Easter traditions in Australia
Australia is very famous for its scenic splendor and is one of the preferred holiday destinations in the world. The country though, is in no way behind, when it comes to festivals and their celebration. Easter is one of those
Easter celebrations in Australia
Easter is celebrated during the autumn season in Australia unlike other countries, where spring welcomes this Christian festival. Australian Easter celebrations takes place over a period of four days. The celebrations for this festival, begin with Shrove Tuesday and ends on Easter Monday. There is a public holiday on the Good Friday.
Popular traditions in Australia
Traditions in this country kicks start with Pancake Day. Some of the best traditions in Australia are:
Easter Bilby
Easter bunnies in Australia are not heard of. Bunnies are considered as destructive animals as they destroy the harvests and so are not preferred as symbols. Instead, Australians have chosen Bilby as their symbol. Bilbi’s are rabbit-eared Bandicoot, which are used as symbols in place of traditional bunnies.
Hot Cross Bun Day is celebrated just after the Pancake Day held on Shrove Tuesday. In this ritual flour and nuts are used to make hot-cross buns for the day and savored.
Egg Knocking
Egg knocking is one of the most interesting Easter traditions followed in Australia. Families take active part in this unique custom of choosing a partner and his/her egg for the custom. After the partner and eggs are chosen, the two partners tap each other’s egg with their egg. The egg that cracks loses in front of the other egg. The eggs used can be hard boiled, raw or chocolate eggs. The game continues till one egg is left for the proud winner to consume.
Hunting the Easter Eggs
Hunting for the Easter eggs are a fun Easter tradition in Australia. In Australia this customs is followed in a grand manner at various locations such as, Dolphin Scuba Diving Centre in Perth. In recent times, more than 2500 children participate in the egg hunting game, searching for about 75,000 eggs in Victoria and Bendigo region of Australia.
Blessing of the Fleet
Another unique Easter special tradition in Australia is the ‘Blessing of the Fleet’. Held in New South Wales in Australia, this is an old custom that had originated from Sicily. On this day fishermen take blessings from their Patron Saint after returning to the port with a good catch. The fishermen spend the day enjoying the occasion with feasts, competitions and other traditions.
Easter traditions in Australia have a religious significance. People of Australia usually enjoy a string of holidays for the occasion. They plan to visit nearby areas enjoying this autumn festival at the same time.
Last Updated on 25/02/2011
