Easter and Other Religious Celebrations

Easter is one of the most important festivals in the Christian calendar, but it is not the only religious or cultural celebration taking place during the spring. Many different faiths and communities mark important festivals and occasions during this period, each with their own traditions, beliefs and history.

For schools, this provides an excellent opportunity to explore different religions, cultures and celebrations as part of Religious Education, History, Geography and wider cultural learning.

Below is a selection of important religious and cultural celebrations that take place around the Easter period and during the spring months.

Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr – Islam

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and one of the holiest periods in Islam. It commemorates the month in which the Prophet Muhammad received the first revelations of the Qur’an.

During Ramadan, Muslims traditionally fast from dawn until sunset and devote additional time to prayer, reflection and reading the Qur’an. The fast is broken each evening with a meal known as iftar.

Ramadan ends with Eid al-Fitr, an important celebration marking the end of the fasting period. Families and communities come together for prayer, food and celebration.

For schools, learning about Ramadan provides opportunities to explore Islamic beliefs, fasting, charity, community and the diversity of Muslim traditions around the world.

Easter and Holy Week – Christianity

Easter is the most important festival in the Christian calendar and celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The period leading up to Easter is known as Holy Week and includes several important events:

• Palm Sunday – remembering Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem
• Maundy Thursday – commemorating the Last Supper
• Good Friday – remembering the crucifixion of Jesus
• Holy Saturday – the final day of Lent
• Easter Sunday – celebrating the resurrection of Jesus

Easter traditions vary between different Christian communities and countries. Many familiar customs, including the giving of chocolate Easter eggs, are associated with ideas of new life and rebirth.

Easter provides schools with opportunities to explore Christian beliefs, religious symbolism, history and the influence of Christianity on British culture.

Qingming Festival – Chinese Tradition

The Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day or the Festival of Pure Brightness, is an important traditional Chinese occasion.

Families may visit and clean the graves of ancestors, make offerings and spend time remembering family members who have died. The festival is closely connected to ideas of family, remembrance and respect for ancestors.

For pupils, Qingming provides an opportunity to explore Chinese culture, traditions and the different ways communities remember and honour the past.

Hanamatsuri – Buddhism

Hanamatsuri, meaning “Flower Festival”, is a Japanese Buddhist celebration of the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, who became the Buddha.

The festival traditionally involves flowers and the bathing of an image of the infant Buddha.

Learning about Hanamatsuri provides an opportunity for pupils to explore Buddhist beliefs, the life of the Buddha and the different ways Buddhist communities celebrate important religious occasions.

Rama Navami – Hinduism

Rama Navami celebrates the birth of Rama, one of the most important figures in Hindu tradition.

The festival is closely connected to the Ramayana, one of the major Hindu epics. Celebrations may include religious ceremonies, storytelling and the retelling of stories connected to the life of Rama.

Rama Navami provides an opportunity for pupils to explore Hindu beliefs, religious stories and the importance of tradition within Hindu communities.

Songkran – Buddhist and Thai New Year Celebration

Songkran is the traditional New Year celebration in Thailand and is widely associated with Buddhist traditions.

Water plays an important role in the celebrations and symbolises cleansing and the washing away of negative experiences from the past. Families and communities come together to celebrate the New Year.

The festival provides an opportunity to explore Thai culture, Buddhism, traditions and the significance of New Year celebrations around the world.

Vaisakhi – Sikhism

Vaisakhi is an important festival in Sikhism and commemorates the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699.

Sikh communities around the world celebrate Vaisakhi with religious services, processions, music, community gatherings and shared food.

Vaisakhi provides an opportunity for pupils to learn about Sikh history, the Gurus, the Khalsa and the importance of community and equality within Sikhism.

Mahavir Jayanti – Jainism

Mahavir Jayanti celebrates the birth of Mahavira, one of the most important teachers in Jainism.

