Easter in Ireland

In Ireland, Easter has a special significance! Firstly, because Ireland remains a country deeply rooted in its Catholic roots, but also because it has evolved over the centuries, with a few variations and relaxations!

If you happen to be on the Emerald Isle during this period, we'd like to give you a quick rundown of Easter traditions in the country: whether you're religious, atheist or otherwise, this can always come in handy! And let's face it: the chocolate is there too!
<h2>Easter, a religious festival that begins with Lent</h2>
<h3>A festival with pagan origins</h3>
In Ireland, Easter isn't just about hunting for chocolate eggs.

In Ireland, Easter has its origins in a pagan festival known as "Beltaine". Celebrated on May 1, it symbolized the passage from winter to the beginning of spring and summer. Nature was celebrated: from the first buds, to the birth of the lamb, to the beginning of the harvest and the harvests to come…

Druids were responsible for Beltaine's festivities and ceremonies. A bonfire was also lit on the day to celebrate this new time of year… all in a festive atmosphere, accompanied by music, song and dance.
A celebration that later became Christianized
Little by little, the festival of Beltaine was eventually Christianized over the centuries to become the Easter we know today. Now celebrated in April, the feast is part of a calendar that starts much earlier, with <strong>Lent</strong>.

This is a 40-day period when Christians are supposed to begin fasting as a sign of repentance and purification from their sins. Fasting had to be hard and demanding, and many meals were skipped.
<h3>Easter in Ireland today: Good Friday</h3>
But nowadays, the Irish (who still respect the principle) have made a few adjustments to keep up with the demands of modern society! Thus, many Irish people have decided to deprive themselves of a particular food or habit that is difficult to do without in normal times… (alcohol, cigarettes, meat… etc. – it's up to each person. (alcohol, cigarettes, meat…etc.).

For example, many Irish Catholics go without until <em>Good</em> Friday, a very special day when they are supposed to visit the graves of their loved ones, go to confession, purify themselves and spend the day in introspection. Some even go so far as to cut their hair and nails, buy new clothes, clean their house from top to bottom…

It's also the day when fasting must be at its most intense: many Irish pubs are closed on this day… Just as many stores are closing or working reduced hours.

A phenomenon that shows just how attached the Irish are to these traditions…

Then comes Easter Sunday. For Christians, this is the day of Christ's Resurrection. The program is rather convivial: the Irish break their fast, celebrate the event with their families, attend Mass in their best clothes, and then continue with large festive meals (often based on roast pork, potatoes and vegetables, all accompanied by Irish beer of course)!

Finally, children can embark on a big egg hunt. In Ireland, it wasn't the bells that dropped them off, but Easter Bunny, a mischievous Easter bunny who only hands out chocolate to well-behaved children!

The search takes place not only in the garden, but also in the houses. The spoils are usually generous, in the form of chocolate eggs and bunnies. The perfect way to round off Easter and its 40 days of deprivation with some sweet treats!