Easter Traditions around the World

Easter eggs, Easter bunny, Pre-Lent Carnivals, Easter Tree, and Easter Fire are part of the Easter traditions around the world. It is one of the most important festivities in the Christian calendar. The occasion is recognized in various ways across the world. Owing to commercialization, this important holiday has undergone few changes from the business point of view. For instance, you will find Easter eggs made of pure chocolate as gifts instead of the real brightly colored Easter egg that are given away to kids as gifts.

Famous Easter traditions around the world

Given below are few countries where Easter celebrations take place. Check them out.

Australia
Easter celebrations in Australia begin with Shrove Tuesday and ends with Pentecost or Whitsun on Easter Sunday, which falls 50 days after Easter Sunday. Bunny and Eggs form an integral part of the Easter traditions in Australia. The department stores are flooded with pure chocolate eggs and baskets. In few shops you will also find bunnies made of pure chocolate.

One of the most prominent events of Easter held in Australia is Sydney Royal Easter Show. The event takes place annually. The venue of the show is Sydney Olympic Park. The show is held for 2 weeks. Other prominent events that are essentially part of the its celebrations in Australia include National Folk Festival in Canberra, Australian Gospel Music Festival, and East Coast International Blues and Roots Festival.

Brazil
Easter traditions in Brazil are observed in autumn as it is located in the southern hemisphere. Blessing with palm branches, intricately designed and woven palm branches in form of letters, crosses, and banners are made. Processions are held across different cities when people carrying figurines of Jesus Christ and Mary walk down streets. Pacoca is a special Easter dish that prepared throughout the week. Brazil is famous for the Carnival. The Rio Carnival de Janeiro takes place before the Easter celebrations begin in Brazil.

Italy
Easter is known as La Pasqua in Italy. Churches are decorated with olive branches and palm baskets on Palm Sunday. These baskets are given away to people once they are blessed. St Peters Square is the main venue where people gather to receive blessings from the Pope. One of the main traditions of Easter in Italy is Scoppio del Carro or “explosion of cart”. The origin of this ritual in Florence, Italy can be traced back to more than 300 years. A huge wagon which was built way back in the year 1679 is dragged on the streets of Florence. This wagon is around 2-3 stories high and a following of white oxen. Garlands and other decorations adorn this gigantic wagon.

Spain
Easter celebrations in Spain continue for a week. This Holy Week is known as Semana Santa. The week begins on Palm Sunday (Domongo de Ramos) and ends on Easter Monday (Lunes de Pascua). People visit churches with palm leaves to get blessings from the priest. Parades are held across different parts of the country to commemorate Jesus Christ’s arrival into Jerusalem.

Germany
Easter Tree and Easter Fire are popular Easter traditions observed in Germany. Brightly colored hollow eggs are hung from branches of trees in several places. Easter Fire is another significant event that takes place here. Christmas trees are collected and burnt in special places in many cities.

Last Updated on 25/02/2011