Happy Easter!
March 31, 2024

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Happy Easter everyone! We have put together some interesting facts about Easter that you may or may not know!
Easter i s a prominent Christian holiday, carries immense historical, cultural, and religious significance. While many perceive Easter solely as a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the holiday encompasses a myriad of fascinating elements.
1. Origins and Etymology:
The word "Easter" is derived from the Old English term "Ēastre" or "Ēostre," which is associated with a pagan spring goddess. These pagan festivities were eventually incorporated into the Christian celebration of Christ's resurrection, resulting in the Easter we know today.
2. The Date of Easter:
Unlike Christmas, which is celebrated on a fixed date, the date of Easter varies each year. The holiday falls on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox, ranging from March 22 to April 25. This calculation is based on ancient astronomical and ecclesiastical calculations.
3. The Easter Bunny:
The tradition of the Easter Bunny delivering eggs can be traced back to 17th-century German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania. Rabbits, known for their high fertility rates, symbolize new life and are closely associated with spring and rebirth—an idea that harmonized with the Easter theme.
4. Easter Eggs and Their Symbolism:
Decorating and exchanging eggs has long been an integral part of Easter celebrations worldwide. Eggs have been seen as symbols of fertility, new beginnings, and resurrection across many cultures. The practice of dyeing eggs is believed to have originated from early Christians who stained them red to represent the blood of Christ.
5. Egg Rolling:
Egg rolling is a cherished Easter tradition observed in various countries, but perhaps most famously in the United States. The activity involves participants racing to roll eggs down a hill, with the egg that travels the farthest without breaking being declared the winner. The White House in Washington D.C. annually hosts an Egg Roll on its lawn.
6. The Lenten Season:
Easter is preceded by the Lenten season, a 40-day period of fasting and reflection in many Christian traditions. This period serves to symbolize the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness. It remains a time for Christians to purify their hearts, engage in acts of self-discipline, and deepen their spiritual devotion.
7. Easter Parades and Processions:
Easter parades, often featuring colorful floats, music, and special attire, have been an integral part of the holiday's celebration in many countries. The most renowned among them is New York City's annual Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival on Fifth Avenue, where participants don elaborate and creatively designed hats.
8. Orthodox Easter:
While Easter is generally celebrated on the same Sunday by most Christians, Orthodox Christians use the Julian calendar. Consequently, their celebration often falls on a different date. Orthodox Easter is rich in customs, with famous traditions like the Holy Fire ceremony in Jerusalem and the Midnight Resurrection service.
9. Global Traditions and Local Customs:
Easter traditions differ significantly across nations and regions, blending local customs with core religious observations. Examples include Spain's Semana Santa processions, Greece's smashing of pottery for good luck, and Haux, France, where thousands of omelets are cooked in a giant pan as part of a grand communal feast.
10. Easter's Influence on Art and Literature:
Easter has been a recurring motif in art and literature for centuries. It has captured the imaginations of renowned painters, composers, and writers throughout history. Masterpieces such as Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper," Johann Sebastian Bach's "St. Matthew Passion," and Oscar Wilde's "The Selfish Giant" are just a few notable examples.
Easter i s a prominent Christian holiday, carries immense historical, cultural, and religious significance. While many perceive Easter solely as a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the holiday encompasses a myriad of fascinating elements.
1. Origins and Etymology:
The word "Easter" is derived from the Old English term "Ēastre" or "Ēostre," which is associated with a pagan spring goddess. These pagan festivities were eventually incorporated into the Christian celebration of Christ's resurrection, resulting in the Easter we know today.
2. The Date of Easter:
Unlike Christmas, which is celebrated on a fixed date, the date of Easter varies each year. The holiday falls on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox, ranging from March 22 to April 25. This calculation is based on ancient astronomical and ecclesiastical calculations.
3. The Easter Bunny:
The tradition of the Easter Bunny delivering eggs can be traced back to 17th-century German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania. Rabbits, known for their high fertility rates, symbolize new life and are closely associated with spring and rebirth—an idea that harmonized with the Easter theme.
4. Easter Eggs and Their Symbolism:
Decorating and exchanging eggs has long been an integral part of Easter celebrations worldwide. Eggs have been seen as symbols of fertility, new beginnings, and resurrection across many cultures. The practice of dyeing eggs is believed to have originated from early Christians who stained them red to represent the blood of Christ.
5. Egg Rolling:
Egg rolling is a cherished Easter tradition observed in various countries, but perhaps most famously in the United States. The activity involves participants racing to roll eggs down a hill, with the egg that travels the farthest without breaking being declared the winner. The White House in Washington D.C. annually hosts an Egg Roll on its lawn.
6. The Lenten Season:
Easter is preceded by the Lenten season, a 40-day period of fasting and reflection in many Christian traditions. This period serves to symbolize the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness. It remains a time for Christians to purify their hearts, engage in acts of self-discipline, and deepen their spiritual devotion.
7. Easter Parades and Processions:
Easter parades, often featuring colorful floats, music, and special attire, have been an integral part of the holiday's celebration in many countries. The most renowned among them is New York City's annual Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival on Fifth Avenue, where participants don elaborate and creatively designed hats.
8. Orthodox Easter:
While Easter is generally celebrated on the same Sunday by most Christians, Orthodox Christians use the Julian calendar. Consequently, their celebration often falls on a different date. Orthodox Easter is rich in customs, with famous traditions like the Holy Fire ceremony in Jerusalem and the Midnight Resurrection service.
9. Global Traditions and Local Customs:
Easter traditions differ significantly across nations and regions, blending local customs with core religious observations. Examples include Spain's Semana Santa processions, Greece's smashing of pottery for good luck, and Haux, France, where thousands of omelets are cooked in a giant pan as part of a grand communal feast.
10. Easter's Influence on Art and Literature:
Easter has been a recurring motif in art and literature for centuries. It has captured the imaginations of renowned painters, composers, and writers throughout history. Masterpieces such as Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper," Johann Sebastian Bach's "St. Matthew Passion," and Oscar Wilde's "The Selfish Giant" are just a few notable examples.

