Egg-cellent Easter

Discover some of the weird and wonderful British traditions that take place at this time of year

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From hot cross buns to bunnies, Easter is a time for celebration and observing the resurrection of Christ. However, many Easter traditions are rooted in earlier paganism - honouring the rebirth of nature - and were adopted by the Christian church when Britain was converted. Here are some of the customs that take place across Britain.

BUNNIES AND EGGS

It wouldn't be Easter without eggs preferably foil-wrapped, not scrambled and the Easter Bunny is said to hide chocolate eggs for well-behaved children (although in some countries it's a hare, not a rabbit). In certain parts of the UK, egg-rolling contests are held, in which competitors vie to see whose egg can roll the furthest without cracking. The tradition is said to represent the rolling away of the stone from Jesus' tomb.

Long before Cadbury, eggs played a starring role in Anglo-Saxon festivities. It's believed they were buried and eaten during springtime festivals to celebrate Eostre a Pagan goddess of fertility. Sadly for our ancestors, they wouldn't have been chocolate.

WHO DOESN'T LOVE A HOT CROSSBUN?