English Vocabulary for Easter Holiday

Table of Contents

Have you ever wondered why people celebrate Easter? Learning English vocabulary for the Easter holiday will help you understand the traditions and customs associated with this special time of year. From colorful Easter eggs and cute bunnies to religious observances and joyful family gatherings, there are many exciting aspects to explore. Are you ready to discover new words and learn about the meaning behind this festive occasion?

Easter Symbols

1. Easter Bunny (noun) /ˈiːstər ˈbʌni/: A character in folklore, represented as a rabbit, that brings baskets filled with colored eggs and treats to children on Easter.
Example: The kids were excited to see the Easter Bunny at the mall and take photos.

2. Easter Eggs (noun) /ˈiːstər ɛɡz/: Painted or dyed eggs, often hidden for children to find on Easter morning.
Example: We spent the afternoon painting and decorating Easter eggs for the big hunt tomorrow.

3. Hot Cross Buns (noun) /hɑːt krɒs bʌnz/: Sweet, spiced buns made with currants or raisins and marked with a cross on the top, traditionally eaten on Good Friday.
Example: Mom baked fresh hot cross buns this morning, filling the house with their sweet smell.

4. Easter Lily (noun) /ˈiːstər ˈlɪli/: A white, trumpet-shaped flower associated with Easter, symbolizing purity and resurrection.
Example: The church was adorned with Easter lilies for the Sunday service.

5. Palm Branches (noun) /pɑːm ˈbræntʃɪz/: Branches from a palm tree. In the Christian tradition, people waved palm branches to honor Jesus as he entered Jerusalem.
Example: We carried palm branches in the procession at church on Palm Sunday.

6. Paschal Candle (noun) /ˈpæskəl ˈkændl/: A large candle used in liturgical celebrations in the Easter season, representing the light of Christ.
Example: The priest lit the Paschal candle during the Easter Vigil service.

7. Empty Tomb (noun) /ˈɛmpti tuːm/: In Christianity, the empty tomb is the basis of the belief in the resurrection of Jesus.
Example: The Sunday school lesson focused on the story of the empty tomb.

8. Crucifix (noun) /ˈkruːsɪfɪks/: An image or representation of Jesus on the cross.
Example: Grandma always wore a small crucifix around her neck.

9. Lamb (noun) /læm/: A young sheep. In Christianity, a lamb often symbolizes Jesus, referred to as the ‘Lamb of God’.
Example: The Sunday roast was a traditional lamb to celebrate Easter.

10. Chick (noun) /tʃɪk/: A baby chicken, often a symbol of new life and rebirth at Easter.
Example: The children loved the small chick decorations on the Easter table.

11. Easter Bonnet (noun) /ˈiːstər ˈbɑːnɪt/: A decorative hat worn at Easter, often in Easter parades.
Example: She wore a beautiful Easter bonnet adorned with flowers and ribbons to the Easter parade.

12. Daffodils (noun) /ˈdæfɪdɪlz/: Spring flowers, often associated with Easter as they typically bloom around this time.
Example: The garden was bursting with yellow daffodils, signaling the arrival of Easter.

Easter Traditions

1. Easter Egg Hunt (noun) /ˈiːstər ɛɡ hʌnt/: A game during which decorated eggs or Easter eggs are hidden for children to find.
Example: The local park organizes an Easter egg hunt every year for the neighborhood children.

2. Egg Rolling (noun) /ɛɡ roʊlɪŋ/: A traditional Easter game where children roll eggs downhill, the winner is the one whose egg rolls the farthest or survives the most rolls.
Example: The kids are excited about the egg rolling contest that’s happening after the picnic.

3. Palm Sunday (noun) /pɑːm ˈsʌndeɪ/: The Sunday before Easter, commemorating Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem when the crowds waved palm branches.
Example: On Palm Sunday, we usually attend a special service at church.

4. Maundy Thursday (noun) /ˈmɔːndi ˈθɜːrzdeɪ/: The Thursday before Easter, commemorating the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles.
Example: We attended the Maundy Thursday service to remember the Last Supper.

