As we enter the Easter period, let's take a look at its meaning and traditions.
Easter is the most important festival in the Christian calendar. Christians believe, according to the Bible, that Jesus came back to _1_, or was raised from the dead, three days after his death on the cross. It is said that Jesus _2_ on Good Friday and rose from the dead on Easter Sunday.
Easter Day is always on a Sunday but the date _3_ unlike Christmas, which is always on 25 December.
Before Christianity Europeans worshipped the Goddess of Spring, _4_ name was 'Eostre'. They thought she brought the sun back to life every year after it died in the winter.
There are many Easter customs _5_ eggs. Giving children chocolate eggs is popular, so is parents hiding chocolate eggs in the garden for children to find. In many countries children are given hard boiled eggs _6_ decorate. Eggs are a good metaphor for new life.
The Easter Bunny is a mythical rabbit that gives chocolate eggs to good children. The _7_ of why a rabbit is associated with Easter are unclear, but the legend has been around _8_ hundreds of years.
Choose the correct missing words to complete the text:
