15 Unique Easter Traditions from Around the World
You've probably never heard of some of these!
Every year, people across America embrace beloved, time-honored Easter traditions like opening Easter baskets, attending song-filled church services, and hosting egg hunts for the whole family. But have you ever wondered how Easter is celebrated in other countries? We've rounded up some of the most unique Easter traditions around the world to encourage you to adopt a new one–or even simply brush up on your Easter trivia facts. From the picturesque beaches of Bermuda, where kites dance in the skies on Good Friday, to the cobbled streets of Florence, Italy, where ancient carts burst into dazzling fireworks, these traditions are sure to inspire you.
Be sure to bring your appetite for these Easter activities, too, because some of them involve mouthwatering food and treats, like roasted lamb, hot cross buns, and chocolate bilbies (instead of bunnies)! We've also included some American traditions, like donning a pretty Easter bonnet decked out in ribbons and flowers or participating in an egg-stra fun Easter egg roll. Browse this list, pick one or two of your favorites and incorporate them into your holiday celebrations this year and beyond.
Dress Up in Costumes
Can't wait until October to go trick-or-treating again? In Sweden, children dress up as Easter witches, called Påskkärringar, and exchange handmade drawings or paintings for candies, similar to Halloween in the U.S.
Eat Roasted Lamb
In Greece, it's tradition to eat roast lamb on Easter Sunday and celebrate with family gatherings and feasts. This dish symbolizes Jesus Christ's sacrifice for the sins of the world.
Have a Water Fight
On Easter Monday in Poland, people engage in water fights and douse each other with water, a playful tradition believed to bring good luck and fertility.
Dine On Hot Cross Buns
In New Zealand, Australia, the U.S., the U.K., and a few other countries around the world, hot cross buns are a popular Easter treat. In fact, Ree's mom used to make them for her when she was a little girl, and she carries on the tradition today!
Make a Giant Omelet
Every year, the residents of the town of Bessières in southwest France celebrate Easter Monday by cooking an omelette big enough to feed 2,000 people. Crowds gather in the streets to watch the giant omelette being made from thousands of eggs.
Read Crime Novels
Fans of murder mystery books will love this one! Norwegians embrace crime novels and detective stories during Easter, turning it into a "crime novel holiday" where people read mysteries and watch crime dramas.
Eat Chocolate Bilbies
Trade in your chocolate bunnies for bilbies this year! In an effort to raise awareness about endangered species, Australians promote chocolate bilbies instead of bunnies, contributing to wildlife conservation.
Attend a Parade
During Holy Week in Spain, people participate in elaborate parades and processions featuring religious sculptures, marching bands, and intricate rituals. This tradition, known as Semana Santa, is especially popular in cities like Seville.
Eat Mämmi
Add this to your list of Easter desserts to try this year! In Finland, people enjoy a traditional Easter dessert called Mämmi, a sweet malted rye pudding often served with milk or cream.
Sprinkle Perfume
In Hungary on Easter Monday, it's tradition for men to sprinkle women with perfume or cologne. This custom is believed to bring good fortune and beauty.
Set Off Fireworks
During Easter Sunday festivities in Florence, an antique cart filled with fireworks is ignited, symbolizing a good harvest and warding off bad luck. Talk about celebrating Easter with a bang!
Roll Easter Eggs
In the U.K. and the U.S., rolling Easter eggs down a hill is a popular tradition. Participants decorate hard-boiled eggs and then roll them down a slope, with the egg that travels farthest without breaking declared the winner. It's even an annual event at the White House, dating back to 1878.
Fly a Kite
Bermudans celebrate Easter by crafting traditional Bermuda kites and flying them on Good Friday. This tradition represents the ascent of Jesus into heaven and fosters a sense of community.
Wear an Easter Bonnet
The tradition of wearing Easter bonnets in the United States dates back to the 19th century and became especially popular in the 20th century. Women craft elaborate and decorative hats, often adorned with flowers and ribbons, to wear to Easter church services and parades as a symbol of renewal and birth.
Light a Bonfire
In Austria, people celebrate Holy Saturday night by lighting bonfires on hillsides. This tradition symbolizes the end of winter and the triumph of light over darkness.
Tierney McAfee is a freelance writer and Country Living and The Pioneer Woman contributor who covers entertainment, holiday & entertaining, food & drinks, design ideas, DIY, and more.
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