English Vocabulary about Easter

Post author:Harry
Post last modified:17/04/2022
Post category:England and Englishmen
Reading time:7 mins read

Let’s learn some common words and hopefully improve your English vocabulary about Easter.

Whilst Easter is a very important religious ceremony it is also associated with a lot of non religious activities.The period before Easter (known as Lent) usually involves a long period of “fasting”- giving up certain foods and products Eating chocolate eggs or just enjoying a holiday weekend the first in Spring is the reward for your good deeds during the 40 days of lent.

Harry

Harry is a native English teacher with over 10 years of experience both online and in face-to-face lessons. With his extensive experience in business, he specialises in Business English lessons but happily teaches ESL students with any English learning needs.

English Vocabulary about Easter

lent

(in the Christian church) the period before Easter which is devoted to fasting and abstinence in commemoration of Christ’s fasting. In Western church, it lasts from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday

Example:

Three of my best friends decided to give up sweets for lent.

Intermediate to Advanced English Marathon

INSANITY: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

Albert Einstein

What you'll learn:
better understanding of more complex grammar structures
advanced English vocabulary words
British & American slang
perfect your listening skills through practing different accents

This marathon is for you if you're:
stuck at an intermediate English level
tired of confusing explanations
a mature student
shy & introverted

resurrection

/ˌrez.ərˈek.ʃən/

(in Christian belief) Christ’s rising from the dead at the Last Judgement

Example:

I was responding to Peter’s arguments about the resurrection.

Good Friday

the Friday immediately before Easter Sunday is a very holy day indeed and many people focus on religious celebrations. Some believe the name “Good Friday” comes from “God Friday”.

Example:

Good Friday is a public holiday in many countries.

English Vocabulary about Easter

crucifixion

/kruː.səˈfɪk.ʃən/

an ancient form of execution in which someone was nailed to a cross

to crucify

1. to kill someone by nailing them to a cross

Example:

Two thieves were crucified with Jesus.

2. to criticise someone or to punish someone

Example:

She’ll crucify me if I call her after 10 p.m.

palm leaves

the people greeted Jesus back from the desert waving palm leaves. Waving palm leaves is an ancient equivalent of rolling out the red carpet for special events.

Example:

Palm leaves were an ancient writing material in India.

English Vocabulary about Easter

Easter Bunny

the Easter equivalent of Santa Claus. The original Easter Bunny (Osterhase) comes from Germany. Rabbits were traditionally associated with new life. Now we associate Easter with rabbits particularly cute little rabbits or bunnies. So many of the shops will be decorated in this style.

Example:

What are your children getting from the Easter Bunny this year?

Easter eggs

the tradition is usually to boil eggs (hens eggs) and paint them or decorate them in different colours. However, in the west, we love our chocolate so the shops are full of lots and lots of chocolate in the shape of eggs both large and small. Traditionally these eggs are “hollow”(empty inside) which the egg manufacturers (such as Mars) fill with a variety of sweets.

Example:

I love chocolate Easter Eggs.

egg hunt

a day for the children. When Mum and the kids have painted and decorated the eggs, those of us more active hide the eggs in a garden or park and the children go on an egg hunt. Whoever finds the most eggs can get a special prize — more eggs!! Probably chocolate this time.

Example:

Our Easter Egg Hunt was a huge success! Thank you to everyone who came out.

hot cross buns

a very old English tradition. These are very special buns (like a scone – a single-serving quick bread/cake). They contain raisins and currants and have a very sweet taste. They are distinguishable by the “cross” on top which represents the crucifix carried by our Lord.

Example:

Hot cross buns are best eaten warm with butter.