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Easter in New Zealand, as in many other Christian countries, marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, as described in the New Testament. The date of Easter Sunday varies each year, being determined by the lunar calendar – it falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox.
Traditionally, Easter in New Zealand has been observed with religious reverence. Many attend church services on Easter Sunday to celebrate this central event of Christian faith. However, over time, it has also incorporated secular customs that are widely enjoyed by people of all backgrounds.
On Easter Sunday, many New Zealanders engage in a mix of religious and secular activities. Here are some common ways people celebrate:
Church Services: Attending church is still an important part for those who observe the religious significance of the day.
Easter Egg Hunts: A popular activity for children where they search for eggs hidden by parents or community groups. These eggs are often made of chocolate or candy.
Family Gatherings: Families tend to gather for a special meal on Easter Sunday which might include seasonal dishes and treats.
Chocolate and Hot Cross Buns: As with many places around the world, eating chocolate eggs and hot cross buns (a spiced sweet bun with a cross on top) is a beloved tradition.
While Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays in New Zealand, providing long weekend opportunities for travel or relaxation, Easter Sunday is not officially a public holiday. However, there have traditionally been trading restrictions for shops on this day which limits retail activity. These restrictions have been relaxed over time with certain areas allowing trading under specific conditions.
In recent years there has been ongoing discussion about these trading laws and whether they should be further relaxed to allow greater freedom for businesses to open on Easter Sunday.
Easter coincides with school holidays and is also during autumn when weather is generally mild before the colder winter months set in – making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and events that many participate in during this period.