Easter Day 2026 – customs and traditions. What is not good to do on the first day of Easter
Orthodox Christians celebrate Easter today, the most important holiday in the Orthodox calendar, which marks the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter Day is marked by a series of rules and customs, each with a special charge.
On Easter morning, tradition says that it is good to wash your face with clean water, poured into a new mug, in which you put a red egg, a white egg, a silver penny and a blade of green grass. Each of these symbols is related to health, purity, prosperity and growth.
It is also good to wear at least one new article of clothing this morning. This gesture symbolizes the purification and renewal of the spirit with the Resurrection of the Lord.
Before any other dish on the festive table, Easter is eaten: Anafura, the bread sprinkled with wine consecrated in the church on the night of the Resurrection.
Also, at the Easter table, the clash of eggs is the most widespread custom. The formula “Christ is risen!” is used, to which the answer is “He is truly risen!”. It is said that those who crash eggs together will find themselves in the other world.
From this morning until the Ascension (for 40 days), the usual greeting is replaced by “Christ is risen!”, which is answered with “He is truly risen!”.
What is not good to do on the first day of Easter
It is said that on Easter morning it is not good to sleep, because you will be sleepy and without energy all year.
Also, there is no work today. It is the most important prohibition. No laundry, no ironing, no sweeping and no cleaning.
“On this day, it is recommended to avoid household chores. Activities such as laundry, ironing or cleaning should be finished before Easter, so that the Resurrection moment can be fully dedicated to the celebration. Also, conflicts and tense discussions should be avoided. Easter is a day of harmony and reconciliation, and gestures of patience and kindness help to maintain peace in the family. The faithful are encouraged to participate to services and to spend time with their loved ones”, explained priest Dan Damaschin, for Digi24.ro.
Tradition also says that it is not good to give money or items from the house on the first day of Easter, because it is believed that this way you give your luck and increase in the household.
We don't even go to the cemetery today. The first day of Easter is dedicated exclusively to the joy of the Resurrection and the living. Visits to the graves are usually made on the second day of Easter or All Souls' Day.
