Easter Celebrations Don't End Today

March 27 is Easter Sunday, which means chocolate bunnies and egg hunts are on the horizon. But the fun doesn't necessarily need to stop at the end of the day. For many, the holiday actually extends into the next day. What is Easter Monday, you ask? I have the answer.

Easter is one of the few holidays that isn't set on one specific date of the year. It takes place on the first Sunday after the first full moon that occurs on or after the spring equinox. Sometimes that's in March, like this year, and sometimes that's in April, as is expected next year. But Easter traditions aren't limited to that specific Sunday.

There's also Easter Monday, which — as the name suggests — takes place the day directly after Easter Sunday. It's not considered a federal holiday in the United States and many jobs remain on regular schedules, as do most public transit systems.

Still, many continue their festivities well into that second day. The most famous of the Easter Monday traditions is the egg rolling race, held annually on the lawn of the White House in Washington DC. Decorated eggs are rolled down a hill or slope and the first one to reach the bottom unbroken is the winner. The event also includes a variety of games, as well as food and other entertainment, for families.

While the egg rolling race is perhaps the most famous Easter Monday event stateside, the activity is also popular overseas, like in Germany. Other countries around the world celebrate Easter Monday differently. In Australia and the Netherlands, people enjoy outdoor sporting events, like hiking or cycling. In London, there is a big Easter parade in Hyde Park on this day. Hungary's version of the day is called "Ducking Monday," due to an old tradition in which young men would dip their wives or girlfriends into water in order to bless them with good health.

Wherever you are or however you celebrate, one thing's for sure: having an extra day of festivities can't hurt. So for those lucky enough to have the day off, enjoy!

Image: Giphy