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In France, Easter is a time of family gatherings and culinary delight. The celebration begins with Pâques, which is French for Easter, and is primarily a religious holiday for many. Churches hold special services, and the ringing of church bells, which are silent in the days leading up to Easter as a sign of mourning, resume joyously on Easter Sunday to announce the resurrection of Christ.
Children eagerly await the Easter egg hunt (la chasse aux œufs), which is a beloved tradition. According to French folklore, the flying bells returning from Rome drop chocolate eggs in gardens across the country. Families hide chocolate eggs and other confections for children to find, creating a festive and fun atmosphere.
Food plays a significant role in the French Easter celebration, with dishes like lamb (l'agneau), which symbolizes spring and new life, being a traditional main course. The Easter meal is often accompanied by a special cake or pastry, such as the gâteau de Pâques, which is a sweet treat enjoyed by all.
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In the United Kingdom, Easter is a blend of religious observance and secular fun. The period leading up to Easter, known as Lent, is marked by many Christians who give up certain luxuries as a form of penitence. Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper, and the Queen participates in the tradition of distributing Maundy money to senior citizens.
Easter Sunday is celebrated with special church services, and for many, it's a time to gather with family and enjoy a roast dinner, often featuring lamb or ham. The Easter egg hunt is also a popular activity for children, with eggs hidden around gardens and homes for them to find.
Another unique British tradition is the Easter Monday egg rolling competition, where children roll decorated hard-boiled eggs down a hill, with the egg that travels the farthest without breaking winning. The day is also associated with various local customs and parades, such as the Pace Egg plays, which are traditional village performances with characters in costumes.
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