5 Easter-related expressions

Translated with AI

Since Easter is approaching, in today’s article, I want to introduce you to some Easter-themed expressions, usable every day of the year. So, if you’re curious and want to deepen your knowledge of the Italian language, keep reading the following lines! :)

As you know, I really enjoy writing articles inspired by events that take place throughout the year; and once again, I’ve decided to make the most of the Easter season.

In previous years, I’ve covered various events and traditions associated with this period: the processions, Easter Day itself, the food… This year, however, I’ve decided to focus on the Italian language, taking you on a journey to discover some Easter-related expressions—or rather, sayings that include the word ‘Pasqua’ or refer to it.

The most interesting thing about these phrases is that they can be used throughout the year, not just on Easter Day or during the Easter period.

So, let’s dive into this explanation without further delay.

1. Essere felice come una Pasqua

Literally translated as “To be as happy as Easter”.

A very famous phrase that every Italian has said at least once in their life. It’s a phrase that, as often happens in Italian, has its roots in religious tradition and means to be extremely happy, overjoyed.

Easter is indeed a moment of great joy, during which Jesus rises and the austerity of Lent comes to an end. So, when you hear an Italian say:

• Sono felice come una Pasqua! = I am very happy!

Be glad for that person, because they are truly experiencing a wonderful time.

2. Fare le pulizie di Pasqua

Literally translated as “To do the Easter cleaning”.

A widespread Italian expression that means to clean the house from top to bottom, doing a more detailed cleaning than the usual daily chores. It could be translated into English as “to do Spring cleaning”.

3. Natale con i tuoi e Pasqua con chi vuoi

Translated as “Christmas with your family, and Easter with whoever you want”.

This is a proverb that comes from popular wisdom. Its origin seems to lie in the fact that when a woman got married, it was customary to spend the Christmas holidays, and of course Christmas Day, with her husband’s family rather than her own.

Another hypothesis seems to be related to the weather and temperatures. At Christmas, the cold keeps people at home with their families, while at Easter, with milder weather, people are more likely to go out and about.

• • A. Mi piacerebbe andare andare a trovare i miei amici durante le feste, ma non mi va di abbandonare la mia famiglia proprio nel periodo di Natale. 
  • B. Dai, temporeggia un po’! Come dice il proverbio “Natale con i tuoi e Pasqua con chi vuoi”.

• • A. I would like to visit my friends during the holidays, but I don’t feel like leaving my family at Christmas time.
  • B. Come on, take your time! As the proverb says, “Christmas with your family, and Easter with whoever you want”.

4. Portare la croce

Literally translated as “to carry the cross”. 

This expression doesn’t include the word Easter, but it refers to a moment connected to it: the Passion of Christ, during which he was forced to carry the cross on his shoulders, the cross on which he would later be crucified.

Therefore, saying:

• Ognuno ha la propria croce = Everyone has their own cross, or
• Ognuno deve portare la sua croce = Everyone must carry their own cross,

means accepting the negative things that happen in life with resignation.

For example:

• Laura odia il proprio lavoro, ma mi ha detto che per il benessere della sua famiglia continuerà a portare quella croce.
• Laura hates her job, but she told me that for the sake of her family, she will continue to bear her own cross.

5. Venire come la Pasqua in domenica

Literal translated as “To come like Easter on Sunday”.

The last expression in this article, “Venire come la Pasqua in domenica”, is used when something always happens at the right moment, just like Easter always falls on a Sunday, without exception.

Here’s an example:”

Conclusion

In this article, I talked about 5 Easter-themed expressions that are worth memorizing because they can be used all year round, not just at Easter, just like I explained a while ago when I talked about “trendy” expressions.

If you’d like, let me know if these phrases are completely new to you or if you’re already familiar with them. And I recommend trying to use them in your Italian conversations whenever possible.

I’m sure they’ll help you make a great impression! :)

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Listen to this episode in Italian. Find the script here!