Easter Monday facts for kids
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Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday. It is a special holiday in many countries around the world. For Christians in the Western world, it's the second day of a celebration period called Eastertide. For Eastern Christians, it's the second day of a joyful time known as Bright Week.
Religious Traditions
Eastern Christian Celebrations
In Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches, this day is often called "Bright Monday" or "Renewal Monday." The church services during this week are very different from the rest of the year. They are full of joy, much like the services on Easter Sunday itself.
Often, there's a special outdoor parade after the main church service. This parade is meant to happen every day of Bright Week. However, in many places, it's usually done only on Monday. If a major saint's special day, like St. George's day, happens to fall during the week before Easter or on Easter Sunday, it is celebrated on Easter Monday instead.
Cultural Traditions Around the World
Easter Monday is a public holiday in many countries. Some nations on this list follow the Eastern Christian calendar. This means their Easter might be on a different date than in Western countries.
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Long ago, Easter celebrations lasted a whole week. But in the 1800s, this was shortened to just one day in many places. People often enjoy egg rolling games. In some Catholic countries, there's a tradition of splashing water on others. This water was often blessed the day before on Easter Sunday.
Australia
In Australia, Easter Monday is a public holiday. People often go to outdoor sports events. Some popular ones include the Oakbank Easter Racing Carnival and the Stawell Gift footrace.
Egypt
In Egypt, an ancient festival called Sham El Nessim is celebrated on Easter Monday. This festival dates back to the time of the pharaohs, about 2700 BC! It means "smelling of the breeze." Both Christians and Muslims in Egypt celebrate it as a national holiday. Families often paint eggs, eat meals outdoors, and enjoy a traditional fish dish called feseekh.
Ireland
In the Republic of Ireland, Easter Monday is a day to remember the people who died in the Easter Rising. This important event in Irish history began on Easter Monday in 1916. For many years, there was a parade of veterans and a reading of the Proclamation of the Irish Republic.
Central Europe
In countries like Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary, there are unique customs on Easter Monday. In Poland, it's called Śmigus-dyngus or Wet Monday. Boys might playfully pour water on girls or gently tap their legs with willow branches. This tradition is meant to bring good luck and health.
Germany
In Germany, some people go to fields early in the morning for Easter egg races. For Roman Catholics in Germany, Easter Monday is also a special day for church attendance.
United States
Easter Monday is not a national holiday in the United States. However, some areas still observe it. For example, some schools and universities might be closed. This often extends their spring break.
In areas with strong Polish heritage, like Chicago or Buffalo, New York, Easter Monday is celebrated as Dyngus Day. This celebration is very popular in places like Buffalo, New York, and South Bend, Indiana. Another well-known tradition is the White House Easter egg roll.
Dyngus Day in Buffalo, New York
Buffalo, New York, hosts one of the biggest Dyngus Day celebrations. The city's Polish neighborhoods come alive with excitement. The first big party was held by the Chopin Singing Society. Over the years, the celebration has grown. In 2006, the first Dyngus Day Parade took place. It now attracts tens of thousands of people.
Special polka songs have even been written about Buffalo's Dyngus Day. One song, "Everybody's Polish on Dyngus Day," talks about pussy willows, water splashing, and dancing. In 2007, Buffalo's historic fireboat, the Edward M. Cotter, was even named the "World's Largest Dyngus Day Squirt Gun."
Dyngus Day in Indiana
In South Bend, Indiana, Dyngus Day is a big deal, especially for local politics. It often marks the start of the political campaign season. Many politicians, including famous ones like Robert F. Kennedy and Bill Clinton, have visited South Bend for Dyngus Day events. They often join in the fun at local clubs and pubs.
Students at Rose–Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, Indiana, also celebrate Dyngus Day. They enjoy free Polish sausage and concerts. In Bloomington, people celebrate with Polish foods like pierogi and sausage.
Easter Monday in North Carolina
In North Carolina, Easter Monday used to be a holiday for state workers. This tradition started because they would take the day off to watch a baseball game. It was between North Carolina State College and Wake Forest College.
Texas and the Southwest
Many schools and colleges in Texas and other Southern states close on Easter Monday. Even though it's not an official state holiday, it often creates a four-day weekend when combined with Good Friday.
United Kingdom
Easter Monday is a public holiday in the United Kingdom. In a village called Hallaton in England, people hold a unique "bottle-kicking" match and a "Hare Pie Scramble."
Other Global Traditions
- In Guyana, people fly colorful kites that they made on the Saturday before Easter.
- In Trinidad and Tobago, families have picnics and fly kites outdoors.
- In the Netherlands, people enjoy a festive breakfast. They also go hiking or cycling in the countryside.
- In Coastal Northern Portugal, it's part of the Anjo Festival (Angel Festival). People picnic in the countryside and woodlands.
- In Italy, Easter Monday is called Pasquetta. Families often have picnics in the countryside. It's also known as lunedì dell'Angelo (Angel's Monday).
- In Lebanon, both Eastern and Western Easter Mondays are holidays. People celebrate by having picnics or hiking in the mountains.
- In Hong Kong, people often have special events like Easter egg races and painting Easter eggs.
Images for kids
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Traditional Easter mona
See also
In Spanish: Lunes de Pascua para niños