5. Good Friday (noun) /ɡʊd ˈfraɪdeɪ/: The Friday before Easter Sunday, on which the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ is commemorated in the Christian Church.
Example: On Good Friday, many people fast or abstain from eating meat in remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice.

6. Easter Sunday (noun) /ˈiːstər ˈsʌndeɪ/: The day on which the resurrection of Jesus from the dead is celebrated, on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the northern spring equinox.
Example: On Easter Sunday, we gather with family to celebrate and share a special meal.

7. Holy Week (noun) /ˈhoʊli wiːk/: The week immediately preceding Easter, marked by many special ceremonies in the Christian Church.
Example: The church schedule is quite busy during Holy Week, with services every day.

8. Resurrection (noun) /ˌrezəˈrekʃən/: In Christian belief, Jesus’s rise from the dead three days after his death on the cross.
Example: The resurrection of Jesus is celebrated on Easter Sunday.

9. Sunrise Service (noun) /ˈsʌnraɪz ˈsɜːrvɪs/: A worship service on Easter practiced by some churches, taking place outdoors, usually early in the morning on Easter Sunday.
Example: We woke up early to attend the sunrise service at our church.

10. Ash Wednesday (noun) /æʃ ˈwɛdnzdeɪ/: The first day of Lent in the Western Christian Church, marked by services of penitence.
Example: On Ash Wednesday, we receive ashes on our foreheads in a sign of repentance.

11. Easter Vigil (noun) /ˈiːstər ˈvɪdʒɪl/: A service held in traditional Christian churches as the first official celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus.
Example: The Easter Vigil service is an important part of our Easter tradition.

12. Easter Parade (noun) /ˈiːstər pəˈreɪd/: A festive parade held on Easter usually characterized by participants wearing new and fashionable clothing.
Example: The girls love dressing up in their Easter dresses for the annual Easter parade in our town.

Phrases and Terms Related to Easter

1. Spring Break (noun) /sprɪŋ breɪk/: A short vacation for students in the springtime, often the week leading up to or following Easter.
Example: My family always goes camping during Spring Break.

2. Easter Basket (noun) /ˈiːstər ˈbɑːskɪt/: A basket filled with candies, chocolates, and Easter eggs, typically given to children on Easter morning.
Example: The kids woke up early to find their Easter Baskets filled with candy.

3. Season of Lent (noun) /ˈsiːzən ɒv lɛnt/: A period of 40 days before Easter during which many Christians fast or give up certain foods or habits, starting from Ash Wednesday.
Example: During the Season of Lent, she gives up eating sweets.

4. Easter Brunch (noun) /ˈiːstər brʌntʃ/: A special meal that is eaten in the late morning or early afternoon on Easter Sunday.
Example: Our family tradition is to have a large Easter Brunch after church.

5. Easter Ham (noun) /ˈiːstər hæm/: A traditional main dish prepared and eaten on Easter Sunday in many cultures.
Example: Grandma’s Easter Ham with a sweet glaze is my favorite part of the meal.

6. Spring Cleaning (noun) /sprɪŋ ˈkliːnɪŋ/: The practice of thoroughly cleaning a house from top to bottom in the springtime.
Example: We always do a thorough Spring Cleaning before Easter to freshen up our home.

7. Holy Communion (noun) /ˈhoʊli kəˈmjuːnjən/: A Christian sacrament in which bread and wine are consumed, symbolizing the body and blood of Christ.
Example: We partake in the Holy Communion every Easter Sunday to remember Christ’s sacrifice.

8. Stations of the Cross (noun) /ˈsteɪʃənz ɒv ðə krɔːs/: A series of images depicting Jesus Christ on the day of his crucifixion, with accompanying prayers.
Example: The church set up Stations of the Cross for prayer and reflection during Holy Week.

9. Easter Miracle (noun) /ˈiːstər ˈmɪrəkəl/: A surprising and welcome event that is believed to be caused by divine intervention, often associated with Easter and the resurrection of Jesus.
Example: The recovery of the sick child was considered an Easter Miracle.