The occasion provides an opportunity to learn about Jain beliefs and the teachings of Mahavira. Jainism is particularly associated with principles including non-violence, compassion and respect for all living things.

Schools can use Mahavir Jayanti as an opportunity to explore Jainism and the diversity of religious traditions around the world.

Hanuman Jayanti – Hinduism

Hanuman Jayanti celebrates the birth of Hanuman, an important figure in Hindu tradition and a devoted follower of Rama.

The story of Hanuman forms part of the Ramayana and provides opportunities for pupils to explore Hindu stories, beliefs and traditions.

The festival can also provide links to discussions about devotion, courage and the importance of religious stories within different cultures.

Passover or Pesach – Judaism

Passover, also known as Pesach, is an important Jewish festival commemorating the Exodus of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt.

The festival is closely connected to the story of Moses and the journey of the Israelites to freedom. Families traditionally gather for a Seder meal, during which the story of the Exodus is retold.

Unleavened bread, known as matzah, is eaten during the festival.

Passover provides opportunities for pupils to explore Jewish history, religious traditions, family and the importance of remembering significant events from the past.

Ridván – Bahá’í Faith

Ridván is the most important festival in the Bahá’í calendar. It commemorates the declaration of Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í Faith.

The festival lasts for twelve days and is an important time for members of the Bahá’í community.

Learning about Ridván provides an opportunity for pupils to explore the Bahá’í Faith and the diversity of religious traditions around the world.

Adar Mah Parab – Zoroastrianism

Adar Mah Parab is a Zoroastrian celebration associated with fire.

Fire has an important symbolic and religious role in Zoroastrianism, representing light, warmth and purity. The occasion provides an opportunity to explore the history and beliefs of one of the world’s oldest religions.

St George’s Day – England

St George’s Day is celebrated on 23 April and honours St George, the patron saint of England.

Although St George is traditionally associated with England, the historical figure is believed to have lived in the Middle East. His story and the development of his popularity provide opportunities to explore history, legends, national identity and the development of cultural traditions.

Pascha – Orthodox Christianity

Orthodox Christians celebrate Easter, known as Pascha, according to the dates used in the Orthodox Christian calendar.

The celebration includes religious services and traditions centred around the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In many Orthodox Christian communities, the resurrection is celebrated with candles, church services and the affirmation “Christ is risen”.

Exploring the different dates and traditions associated with Easter provides an opportunity for pupils to learn about the diversity within Christianity.

Yom HaShoah – Judaism

Yom HaShoah is a day of remembrance for the victims of the Holocaust.

It provides an opportunity for Jewish communities and others around the world to remember those who were murdered during the Holocaust and to reflect on the importance of remembrance and education.

For older pupils, Yom HaShoah can provide valuable links to Holocaust education, History and citizenship.

Beltane – Pagan and Druid Traditions

Beltane is a traditional festival associated with Pagan and Druid traditions and marks the transition from spring towards summer.

Celebrations may include fire, dancing and traditions connected to nature, fertility and the changing seasons.

Beltane provides an opportunity to explore ancient beliefs, seasonal celebrations and the relationship between people and the natural world.

Explore Religious Celebrations Through School Trips

Religious and cultural celebrations provide many opportunities for schools to explore different beliefs, traditions and communities.

Educational visits can bring these subjects to life through:

• Places of worship
• Historic churches and cathedrals
• Museums
• Religious collections
• Cultural attractions
• Historic sites
• Art and architecture

A school trip can help pupils connect classroom learning with real-world experiences while developing a greater understanding of the diverse beliefs and traditions that shape communities around the world.

Explore Educational Visits UK’s range of Religious Education School Trips, History School Trips and Cultural School Trips to discover educational visits that can support learning about religion, faith and cultural traditions.

Whether your school is exploring Easter, Ramadan, Passover, Vaisakhi, Hindu festivals, Buddhist celebrations or other religious occasions, learning about different traditions can help pupils develop a deeper understanding of the diverse world around them.