Easter is almost here! That means that many people across Australia are getting ready to feast on chocolate Easter eggs and enjoy an extra-long weekend. For Christians, it is also a time to reflect on the date’s spiritual significance. Whether you plan to munch on hot cross buns or attend an Easter event near you, there are countless ways to celebrate Easter. Read on for your handy guide to celebrating Easter in Australia.
What is Easter? Why is Easter celebrated?
In Christianity, Easter commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and is one of the two most significant occasions on the religious calendar – the other being Christmas, which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
Easter also marks the end of 40 days of fasting and prayer known as Lent, which remembers the biblical tale of when Jesus Christ spent 40 days in the wilderness. During Lent, Christians recognising Lent may not eat beef, chicken, pork, venison, or lamb.
The origins of famous symbols of Easter, such as the rabbit and Easter eggs in Australia (both representing new life), are a mystery. The symbol of the rabbit may stem from pagan tradition, while ornately decorated eggs were given as gifts during Easter in 19th century Russia. Many countries around the world have their own unique Easter symbols. For example, the Easter fox in Germany, the cuckoo in Switzerland and the bilby in Australia.
Does Australia celebrate Easter?
Most people in Australia celebrate the Easter holiday. Some do this for religious reasons, however, just like Christmas, Easter has become less about religion for many people in Australia. Others simply enjoy the long weekend, with many states and territories recognising two public holidays – Good Friday and Easter Monday. People might head to Mass at their local church, gather for a meal with family, or catch up with friends.
A common tradition for children (but you can enjoy it, too!) involves embarking on hunts in the park or backyards to find chocolate eggs delivered by the mythical Easter bunny or bilby. Another popular Easter activity in Australia is enjoying hot cross buns. These are sweet, spiced buns, usually filled with dried fruit, like raisins.
Because Easter often coincides with the beginning of the Australian Rules Football season, games are spread out across the long weekend. This usually means two games on Good Friday, with a rare Monday game held on Easter Monday.
Are shops open at Easter?
Alongside Christmas Day, Good Friday is another public holiday on which most businesses are closed, including major supermarkets. If you are looking to stock up on supplies for a trip away, make sure you do so a few days beforehand, and prepare for potentially long queues! Learn more about what’s open on Easter weekend in Australia.
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What is the Easter bilby?
Rather than the Easter bunny, Australia celebrates the bilby as our Easter icon. According to fossil evidence, bilbies have been hopping around mainland Australia for roughly 15 million years, but are now sadly a threatened species. This is mainly due to the introduction of rabbits by the First Fleet in 1859 for hunting. This invasive species drastically altered the Australian ecosystem and bilbies had to fight for burrows and food, while avoiding other introduced predators such as foxes and feral cats.
Wherever possible, look out for chocolate Easter bilbies to buy, where proceeds go to the conservation of this native animal.
When is Easter celebrated?
In Western Christianity, Easter falls on the Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox. This means the date changes each year and could occur anywhere between mid-March and mid-April.
In 2024, Good Friday falls on 29 March, while Easter Sunday and Easter Monday fall on 31 March and 1 April, respectively. These dates come at the end of the Holy Week, which celebrates sacred days like Palm Sunday and Holy Thursday.
Many Christians in Australia belong to the Western Christian tradition, which includes Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. However, Eastern Orthodox Christianity celebrates both Easter and Christmas at slightly different times of the year. In 2024, the Eastern Orthodox Easter falls on Sunday, 5 May.
Ways to celebrate Easter
In Australia, the main way to celebrate Easter Sunday among practising Christians is typically by attending Mass and taking the opportunity for self-reflection and spiritual renewal. This reflects the springtime origin of Easter and the sense of new growth that comes with the season.
It’s also not uncommon for people to host Easter parties, often consisting of large roast or BBQ dinners. Some people even organise Easter egg hunts in which partygoers find hidden chocolate eggs and load up their Easter baskets – it’s a fun way to unleash your inner child! Thinking of hosting one yourself? Check out some cool ideas for an Easter party on sites like Pinterest for inspiration.
Both Good Friday and Easter Monday are national public holidays in Australia, which is good news for those who might not celebrate and wish to see more of the country. A couple of the most popular holiday options over the long weekend include road trips and camping, with the weather still warm before the winter season. If you’re not a fan of camping, ABC Everyday has put together a handy rundown of alternative accommodation options at Easter that are just as good to enjoy with friends.
