Easter Monday

Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday, celebrated as a public holiday in over 50 predominantly Christian countries across Europe, Africa, Oceania, and beyond. It marks the second day of Eastertide in Western Christianity and Bright Week in Eastern Christianity, with traditions ranging from church services to picnics, water rituals, and community gatherings.

• Public holiday in over 50 countries
• Poland celebrates with water-throwing rituals
• Italy marks the day with countryside picnics
• Egyptians celebrate Sham Ennessim with painted eggs
• Eastern churches hold outdoor processions

What it is

Easter Monday is a significant day in the Christian calendar, observed as the second day of Eastertide in Western traditions and Bright Week in Eastern ones. For many, it is a time to extend the joy of Easter Sunday, with church services, family gatherings, and local customs. The day is a public holiday in many countries, offering a pause from work and school. Its meaning varies: for some, it is a day of religious reflection and renewal, while for others it is a chance to celebrate spring, enjoy outdoor activities, or uphold unique folk traditions.

Where it comes from

The roots of Easter Monday lie in the Christian observance of Easter, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus. In Western Christianity, it is the second day of the Octave of Easter, while in Eastern Christianity, it is known as Bright Monday or Renewal Monday, part of Bright Week. Over centuries, the day has taken on additional meanings in different cultures, blending religious significance with local customs, such as the ancient Egyptian festival of Sham Ennessim and the Polish Śmigus-dyngus water rituals. In Ireland, it is also a day of remembrance for the Easter Rising of 1916.

How it is celebrated

Celebrations on Easter Monday are as varied as the countries that observe it. In Eastern Orthodox and Byzantine Rite Catholic churches, the day features special liturgies and often outdoor processions. In Central Europe, particularly Poland and Hungary, the day is famous for playful water-throwing and willow-switch customs, believed to bring health and good fortune. Italians gather for countryside picnics or barbecues with friends, while in Spain, godparents give children the Easter mona pastry. In Egypt, families mark Sham Ennessim by painting eggs and eating outdoors. Sporting events, such as horse races and football matches, are popular in Australia. In some places, it is simply a day of rest before returning to daily life.

Joining in

Visitors can experience Easter Monday in many countries, each with its own flavor. In Poland, expect lively water fights and festive gatherings. Italian towns and countryside parks fill with families picnicking. In Egypt, public parks and the Nile banks are busy with families celebrating Sham Ennessim. In Australia, major sporting events draw crowds, while in the UK and Ireland, many enjoy a quiet day off or local parades. Most places see closures of schools and businesses, so plan ahead for public holidays and local events.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Easter Monday, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Easter Monday on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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