English Easter is full of diverse customs, folklore performances and culinary traditions. Unlike Russian, it began to be celebrated long before the adoption of Christianity. It is believed that the English name Easter - Easter - came from the name of the pagan goddess of dawn and spring - Eostre.
Clean Thursday and Good Friday
The most important days of Easter celebrations are Clean Thursday, Good Friday and Easter itself. On Thursday of Holy Week, Christians recall the Last Supper, when Christ washed the feet of the apostles. Interestingly, in the 17th century, the British had a tradition according to which the king or queen had to wash the feet of several poor people that day. In the 18th century, this tradition was replaced by alms, and then gifts in the form of clothing and food. In modern Britain, the Queen rewards only the elderly, who have considerable merit to the Fatherland. They are presented with ceremonial red and white wallets filled with coins made especially for this occasion.
Good Friday the English call "Good Friday" (Good Friday). For breakfast that day, fresh spicy buns are served, which, before baking, are cut from above with a cross and stuffed with raisins or candied fruit. Burning from spices is intended to remind people of the suffering of Christ on the cross. Interestingly, the cross on the buns appeared during the celebration of pre-Christian Easter. Then it was a symbol of the sun and spring heat. It is also believed that "cross" rolls protect the house from the invasion of "evil spirits" and even heal diseases. In temples, in memory of the crucifixion of Christ, a funeral service is held.
