Historic Site | PARKS AND GARDENS

DO NOT …

I assume that this notice was aimed at the nearby construction crews who have since moved on.

I photographed this sign on Easter Sunday giving me the opportunity to answer a question that I have received from some followers, mainly in the UK: “Why do you refer to it as Easter Sunday rather than Easter Day?”

Firstly I live in Ireland and never heard it being to anything other than Easter Sunday, until yesterday when I heard the BBC referring to it as Easter Day.

Apparently both “Easter Day” and “Easter Sunday” are widely used in the UK, and there’s a bit of history and subtle meaning behind the difference:

Historical Reasons:

Early Christianity: In the early Christian church, the entire week leading up to the resurrection of Jesus was considered holy. The focus wasn’t just on Sunday, but on the entire celebratory period. This is why you might see references to the full week as “Easter Week” as well.

Linguistic Roots: The word “Easter” likely originates from pre-Christian Germanic traditions, potentially the name of a goddess (Eostre) associated with springtime and renewal. The focus wasn’t on a single day.

Modern Usage:

Regional Variation: There’s no strict rule. Some regions might slightly favour “Easter Day” and others “Easter Sunday”.

Emphasis:

“Easter Sunday” emphasises the religious observance commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. While “Easter Day” can have slightly broader connotations, including the secular aspects of the celebration, family traditions, etc.

Both terms are correct and commonly used in the UK. The choice often depends on personal preference, regional tradition, and whether the speaker wants to emphasise the religious significance of the day.