festival can occur on any Sunday between March 22 and April 25. Not only is Easter the end of the winter it is also the end of Lent, traditionally a time of fasting in the Christian calendar. It is therefore often a

time of fun and celebration.The Friday before Easter Sunday and the Monday after are a bank holiday in the UK. Schools in the UK close for two

weeks, just enough time to digest all the chocolate.

The cross is the symbol of the crucifixion, it isn´t only a

symbol of Easter, it is more widely used.

The Easter Bunny is the symbol originated with the pagan festival at Easter.

The Easter egg was a symbol of rebirth in most cultures.

Eggs were often wrapped in gold leaf or, if you were a

peasant, coloured brightly by boiling them with the leaves or

petals of certain flowers.

Hot cross buns are traditionally served on

Good Friday. Boiled eggs are

traditionally served at breakfast, then Easter

cards and gifts are exchanged.

Roast lamb, which is the main dish at Jewish

Passover, is the traditional meat for the

main meal on Easter Day.Simnel Cake is baked for

tea.