90 Surprising Facts and Traditions About Easter Celebrations Around the World

Discover the fascinating world of Easter celebrations around the globe with these 90 surprising facts and traditions. From Easter lilies to Polish soup, this article explores the diverse and unique ways in which people commemorate this ancient holiday.

1. The name “Easter” comes from the Old English word “Ēastre,” which was the name of a pagan spring festival.
2. The Easter Bunny is not mentioned in the Bible and is believed to have originated in Germany in the 16th century.
3. Easter is the oldest Christian holiday, dating back to the second century A.D.
4. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, Easter is called Pascha, which means “Passover.”
5. In many countries, including the United States, Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox.
6. The tradition of eating chocolate eggs at Easter began in the 19th century.
7. The custom of painting and decorating eggs dates back to ancient times.
8. In Greece, it is traditional to dye eggs red to symbolize the blood of Christ.
9. The Easter Lily is a symbol of new life and resurrection.
10. The custom of wearing new clothes on Easter dates back to ancient times.
11. The song “Here Comes Peter Cottontail” was written in 1949 and has since become a popular Easter song.
12. The White House Easter Egg Roll has been held annually since 1878.
13. In some cultures, it is customary to eat lamb on Easter to symbolize the sacrifice of Jesus.
14. In Bermuda, it is traditional to fly kites on Good Friday.
15. The custom of giving Easter baskets filled with candy and toys originated in Germany in the 17th century.
16. In some cultures, it is customary to hold a parade on Easter, such as the New York City Easter Parade.
17. The tradition of the Easter egg hunt dates back to the 18th century.
18. In many countries, including the United States, hot cross buns are a traditional Easter food.
19. In Poland, it is traditional to make a sweet bread called babka for Easter.
20. The tradition of the Easter bonnet dates back to the 19th century.
21. In France, it is traditional to eat a cake called a “gâteau de Pâques” for Easter.
22. In Finland, it is traditional to burn bonfires on Easter Sunday.
23. In Bulgaria, it is traditional to exchange decorated eggs on Easter.
24. In Italy, it is traditional to eat a sweet bread called Colomba di Pasqua for Easter.
25. In some cultures, it is customary to light candles on Easter to symbolize the resurrection of Jesus.
26. The custom of giving Easter cards dates back to the 19th century.
27. In some cultures, it is customary to play practical jokes on Easter, similar to April Fools’ Day.
28. In Australia, it is traditional to eat chocolate bilbies instead of Easter bunnies to promote awareness of the endangered marsupial.
29. The tradition of the Easter parade dates back to the mid-1800s.
30. In the Czech Republic, it is traditional to braid a special type of bread called mazanec for Easter.
31. In some cultures, it is customary to attend a sunrise service on Easter to symbolize the resurrection of Jesus.
32. In Spain, it is traditional to eat a sweet bread called “Mona de Pascua” for Easter.
33. In the Philippines, it is traditional to have a procession called the “Salubong” on Easter Sunday.
34. In Sweden, it is traditional to eat a dish called “Påskmust,” a type of soda, for Easter.
35. The custom of giving Easter eggs filled with treats dates back to the 18th century.
36. In some cultures, it is customary to hold a vigil on Easter Eve to symbolize the waiting and anticipation of Christ’s resurrection.
37. The tradition of the Easter Bunny bringing gifts and treats dates back to the 1700s.
38. In Mexico, it is traditional to celebrate Semana Santa, or Holy Week, with processions and reenactments of the Passion of Christ.
39. In Ethiopia, Easter is known as Fasika and is celebrated with a special type of bread called Dabo.
40. The custom of giving Easter lilies as gifts began in the early 20th century.
41. In Ukraine, it is traditional to decorate eggs using a wax-resist method called pysanky.
42. In England, it is traditional to eat a dish called “roast lamb with mint sauce” for Easter.
43. In some cultures, it is customary to decorate Easter trees with ornaments and eggs.
44. In Brazil, it is traditional to eat a dish called “bacalhau,” or salt cod, on Good Friday.
45. In Romania, it is traditional to paint eggs with natural dyes made from onion skins and other plants.
46. The tradition of the Easter egg roll at the White House began in 1878 with President Rutherford B. Hayes.
47. In some cultures, it is customary to have a communal meal or feast on Easter Sunday.
48. In Germany, it is traditional to make a sweet bread called “Osterbrot” for Easter.
49. In some cultures, it is customary to attend a passion play, which reenacts the events leading up to Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection.
