Easter 2018: Forbidden eggs, Eostre and how the date is decided

Creme Eggs
Supermarket shelves are currently packed with Creme Eggs, ahead of Easter Credit: Eleanor Bentall

Supermarket shelves are creaking under fondant-filled Creme Eggs, sticky hot cross buns and sugar-coated Mini Eggs, which can only mean one thing (especially for followers of Lent): Easter weekend is just a day away.

Easter is a Christian festival which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. According to the New Testament, Jesus died on the cross on Good Friday, and came back to life three days later. His resurrection is celebrated on Easter Sunday, which also marks the end of Lent, the 40-day period of fasting which begins on Ash Wednesday.

From the origins of the Easter bunny to how the date for the spring celebration is fixed, here is your essential guide to the holiday.

When is Easter...

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