Easter Celebrations Around the World

Easter is indeed celebrated in a big way throughout the world. The festival marks not only the resurrection of the holy Jesus Christ but also the beginning of the spring season. In some parts of the world, the occasion is celebrated

in a traditional way. In many European countries, bonfires on the churches and hilltops are arranged on the eve of Easter. In fact, these bonfires are arranged to welcome the spring season. The most important symbols of Easter are eggs and rabbit. Easter celebrations around the world take various forms. But, the underlying theme remains the same””the day marks the resurrection of the holy Christ from the dead.

How Easter is celebrated around the world

Easter celebrations around the World are marked with traditions as well as modernity. The occasion is celebrated in different ways in various parts of the world. Here is the description of Easter celebrations around the world.

Australia
The Australians celebrate the occasion in unique ways. People visit churches as well as exchange eggs. In recent years, Easter bilbies have become very popular in this country. Bilby is an endangered Australian species. In a noble gesture, the chocolate manufacturers in the country, prepare bilby-shaped chocolates during this festive occasion. They donate a part of the profits earned from selling these bilby-shaped chocolates, to help in the conservation drive of these animals. Asise from these the festivity in the country is marked with family celebrations. Children utterly enjoy the egg hunt game. Festive meal containing roast meat and vegetables are prepared on this occasion.

England
In England the festival is celebrated mainly in a conventional way. Easter parades are organized in the country. The fun elements include bonnet competitions, egg hunts and pancake races. Churches are beautifully decorated with flowers on this occasion. Another feature of Easter celebration in the country is the exchange of gifts.

Sweden
Easter in Sweden is known as Paskdagen. In this Scandinavian country, schools are kept closed a week before the Easter. Eggs feature in food and games. Many egg rolling competitions and egg coloring parties are organized in the country. Aside from these, fireworks and bonfires precede the gala celebrations.

Germany
In Germany, this festival is known as Ostern. Generally, holidays are given in the schools in this European country. Dishes of fish are prepared on Good Friday. On the festival day, the parents hide the baskets with eggs, sweets and other gifts. Then they ask the children to find the basket. One popular gift is hand-painted eggs with traditional designs.

Africa
The celebrations are observed in an orthodox way in Africa. Churches are decorated elegantly on this occasion. Trees, flowers and butterfly-shaped clothes are used for decoration. Traditional dances and beating of the drums also mark the occasion.

Mexico
The festival is celebrated over two weeks in Mexico. In many parts of the country, plays such as the Last Supper, the Judgement, the Betrayal, the Resurrection, the Crucifixion and the Procession of the Stations of the Cross are enacted.

Scotland
In Scotland, the Easter traditions include using boiled eggs for the game. The children paint on these boiled eggs. On the Easter day, egg rolling competitions are held. The child whose egg reaches the bottom first wins the competition.

Last Updated on 23/02/2011