Easter Monday

What Is Easter Monday?

Easter Monday is the first Monday following Easter Sunday and is an integral part of the Eastertide period in the Christian calendar. It serves as a continuation of the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is commemorated on Easter Sunday. For many, it provides an opportunity for continued reflection and secular observance.

This day is recognised as a public holiday in approximately 132 countries across the globe. Its status as a non-working day allows families and communities to engage in various traditions, ranging from religious services to secular gatherings and outdoor activities. It extends the Easter weekend, providing a longer period for rest and festivities.

History and Origins of Easter Monday

The origins of Easter Monday are deeply rooted in early Christian practice. Following the initial celebrations of Christ’s resurrection, the early Church observed an “Easter Octave,” an eight-day period of continuous celebration and thanksgiving. Easter Monday was therefore the second day of this extended festive period.

Historically, in medieval Europe, many secular activities were forbidden during the entirety of Holy Week, which led to a buildup of social and recreational activities deferred until after Easter. Easter Monday thus became a popular day for games, feasting, and community gatherings. This tradition contributed to its gradual establishment as a holiday.

Over centuries, while the full octave observance diminished in common practice, the first Monday after Easter Sunday retained its importance, often due to a combination of religious tradition and the convenience of creating a four-day weekend. It allows for a gradual return to regular work schedules following the solemnity and celebration of Easter.

How Easter Monday Is Celebrated

Celebrations of Easter Monday vary considerably across different regions and cultures, reflecting a blend of religious customs and local traditions. While the fundamental aspect remains a day of rest and continued celebration, the specific activities undertaken can be quite distinct.

Central and Eastern Europe

In countries such as Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary, Easter Monday is often celebrated with unique customs involving water and pussy willows. Poland’s “Śmigus-Dyngus” (Wet Monday) involves boys playfully splashing girls with water, symbolising cleansing and fertility. In the Czech Republic and Slovakia, a similar tradition sees young men gently whipping women with decorated willow branches (pomlázka), often in exchange for decorated eggs or sweets. These practices are rooted in pre-Christian spring rites adapted into Christian celebrations.

Western Europe

Across Western Europe, Easter Monday is predominantly a public holiday dedicated to family time and outdoor pursuits. In Germany, outdoor activities are common, including ‘Ostereierrollen’ (egg rolling competitions) in some northern regions. Easter bonfires, ‘Osterfeuer’, are also lit in certain communities as a symbol of purification and chasing away winter. France observes the day with various local customs; for instance, the town of Bessières annually prepares a giant omelette, a tradition said to originate from Napoleon’s visit to the region. Ireland commemorates the 1916 Easter Rising on this day, though the general observance remains focused on family and leisure. The United Kingdom typically observes a quiet bank holiday, often used for short breaks, family visits, or sporting events.

The Americas

In Canada, Easter Monday is a public holiday in many provinces and is generally observed as a quiet day for family. Schools and government offices are often closed. In the United States, it is not a federal holiday, but some states and local jurisdictions, particularly those with significant Catholic populations, recognise it, with schools and some businesses closed. Specific communities may hold their own cultural observances. In the Caribbean, particularly Bermuda and Barbados, Easter Monday is famous for kite flying, where participants craft and fly elaborate kites, symbolising Christ’s ascension to heaven. Many Latin American countries also observe the day with continued religious services and family gatherings.

Australia and New Zealand

Both Australia and New Zealand observe Easter Monday as a public holiday, forming part of a four-day long weekend. This period is popular for short holidays, camping trips, and outdoor activities as it marks the end of summer in the Southern Hemisphere. In Sydney, Australia, the Royal Easter Show, a large agricultural exhibition and carnival, traditionally concludes on Easter Monday, drawing significant crowds.

When Is Easter Monday?

Easter Monday consistently falls on the day immediately following Easter Sunday. As Easter Sunday is a moveable feast, its date varies each year. The date of Easter is determined by a complex calculation based on the ecclesiastical full moon, which is the first full moon occurring on or after the vernal equinox.

For Western Christian denominations, which largely follow the Gregorian calendar, Easter Sunday can fall between 22 March and 25 April. Consequently, Easter Monday will always occur between 23 March and 26 April. Eastern Orthodox Churches, which generally adhere to the Julian calendar for calculating Easter, celebrate the holiday on a different date, often several weeks later. Therefore, Easter Monday for Orthodox Christians also follows their specific Easter Sunday, resulting in different dates between the two traditions in most years.

Easter Monday Key Facts