The Traditions of Easter

As with almost all "Christian" holidays, Easter has been secularised and commercialised. The nature of Easter and its symbols, however, is not necessarily a modern fabrication. Since its conception as a holy celebration in the second century, Easter has had its non-religious side. Easter shall be celebrated on the first Sunday that occurs after the first full moon on or after the spring equinox. Therefore, Easter must be celebrated on a Sunday between the dates of March 22 and April 25.
Lent is the forty-six day period just prior to Easter Sunday. It begins on Ash Wednesday ? the first day of Lent, gets its name from the practice, mainly in the Catholic church, of putting ashes on the foreheads of the faithful to remind them that man is but dust. "Fat Tuesday" is a celebration, sometimes called "Carnival," practiced around the world, on the Tuesday prior to Ash Wednesday. Connected with the ceremony of Easter are the 40-day penitential seasons of Lent, beginning on Ash Wednesday and concluding at midnight on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday. In many churches Easter is preceded by a season of prayer, abstinence, and fasting.
There are many symbols of Easter as example:
The Cross
The Cross is the symbol of the Crucifixion, as opposed to the Resurrection. The Cross is not only a symbol of Easter, but it is more widely used, especially by the Catholic Church.
The Easter Bunny
The Easter Bunny is not a modern invention. The symbol originated with the pagan festival of Easter. The Germans brought the symbol of the Easter rabbit to America. It was widely ignored by other Christians.
The Easter Egg
As with the Easter Bunny, the Easter Egg predates the Christian holiday of Easter. From the earliest times, the egg was a symbol of rebirth in most cultures. Eggs were often wrapped in gold leaf or, if you were a peasant, colour brightly by boiling them with the leaves or petals of certain flowers. Today, children hunt colour eggs and place them in Easter baskets along with the modern version of real Easter eggs ? those made of plastic or chocolate candy.
In Poland we have many of traditions practicing at Easter time. At Palm Sunday the people go to churches with special palms. They are made of dehydrated flowers. At Great Saturday all people go to church with special basked. In it they have a food: bread, eggs, horseradish, sausage and piece of cake. Priest sacrifice all. At special day ? Easter Day every one goes to church, then in home they shared egg and whish many good things. Last day of all holidays is Great Monday. Many people stayed at home and have a rest. But not this is very important. Children in this day pour others water. It?s very funny day. Of course they don?t pour policemen or older people.
Poland has only one of its kind traditions. It?s very important in this commercially world.