Easter Traditions Around the World
While researching this article, I became fascinated with the ways Christians around the world celebrate the sacred Easter holiday. Although I couldn’t fit them all in, I selected several unique traditions from different continents and countries I believed would be interesting.
The Holy Land. The sacrifice of Christ’s death and the miracle of His resurrection happened in the Holy Land, so this is where I began. Unfortunately, due to the unrest in the Holy Land, Easter processions and celebrations have been impacted. But fortunately, just as Christ rose from the dead, there’s hope for brighter days ahead.
Here is an excerpt from Pope Francis’s 2024 Easter message to those living in or traveling to the Holy Land: “Easter, the heart of our faith, is all the more significant for you who celebrate this feast in the very places where our Lord lived, died and rose again.” The following is a link to the full text:
Full Text: Pope Francis’ Easter message to the Catholics in the Holy Land | America Magazine
Africa. The unique ways Easter is celebrated in African countries are as vast as the continent itself, but there are some similarities. With millions of practicing Christians living on this continent, the most important part of Easter Sunday is the church service. Traditional cuisine is a special way individual countries celebrate this holiest of holy days. Dishes may depend upon the location of a city or a village. In areas of Africa, just like the United States, Easter eggs are symbols of new life.
The Philippines. As a deeply devout Christian country rooted in faith and tradition, Easter Sunday marks the highlight of Holy Week in the Philippines. Faithful Filipinos attend Easter Sunday church services to celebrate the resurrection of Our Lord. Afterwards, they participate in festivities, such as colorful Easter egg hunts with young ones and then go to family get togethers, which include feasting on specially prepared traditional meals.
Bermuda. On Good Friday, the Kite Festival in Bermuda is held in Horseshoe Bay. According to this tradition, kite flying on Good Friday started decades ago when a teacher used a kite to demonstrate to her students the ascension of Jesus after His crucifixion and resurrection from the dead. The festival continues with awards presented for the largest, smallest, and most beautiful kites. Bermuda is also famous for its gorgeous Easter lilies.
Below is a link to a colorful Easter butterfly kite.
Mexico. As a deeply spiritual country, Mexico holds Holy Week ceremonies to honor the country’s faith and culture. On Good Friday, Christians dress up in traditional clothing in processions to follow the Way of The Cross. In Mexico City, in a depiction of the reenactment of the Passion of Christ, the actor who plays Jesus wears a crown of thorns as he carries a cross. Burning an effigy of Judas takes place in some villages. After Easter Sunday church services, families serve popular traditional Mexican meals and then eat sweets such as bread pudding and empanadas.
Europe. A common tradition in Europe is an Easter lamb cake, which is a savory dessert that originated in Germany. It is also served in: the Czech Republic, France, Italy, and parts of the United States. This simple white cake with white icing is baked in a lamb-shaped mold and is believed to represent Jesus Christ as the sacrificial lamb.
Germany. This area of the Midwest has a history of a large population of Germans immigrants. Because of this, there might be interest in the traditional German Easter egg tree, called the Ostereierbaum. These trees are also a tradition in: Austria, Poland, the Czech Republic, and parts of Switzerland. Trees and bushes are decorated with festive colored egg ornaments. I’ve seen a few in front yards while driving through St. Charles County. Below is a photo of an indoor Easter egg tree.
Norway. During the extended Easter vacation in Norway, many citizens head for the mountains to relax. But there is a peculiar tradition known as påskekrim, or Easter Crime. Some folks retreat to cabins and read crime novels or watch thrillers. This phenomenon started in 1923 when a publisher wanted to increase sales of a novel. Another more customary, and lovely, Easter tradition is Norway’s celebration of spring. Yellow is their traditional spring color, and eggs and chickens are Easter symbols. Many Norwegians decorate their homes with yellow candles, daffodils, and tulips. Some families eat eggs or chickens on Easter. Children are often given stuffed toy chickens as gifts.
6 Inch Small Yellow Chick Plush Toys Chicken Stuffed Toys (Yellow) - Search Shopping
If you are looking for children’s gifts for the Alleluia Baskets, a kite or a toy chick might be nice. Flying kites could also be a fun activity with your family during spring or after church on Easter Sunday.
Until next time, I remain Your Sister in Christ.