Learn about Easter and make your own chocolate Easter nests

Easter is celebrated in the UK with a long bank holiday weekend, starting on Good Friday and finishing on Easter Monday.

This year the dates for Easter weekend run from 18 April to 21 April.

What is Easter?

Celebrated in March or April each year, Easter is one of the most important Christian holidays, and marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter marks the end of Lent – which is traditionally 40 days of fasting, prayer and penance.

In modern times Easter is a time for gathering with loved ones, enjoying traditionally British meals, and indulging in Easter egg chocolate. Many people across the UK still take part in lent, opting to give something up for 40 days, such as chocolate or alcohol.

The Christian history of Easter

Easter observances have been recorded since the 2nd Century, while the exact date of  the resurrection of Jesus Christ is hard to pinpoint, many believe it to be between 30 and 36 AD.

The Easter weekend is celebrated at the end of Holy Week, which begins with Palm Sunday. This day commemorates Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem for his execution, where crowds gathered and waved palm branches.

On Maundy Thursday Jesus shared the Last Supper (his final meal) with his disciples.

Good Friday marks the day Jesus was executed by crucifixion (on a cross). Three days later on Easter Sunday, it’s believed Jesus rose from the dead (known as his resurrection).

After his crucifixion on Friday his body was placed in a tomb, which was sealed with a large stone and guarded by soldiers. On Sunday, Mary Magdalene and some of the disciples discovered that the stone had been rolled away and that Jesus’ body was missing. Later that day, Jesus appeared to Mary and the disciples, and for the following forty days was reported to be seen by many people.

How is Easter celebrated?

In the UK, Easter weekend is celebrated with two bank holidays that mean lots of people have time off work to spend with friends and family.

Many people attend church services on Easter Sunday to deepen their connection to their Christian faith.

There are lots of edible treats associated with Easter, including:

• Hot cross buns – toasted and eaten with butter on Good Friday.
• A roast dinner on Easter Sunday at lunch time – traditionally the meat would be roasted lamb, served with roast potatoes, vegetables and gravy.
• Chocolate Easter eggs that symbolise new life – associated with the folklore of the Easter bunny, a rabbit that delivers Easter eggs or sets up an Easter egg hunt for children.

Easter chocolate nests recipe

If you really want to get into the fun of celebrating Easter, you can try this quick and easy recipe to make chocolate Easter nests.

Ingredients

200g of milk chocolate, chopped

85g of Shredded wheat, crushed (you can substitute this for any kind of cereal, like rice puffs or cornflakes)

2x 100g bags of mini chocolate eggs (these can also be adapted to your favourite mini chocolates)

You will also need a selection of cupcake cases. This recipe makes 12.

Method

1. In a heat proof bowl, add your chopped chocolate and place in the microwave for 30 second intervals until chocolate is melted fully.
2. Next add your crushed shredded wheat or cereal of choice to the melted chocolate and mix until all is evenly coated.
3. Spoon the mixture into your cupcake cases and place some of your mini chocolate eggs (or treats of choice) on top – this creates the ‘nest’ effect.
4. Place all your cases into the fridge to chill for around two hours. Once set, they are ready to enjoy!

 

We wish all students, staff and alumni a very happy Easter and chocolate-filled weekend!