By Oliver Wright
•
March 12, 2026
We've been looking for ways to make renting more accessible for students without a guarantor. That’s why we’re excited to announce our new partnership with Housing Hand, a trusted guarantor service that helps tenants secure accommodation even if they don’t have a UK-based guarantor.

March 8, 2026
Getting around Swansea as a student can feel like a challenge at first, but honestly, it’s way easier than it seems. Whether you live in halls, a flat, or at home, there are plenty of options to get you from lectures to the city centre, the beach, or a night out with mates. Buses Buses are the lifeline for most students. First Cymru runs the majority of routes, and if you’re a student, it’s worth checking if you can get a discount on weekly or monthly passes. Routes like the 4, 5, and 6 go through all the main areas, from Uplands and Mount Pleasant to the city centre and Swansea University campus. Make sure you download the First Cymru app real-time updates are a lifesaver, especially when it’s raining (which, let’s be honest, is often). Trains If you’re planning a day trip or heading home for the weekend, Swansea train station is your friend. Direct services run to Cardiff, Bristol, and even London. For students, booking in advance usually saves a bundle. It’s a comfy option compared to a long bus ride, especially if you’ve got coursework to catch up on. Cycling and Walking Swansea is actually pretty cycle-friendly. If you live near the university, walking or cycling can be quicker than waiting for a bus. There are cycle racks all over campus and in the city centre. Plus, it’s free exercise and a nice way to clear your head between lectures. Taxis and Ride-Sharing Sometimes you just need a lift home after a late night. Local taxi firms like ABC Taxis and Uber operate in the city. They’re more expensive than buses, obviously, but perfect if you’re running late or heading somewhere buses don’t go. Tip for Students: Invest in a student bus pass if you’re relying on public transport a lot, as it’s cheaper than paying per ride, and you won’t have to stress about exact change.


