Easter is a holiday that is celebrated all around the world, but not everyone celebrates it in the same way. From the United States to Sweden, and from Brazil to Bulgaria, different countries have different ways of marking this special occasion. Some Easter traditions are well-known, like egg hunts and painting eggs, but there are also many unusual customs that you may have never heard of. Here are 10 of the most fascinating and unusual Easter traditions from around the globe.
Easter Traditions Around the World
Easter is one of the most celebrated holidays worldwide, with its roots in Christianity. However, over the years, the traditions surrounding the holiday have evolved, taking on different meanings and being celebrated differently across cultures. From water fights in Poland, to kite-flying in Bermuda, to crime-solving in Norway, there’s no shortage of unique and unexpected ways to celebrate this holiday. Here is a look at some of the most interesting Easter traditions from around the world.
Poland: Smigus-Dyngus
If you’re up for getting wet during Easter, then Poland might be the place for you. Known as ‘Wet Monday’, Poles pour water on each other as a symbol of purification and rebirth. From buckets to water guns, no one is safe from being drenched!
Hungary: Locsolkodás
Hungary’s Locsolkodás is similar to Poland’s Smigus-Dyngus but with a romantic twist. Young men visit the homes of young women they like on Easter Monday and recite a poem or sing them a song before spraying them with perfume or water. In exchange, the women gift them painted Easter eggs.
Bulgaria: A battle of cracks
Bulgarians have taken the ultimate symbol of Easter – eggs – and created a fight out of it. Easter egg fights are common in Bulgaria, and the winner is whoever’s egg remains uncracked at the very end. This tradition is far from a violent fight, with locals decorating boiled eggs with intricate designs before tapping them against each other in a ‘fight’.
Italy: Scoppio del Carro
In Italy, a large antique cart filled with fireworks is pulled through the streets of Florence before being lit in front of the Piazza del Duomo, producing a spectacle for all to witness. A successful cart explosion is believed to bring about good harvest and business to all. The Italians also playfully throw candy and confetti at each other after the display.
United States: They see me rolling
Thanks to President Rutherford B. Hayes, the White House has hosted an annual Easter Egg Roll on its beautiful front lawn since 1878. On this day, children roll eggs across the lawn using wooden spoons, and families are invited to partake in an array of Easter-themed activities.
Australia: Easter Bilby
While most of the world has heard of the Easter Bunny, Australia has an Easter Bilby instead, and for good reason. In Australia, rabbits have caused significant damage to the ecosystem and hence were not a popular choice as the face of Easter. Enter the Bilby, an endangered marsupial with a pointy snout, long ears, and soft fur.
Romania: Face cleanse with a twist
In Romania, people collect their water from a local well on Easter Sunday for face-washing purposes. It is said that the water has cleansing and healing properties that can wash away sins and purify a person, fit for the occasion that is Easter. In some parts, local residents would directly pour water on each other as well!
Norway: Peak time for crime
Reading crime novels might be the last thing on your Easter to-do list, but it is certainly at the top of Norwegians’. This tradition came to be in 1923 when a book publisher promoted crime novels during Easter, and it has endured the test of time to become a Norwegian custom. Now, not only do publishers jump on the wagon to churn out Easter thrillers, but people also tune into crime films during the holiday.
Bermuda: Flying high
When Good Friday comes around, Bermuda skies are filled with handmade kites being flown by locals to symbolise Christ’s ascension. The event has been popularised as the Bermuda Kite Festival, and onlookers can observe kites of all shapes, colours, and sizes. Some are even adorned with messages to stand out.
Corfu: Watch out for flying clay pots
Residents of Corfu practice a tradition known as ‘Botides’, meant to symbolise an earthquake that happened after the Resurrection of Christ. On Holy Saturday, locals will throw clay pots and pans out of their windows and balconies and watch them smash on the ground. This lively and loud practice is believed to ward off evil spirits.
In conclusion, Easter is not just about eggs and bunnies. It is a time for celebrating new beginnings and connecting with one’s culture and traditions. The different ways in which people celebrate Easter around the world illustrate the diversity and creativity of different cultures. From water fights to kite-flying, Easter is always full of surprises.
