Easter Monday, April 10, is a public holiday in France. What is the meaning of this day which follows Easter day and what to do with the family this Monday?
In France, a country with a Judeo-Christian tradition, it is above all Easter Sunday that is important because it marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ. But why is easter monday a holiday when it represents nothing at the religious level? What does the mean Easter Monday ? The day after Easter, here is some additional information on this Easter Monday as well as our ideas for egg hunts and original family outings.
What is Easter Monday?
Easter Monday succeeds the day of the Easter feast which takes place on Sunday. It is therefore the second day of the octave of Easter, which marks the beginning of the radiant week or renewal week among Christians.
When is Easter Monday in France?
Every year, Easter Monday takes place the day after Easter. This year, Easter Monday falls on Monday, April 10, 2023. Next year, in 2024, the date for Easter Monday will be Monday April 1st.
Why is Easter Monday a public holiday?
To understand it, you have to go back to the Middle Ages! At the time, the 8 days following the Easter Sunday, then baptized “Easter Octave”, were holidays to allow Christians to go to daily masses or to go to and from the Vatican. This entirely holiday week disappeared in 1801 after the signing of the Concordat between the Pope and Napoleon Bonaparte, who was then First Consul, and only Monday has remained a public holiday ever since.
What is the significance of Easter Monday?
According to the biblical text of the Gospel according to Saint Matthew, Easter Monday is also called “Angel Monday”. This day is therefore the occasion to celebrate, including the day after Easter, the return of Jesus, following his resurrection.
What to do with the family on Easter Monday?
In addition to the traditional egg hunt, know that most shops and stores, as well as shopping centers remain open on Easter Monday. Even if it is a public holiday, you will also find restaurants and other museums that will allow you to organize a family outing, with the children. Many egg hunts are also offered on Monday. Here are some ideas for outings to do with young and old during this long weekend:
What are the Easter Monday traditions?
In France, and particularly in the South, it was customary to organize a large family picnic on Easter Monday. We ate an omelette prepared with Easter eggs, which we call the easter omelet. It is also an opportunity to meet with young and old and taste the chocolates collected the day before during the egg hunt. But in the end, most families who wouldn’t have had time to get together on Sunday also organize an Easter egg hunt on Easter Monday, which extends the weekend.