Australia isn't overly religious. The world's major religions are all represented. And there's a clear pattern of decline in attendance at traditional churches and a growth of Christian, evangelical churches.
But that doesn't stop Easter.
In America the pumpkins aren't even carved when Christmas decorations appear. Here in Australia you can be buying the finishing touches for your Christmas dinner when Easter chocolates appear near the cash register. By late February every retail store has a massive display of chocolates.
Not ordinary chocolates - here the emphasis is on varietals. M&M Easter eggs. Tim Tam collector sets. The Simpson's have an egg out. Rocky Road, Violet Crumble, Dark, White, Milk, Butter crunch, Marzipan - every type, variety, shape and size is available.
The weekend of Easter includes two public holidays - Good Friday and Easter Monday. On the Friday it's hard to find a chemist or grocer open. It is the quietest day of the entire year.
I'm not sure shy the nation goes goo-goo for Easter. Ideas? Historic rationale? Insights? Help me crack this egg....
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