ECU will be closed for Easter from Friday through to Monday
Thursday, 28 March 2024
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Easter is a celebration with many different traditions.
ECU will be closed on Good Friday, 29 March and on Monday 1 April to observe the Christian celebration of Easter.
Classes are not scheduled during this period and Library services is closed over the four day holiday. Level 1 and 2 of the Library can be accessed during this period with your student ID card.
Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus, described in the New Testament of The Bible as having occurred on the third day after his burial following his crucifixion.
For most Christians Easter is preceded by Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and penance. The holiday is marked by a wide variety of different customs many of which feature the symbol of the cross, or symbols of new life, such as eggs and rabbits.
Traditionally hot-cross buns were only available during this period. The spiced buns, speckled with fruit and the symbol of a cross on top were traditionally eaten on Easter Friday. Nowadays they come in many different varieties and are available throughout the year.
Painting eggs is a traditional Easter activity, as is the giving of chocolate eggs as gifts or hiding small chocolate eggs for children to find.
The Easter Bunny is known to visit children at night and leave chocolate eggs for them to find when they awake. In Australia many chocolate brands also often a 'Easter Bilby' to highlight the plight of the endangered Australian marsupial.
In the USA the tradition of the Easter Parade saw people promenade in new clothes, and women wore decorative and outlandish hats. This has never really taken off in Australia, but if you're a lover of old musicals check out the Fred Astaire and Judy Garland film Easter Parade from 1948.
Head over to The Conversation to read more about the history of Easter celebrations, how hares have been a symbol throughout the ages, and ethical considerations when buying chocolate eggs.
ECU wishes everyone a Happy Easter!