Easter is a Religious celebration that commemorates Jesus Christ’s resurrection. It is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox, which is about March 21. It is being observed this year on April 9th. Easter is observed in a variety of ways across the globe, with each culture having its own set of customs and history.
THE HISTORY OF EASTER TRADITIONS AROUND THE WORLD
Decorating And Searching For Eggs
This custom is widely practiced in many nations, including the United States, Germany, and Australia. The egg denotes fresh life and rebirth, and it represents Jesus Christ’s resurrection. Decorating eggs with vivid colors, patterns, and designs is a way to mark the beginning of a new season. In many countries, children go on Easter egg hunts to look for hidden eggs and goodies.
Bread for Easter
Easter bread is a staple meal during the Easter festival in several European nations. Tsoureki, a delicious braided bread with crimson eggs on top that symbolizes Christ’s blood, is popular in Greece. Colomba Pasquale, a dove-shaped bread with candied fruit and almonds that signifies peace and regeneration, is popular in Italy.
Easter Fireworks
Easter bonfires are lighted the night before Easter Sunday in certain countries, including Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. The fire is thought to symbolise the triumph of light over darkness, and its warmth and brightness are said to reflect the hope and joy of the resurrection.
Holy Week Parades
During Holy Week, several Catholic nations, like Spain, Mexico, and the Philippines, have extravagant processions running up to Easter Sunday. Participants in these processions often wear traditional dress and carry sculptures of the Virgin Mary and Jesus, as well as candles or flowers.
Kites are traditionally flown on Easter Sunday in various nations, such as Bermuda and Guyana. This is said to have evolved from a ritual in which people flew kites to represent Christ’s ascent into heaven.
Witches of Easter
In Sweden, it is customary for youngsters to dress up as Easter witches, complete with colorful costumes and face paint. Kids walk door to door, exchanging sketches and paintings for candy and treats. This custom is thought to have evolved from a notion that witches would fly to a mountain on Maundy Thursday to see the devil before returning home on Easter Sunday.
