Easter Traditions Around the World

Usually, when we think of Easter, we think of finding chocolate eggs, the easter bunny, and the pretty spring flowers. the Easter Bunny and of course springtime. Easter is an important day for Christians all over the world since it is when Jesus is resurrected to defeat evil.

Different countries celebrate this holiday differently. Here are some notable Easter traditions across several countries:

1. Egg Hunt (Many Countries)

Historically, the egg is a traditional symbol of fertility and rebirth. For Christians, Easter eggs also symbolize the empty tomb of Jesus from which he rose again.

The Easter egg hunt is one of the most popular activities for children worldwide. This usually involves decorating chocolate eggs, hiding them around the backyard or another location, and letting the children try to find all of them.

2. Śmigus-dyngus (Poland)

Śmigus-Dyngus, also known as lany poniedziałek (Wet Monday), is a Polish Easter Monday tradition where, to put it simply, people throw water at each other. They may use water guns, water balloons, buckets of water, and more. Since you’ll likely get drenched, make sure to wear waterproof clothes when trying this activity.

This water-filled tradition may date back to the 14th century, but it likely also has pre-Christian origins connected to the March equinox and the arrival of spring. This is because water is a symbol of life and renewal. Some also believe this tradition dates back to fertility rituals. Historical origins aside, Śmigus-Dyngus is more about having fun with others.

3. Murder mysteries (Norway)

Norwegians like to read and watch crime stories (påskekrims). They are usually the talk of the town in the days leading up to Easter. These stories become solved crime cases by Monday. This “Easter crime” tradition is unique to Norwegians, as no other country celebrates the sacred holiday by focusing on mysteries, murders, and violence. Around this time of the year, bookstores in Norway also carry more crime novels than chocolate bunnies or Easter candies.

4. Fireworks & Burning Effigies (Greece)

In Greece, Easter is considered especially sacred. With over 80% of the population belonging to the Eastern Orthodox Church, Greeks celebrate the holy day with fireworks, but different parts of the country have different traditions too.

On the island of Spetses, midnight fireworks at all of the churches mark the transition from Saturday to Easter Sunday.

In the main square of Kounoupitsa in the afternoon, residents carry out what is called the burning of Judas. This is where an effigy of Judas Iscariot, the traitorous disciple of Christ, is burned.

5. Colourful Kites (Bermuda)

For the people of Bermuda, Easter is a colourful affair. People celebrate the holiday by crafting and flying kites together, creating a beautiful display in the sky.

6. Silent Church Bells (Netherlands, Belgium, and France)

In the Netherlands, Belgium, and France, church bells go completely silent one day before Easter to signal a time of mourning. It is said that the church bells fly off to Rome during this time. When the bells return on Easter, they are believed to bring back chocolate eggs for the children to find.

In France, when the bells come back, people celebrate by taking to the streets and hugging and kissing people they know.

7. Bread Arches (Italy)

Italy has deep religious roots, a rich history, and many cherished traditions. It’s no different for Easter. Their most Easter unique tradition takes place in the small Sicilian town of San Biagio Platani, Agrigento. It is called archi di pasqua (bread arches of Easter), which dates back in the 18th century and was recorded for the first time in 1776. For this tradition, two groups, the Signurara(Jesus Christ devotees) and Madunnara (Virgin Mary devotees), decorate the town’s main street with large, elaborate archways, domes, bell towers, and other structures using bread, willow, fennel, asparagus, bay leaf, cereals, river reeds, rosemary, dates, and more. The shape is to mimic the inside of a cathedral and represent the joyful reunion of Virgin Mary and her son Jesus.

What Are Your Easter Traditions?

These are just some of the fascinating Easter traditions around the world. How do you celebrate Easter in your country? Tell us in the comments section. Happy Easter!