10. Passover (noun) /ˈpæsoʊvər/: A Jewish holiday that commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery, often coinciding with Christian Easter celebrations.
Example: Our Jewish neighbors invited us to their home to celebrate Passover.

11. Ascension Day (noun) /əˈsɛnʃən deɪ/: The day observed by Christians commemorating Jesus Christ’s ascension to heaven, 40 days after Easter Sunday.
Example: We attend a special service on Ascension Day to mark Jesus’s ascent to heaven.

12. Easter Triduum (noun) /ˈiːstər ˈtrɪdjuəm/: A term used by Christians to denote the three-day period from Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday.
Example: The Easter Triduum is a solemn time in the church, commemorating the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection.

Food and Confectionery Associated with Easter

1. Chocolate Eggs (noun) /ˈʧɒkəlɪt ɛg/: Candy in the shape of eggs, usually made of chocolate, that is often given or used for decoration during Easter.
Example: The kids love to eat Chocolate Eggs on Easter morning.

2. Easter Bread (noun) /ˈiːstər bred/: A special bread, often sweet and decorated, that is traditionally made and eaten during the Easter holiday.
Example: My grandmother always bakes delicious Easter Bread for our family feast.

3. Jelly Beans (noun) /ˈʤɛli biːnz/: Small, sweet candies in the shape of beans that come in many different flavors and are popular during Easter.
Example: We fill the Easter eggs with Jelly Beans for the kids to find.

4. Simnel Cake (noun) /ˈsɪmnəl keɪk/: A light fruit cake, often with two layers of almond paste or marzipan, traditionally eaten during the Easter period in the United Kingdom.
Example: Every year, Aunt Mary bakes a Simnel Cake for our Easter dessert.

5. Lamb Roast (noun) /læm roʊst/: A dish of roasted lamb, traditionally eaten as the main meal on Easter Sunday.
Example: The Lamb Roast was delicious and was the highlight of our Easter dinner.

6. Marshmallow Peeps (noun) /ˈmɑːrʃmæloʊ piːps/: Small, marshmallow candies that are shaped like chicks or other animals and are popular around Easter.
Example: The children love to eat Marshmallow Peeps while they watch the Easter parade.

7. Carrot Cake (noun) /ˈkærət keɪk/: A cake that contains carrots mixed into the batter and is often topped with cream cheese frosting, popular for Easter.
Example: After dinner, we enjoyed a slice of homemade Carrot Cake.

8. Cadbury Creme Eggs (noun) /ˈkædbʊri kriːm ɛgz/: A type of chocolate candy filled with a sweet, creamy filling, made by Cadbury and popular during Easter.
Example: My favorite Easter treat is Cadbury Creme Eggs.

9. Easter Egg Nest Cake (noun) /ˈiːstər ɛg nɛst keɪk/: A special cake made to resemble a bird’s nest, often decorated with small chocolate eggs, for Easter.
Example: My sister made an Easter Egg Nest Cake for dessert, and it was both delicious and beautiful.

10. Roast Chicken (noun) /roʊst ˈʧɪkɪn/: A dish of chicken cooked by roasting, often served as a main course for Easter.
Example: This year, instead of lamb, we had Roast Chicken for our Easter meal.

11. Honey Glazed Ham (noun) /ˈhʌni gleɪzd hæm/: A dish made from a ham roast, which has been coated or served with a glaze, usually made from honey, often served during Easter.
Example: We served Honey Glazed Ham alongside roasted vegetables for our Easter lunch.

12. Asparagus Soup (noun) /əˈspærəgəs suːp/: A soup made from asparagus, often served as a starter course during a spring or Easter meal.
Example: We started our Easter meal with a fresh Asparagus Soup.

Congratulations on expanding your English vocabulary for the Easter holiday! Now you can fully engage in Easter festivities, understand the symbols and traditions, and enjoy the celebration with friends and family. Whether you’re hunting for eggs, attending church services, or savoring delicious treats, this vocabulary will enhance your understanding and allow you to fully embrace the joyous spirit of Easter.

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