EASTER IN THE USA
Americans celebrate Easter with subrise services, Easter bunnies, eggs and baskets. In some regions there is a custom of wearing new clothes at Easter. This is a very old tradition that goes back to the 1st century of Christianity. At that time, baptisms generaly took place once a year and people dressed in white gowns for the occasion. Those who had been baptised wore new clothes to indicate that they had risen to the new life with Christ.
EASTER IN THE UK
Today's Easter celebrations resemble the American tradition. Lots of chocolate Easter eggs are cpnsumed. In the past, however, customs were quite different.
On Easter Monday men carried their wives in chairs covered with white fabric and decorated with coloured ribbons. The following day, ladies carried the men in the same way. The custom was to remind people of Christ rising from the grave.
Tradition also influenced the monarchy. The sovereign used to wash the feet of the poor on the Thursday before Easter. The King or Queen washed the feet of as many people as the sum of his or her age.