50. In Poland, it is traditional to make a soup called “zurek” for Easter.
51. In some cultures, it is customary to light bonfires on Easter to symbolize the victory of light over darkness.
52. In Russia, it is traditional to make a sweet bread called “kulich” for Easter.
53. In some cultures, it is customary to fast or abstain from certain foods during the Lenten season leading up to Easter.
54. In Finland, it is traditional to decorate birch twigs with colorful feathers and hang them on doors for Easter.
55. In some cultures, it is customary to perform acts of charity and give to the poor during the Easter season.
56. In Greece, it is traditional to break red-dyed eggs in a game called “tsougrisma” to symbolize Christ’s resurrection.
57. In some cultures, it is customary to have a communal dance or festival on Easter Sunday.
58. In Lithuania, it is traditional to make a special type of cake called “varškės sūrelis” for Easter.
59. In some cultures, it is customary to attend a vigil or prayer service on Easter Saturday.
60. In Hungary, it is traditional to sprinkle water or perfume on women on Easter Monday to symbolize the renewal of life.
61. In some cultures, it is customary to wear new clothes on Easter Sunday as a symbol of new beginnings.
62. In Spain, it is traditional to eat a dish called “torrijas” for Easter, which is similar to French toast.
63. In some cultures, it is customary to give gifts of flowers, such as tulips or daffodils, for Easter.
64. In Austria, it is traditional to light Easter fires on mountaintops to symbolize the end of winter.
65. In some cultures, it is customary to hold a ceremonial washing of the feet on Holy Thursday, in remembrance of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples.
66. In Ireland, it is traditional to eat a dish called “coddle” for Easter, which is a stew made with bacon, sausage, and potatoes.
67. In some cultures, it is customary to make a special type of bread or cake for Easter, such as the Italian “panettone” or the Greek “tsoureki.”
68. In Croatia, it is traditional to make a dish called “pinca,” a sweet bread with raisins and almonds, for Easter.
69. In some cultures, it is customary to give gifts of Easter candles, which are lit during the Easter season.
70. In Germany, it is traditional to make a type of bread called “osterzopf” for Easter, which is braided and decorated with eggs.
71. In some cultures, it is customary to hold a special church service on Maundy Thursday, in remembrance of Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples.
72. In Sweden, it is traditional to make a type of pastry called “semla” for Easter, which is filled with almond paste and whipped cream.
73. In some cultures, it is customary to hold a special procession on Good Friday, in remembrance of Jesus’ journey to the cross.
74. In Denmark, it is traditional to make a type of bread called “vandbakkelse” for Easter, which is made with choux pastry and filled with cream.
75. In some cultures, it is customary to make a special type of cheese for Easter, such as the Norwegian “Gudbrandsdalsost” or the Greek “kefalotyri.”
76. In the United States, it is traditional to eat a type of cake called “carrot cake” for Easter, which is made with grated carrots and cream cheese frosting.
77. In some cultures, it is customary to make a special type of wine for Easter, such as the Italian “vino di pasqua” or the Portuguese “vinho doce.”
78. In Russia, it is traditional to make a type of cake called “pashka” for Easter, which is made with cottage cheese, raisins, and candied fruit.
79. In some cultures, it is customary to make a special type of soup for Easter, such as the Polish “barszcz” or the Greek “avgolemono.”
80. In Latvia, it is traditional to make a type of bread called “pīrāgi” for Easter, which is filled with bacon and onion.
81. In some cultures, it is customary to make a special type of pudding for Easter, such as the English “spotted dick” or the Indian “payasam.”
82. In Norway, it is traditional to make a type of bread called “påskebrød” for Easter, which is made with cardamom and raisins.
83. In some cultures, it is customary to make a special type of stew for Easter, such as the Hungarian “tokaji leves” or the Romanian “drob de miel.”
84. In Lithuania, it is traditional to make a type of pudding called “kisielius” for Easter, which is made with cranberries or other berries.
85. In some cultures, it is customary to make a special type of sausage for Easter, such as the German “osterschinken” or the Polish “kiełbasa.”
86. In Slovenia, it is traditional to make a type of bread called “potica” for Easter, which is filled with nuts and honey.
87. In some cultures, it is customary to make a special type of dumpling for Easter, such as the Slovak “hrudka” or the Czech “mazanec.”
88. In Belgium, it is traditional to make a type of bread called “cougnou” for Easter, which is shaped like a baby Jesus.
89. In some cultures, it is customary to make a special type of pie for Easter, such as the American “pecan pie” or the French “tarte tropézienne.”
90. In Poland, it is traditional to make a type of soup called “zurek” for Easter, which is made with sour rye flour and sausage.