Easter customs vary across different cultures and countries, but many of them have their roots in the Christian tradition. Here are some popular Easter customs from around the world:
- Easter Eggs: Decorating and hunting for Easter eggs is a common custom in many countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The tradition of decorating eggs dates back to ancient times, and it is believed that eggs symbolize new life and rebirth. In some countries, it is common to dye eggs using natural dyes or paints, while in others, people create intricately designed eggs using wax-resist techniques, like pysanky in Ukraine.
- Easter Bunny: The Easter Bunny is a popular character in many Western countries, particularly in the United States, Canada, and Australia. It is said to bring decorated eggs and gifts to children on Easter morning. The origins of the Easter Bunny can be traced back to German folklore, where it was known as the “Osterhase” or “Easter hare.”
- Holy Week Processions: In predominantly Catholic countries, such as Spain, Portugal, and some Latin American nations, elaborate processions take place during Holy Week (the week leading up to Easter). These processions often feature ornate floats and statues depicting scenes from the Passion of Christ and are accompanied by marching bands and penitents wearing traditional clothing.
- Easter Foods: Many countries have special dishes and treats associated with Easter. For example, in Italy, Colomba di Pasqua, a dove-shaped sweet bread, is a traditional Easter dessert. In Greece, people often enjoy tsoureki, a braided sweet bread flavored with orange and spices, and in the United Kingdom, hot cross buns, spiced sweet buns with a cross on top, are a popular Easter treat.
- Semana Santa: In many Latin American countries, Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is marked by various religious and cultural events, including processions, reenactments of the Passion of Christ, and other community celebrations.
- Easter Vigil: The Easter Vigil, also known as the Great Vigil of Easter, is a Christian liturgical service held in the late hours of the night on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday. The vigil usually consists of several parts, including the lighting of the Paschal candle, the chanting of the Exsultet, readings from the Old Testament, and the celebration of the Eucharist.
- Easter Bonnets: In some countries, particularly the United States and the United Kingdom, it is customary for people to wear new clothes or create elaborate hats and bonnets for Easter celebrations. This tradition is said to symbolize the renewal and fresh start that the spring season brings.
- Święconka: In Poland, the tradition of Święconka involves families bringing baskets of food to church on Holy Saturday to be blessed by the priest. The baskets usually contain eggs, sausages, bread, salt, and other traditional foods, which are then shared among family members on Easter Sunday.
- Pace Egg Plays: In the United Kingdom, particularly in rural areas of Northern England, Pace Egg Plays are performed during the Easter period. These are traditional folk plays featuring characters such as St George, the Black Prince, and the Doctor. The performers, known as Pace Eggers, often wear distinctive costumes and collect money for charity as they perform in various locations.
- Maundy Thursday: In the UK, Maundy Thursday is the day before Good Friday and commemorates Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples. The British monarch traditionally takes part in the Royal Maundy Service, during which specially minted Maundy coins are distributed to a select group of elderly recipients as a symbolic gesture of humility and service.
- Flying Kites: In Bermuda, it is a longstanding Easter tradition to fly kites on Good Friday. The kites are often handmade and brightly coloured, with intricate designs. This custom is said to symbolise the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven.
- Egg Rolling: In the United Kingdom and some other countries, egg rolling is a popular Easter custom. This tradition involves rolling hard-boiled, decorated eggs down a slope or a grassy hill, with the aim of seeing whose egg goes the furthest without breaking. The custom is thought to symbolise the stone being rolled away from Jesus’ tomb.
- Water Splashing: In Hungary, the Easter custom of “locsolkodás” involves young men playfully sprinkling water or perfume on young women. This tradition, which takes place on Easter Monday, is said to have roots in pre-Christian fertility rites and is now considered a fun and light-hearted way to celebrate the holiday.
- Emmaus Walk: In the Czech Republic and Slovakia, the tradition of Emmaus Walk, or “Emauzy,” takes place on Easter Monday. During this event, people participate in a festive procession to a local church or monastery, often dressed in traditional costumes. The procession commemorates the biblical story of Jesus’ appearance to two disciples on the road to Emmaus after his resurrection.
- Haux Omelette: In the town of Haux in France, a giant omelette is prepared and served to the public on Easter Monday. This tradition is said to have originated with Napoleon, who, after enjoying an omelette in the town, ordered that a huge one be made for his soldiers. Nowadays, the event sees local chefs and volunteers cook an omelette using thousands of eggs in a massive pan in the town square.
- Scoppio del Carro: In Florence, Italy, the “Scoppio del Carro,” or “Explosion of the Cart,” is a unique Easter tradition. On Easter Sunday, a decorated ox-drawn cart filled with fireworks is led through the city to the Piazza del Duomo. During the Easter Mass, a dove-shaped rocket is ignited and sent towards the cart, setting off a spectacular fireworks display. This centuries-old custom is believed to bring good fortune and a successful harvest.
- Pot Throwing: In the Greek island of Corfu, a unique Easter tradition called “Botides” takes place on Holy Saturday morning. People throw clay pots, pitchers, and other earthenware from their balconies and windows onto the streets below, smashing them into pieces. The custom is thought to symbolise the breaking of the old and welcoming the new, as well as being a way to ward off evil spirits.
- Easter Fires: In the Netherlands and parts of Germany, it is a tradition to light large bonfires, known as “Easter Fires” or “Paasvuren,” on Easter Sunday or Easter Monday. This custom has pre-Christian origins and was initially associated with the celebration of the spring equinox. Today, the fires are a festive event, often accompanied by music, dancing, and socializing.
- Witches and Easter: In Sweden and Finland, an Easter tradition involves children dressing up as witches and going door-to-door, similar to Halloween in other countries. They often carry decorated willow branches and exchange them for sweets or small change. This custom is linked to the old belief that witches would fly to a mythical mountain called Blåkulla on Maundy Thursday to consort with the devil.
- Lambades: In Greece, it is a tradition to light a candle called a “lambada” during the midnight Easter service. The lambada is often elaborately decorated with ribbons, flowers, and other ornaments, and is given as a gift to godchildren by their godparents. The candles are lit from the priest’s Paschal candle, representing the light of Christ’s resurrection.
- Crucifixion Reenactments: In the Philippines, some devout Catholics participate in reenactments of Jesus’ crucifixion as a form of penance or to seek blessings. This extreme and controversial custom, called “Senákulo,” sees participants carrying heavy crosses, self-flagellating, and even undergoing voluntary crucifixion on Good Friday.
- Blessing of Animals: In some regions of Spain, such as the town of Elche, a unique Easter custom called the “Blessing of the Animals” takes place on Easter Monday. During this event, people bring their pets and livestock to the church to be blessed by a priest in a ceremony thought to ensure the animals’ health and well-being for the coming year.
These examples highlight the rich diversity of Easter customs and traditions that can be found across the globe.
- mals’ health and well-being for the coming year.