Easter Traditions Around The World

Bermuda: The day preceding Easter, Good Friday, is celebrated by flying home-made kites. This tradition began when a teacher used a kite to explain the concept of resurrection of Jesus to his Sunday school class.

Areas of Northwestern Europe: Easter Sunday and Monday is observed by lighting large bonfires, which are also called Easter Fires. It originally began as a way to chase the winter away but now it has found its purpose in bringing communities together.

Sweden: This tradition is similar to Halloween as Swedish children dress up as Easter witches and walk around their neighbourhoods. The twist to this Halloween-like tradition is they trade artwork for candy.

Haux, France: Easter Monday in Haux is celebrated in a unique way. Legend has it more than 4,500 eggs are used to feed up to 1,000 people.

Australia, United Kingdom, United States: If you are in any of these countries for Easter, you can witness the beautiful Easter bonnet parades. Bunny ears, chicken eggs, chocolate, or flowers are just some of the regular bonnet embellishments.

Florence, Italy: The locals keep this 350-year-old Easter tradition alive by gathering for a display of fireworks. People dress in 15th century costumes and gather around an ornate cart packed with fireworks to participate in the tradition.

Corfu (Greek Island): Traditionally called ‘pot throwing’, Greek people observe Easter by throwing pots, pans, and other earthenware filled with water out of their windows on the streets. Some believe throwing pots welcomes the Spring season, symbolising the new crops that will be gathered in the new pots.

Czech: Czech boys tie ribbons to a willow branch whip and gently ‘whip’ girls to wish them good luck and health. Some women are against this tradition, but some regard it as an important piece of folklore and culture.

Norway: Easter in Norway is popularly known as a day to cosy up in a cabin, ski and read crime novels (or indulge in watching crime shows). It is said that the tradition started in 1923 when a book publisher promoted its crime novel on the front pages of newspapers.

Papua New Guinea: On Easter Sunday, trees and branches outside churches in Papua New Guinea are adorned with packs of tobacco and cigarettes. These packs of tobacco are then given to congregants after church services.