Easter Sunday, otherwise known as Pascha, Resurrection Sunday, Great Sunday. 

We're not too sure where the word “Easter” originates. The best understanding we have at the moment is that it comes from the Old English Ä“astre, the name of a goddess associated with fertility and spring. Bede certainly thought so. Some say it links to the old German word for east, or from Latin, dawn or light. Or from a German word for shine. Or maybe Dutch in origin. Whatever the origin, we celebrate resurrection, the triumph of love over hate, light over darkness and we celebrate grace. We recognise that death is not the end and however bad it might seem, there's always a new day dawning. There’s always hope. 

And for some, Easter has great celebrations. Kite flying, water fights, street parties, light festivals, pot throwing, plays, food, songs and community celebrations. 

People in Guatemala cover the streets in colourful carpets made from flowers, sawdust, fruits, vegetables and sand. 

In Florence, locals celebrate a 350-year-old Easter tradition known as "explosion of the cart." A cart packed with fireworks is led through the streets before stopping outside the Duomo. The Archbishop of Florence then lights a fuse during Easter mass that leads outside to the cart and sets off a fireworks display.

On the Greek island of Corfu people throw pots and pans filled with water out of their windows, smashing them on the street. Some say the custom derives from the Venetians, who on New Year's Day used to throw out all of their old items. Others believe the throwing of the pots welcomes spring.

And whilst many customs feature eggs, nothing is quite as extensive as in Haux, France. Each year a giant omelet is served up in the town's main square. The omelet uses more than 15,000 eggs and feeds up to 1,000 people. Apparently, it’s all down to Napoleon. 

However you celebrate, Happy Easter! There’s always hope. 

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