FX.co ★ 6 Easter traditions around world

Australia

In most Catholic countries of Europe, the symbol of Easter is a rabbit. It is believed that this animal brings chocolate to children and hides eggs which they look for. Australia has entirely different traditions. The Easter symbol there is bilby, a small rabbit-eared bandicoot. In Australia, it belongs to the endangered species. To draw attention to this problem, Australians use bilby as an Easter symbol. In addition, local farmers do not like rabbits because they destroy crops.

Iceland

Easter is one of the main holidays in Iceland. Instead of chicken or rabbit, Icelanders stock up on lamb, which symbolizes the Lamb of God. Lamb has been a staple in Iceland for over 1000 years. The table is set with figurines of lambs. A special dish in the form of lamb made from sugar and butter is served on this day. In the very center of the table, people place a lamb baked with vegetables. At Easter, people exchange colored eggs, as well as give postcards with good wishes or philosophical sayings to relatives and friends.

Germany

In Germany, Easter Sunday begins with a family breakfast. On the eve of the holiday, parents hide baskets with sweets, Easter eggs, and gifts for children. After breakfast, children are looking for these baskets, which, according to legend, the Easter bunny brought and hid. In Germany, this animal is treated with respect. In Lower Saxony, Hanni Haze, the main Easter bunny of the world, lives. Another important German Eater symbol is daffodils. At Easter, houses and festive tables are decorated with these flowers.

Greece

In Greece, Easter is considered a public holiday that is celebrated by the majority of the population. According to theologians, this country is the cradle of Orthodoxy. Unlike in Europe, prayer services in churches are not too long. Festive events are usually held on the streets. Parishioners and priests go to the central square of the city where a straw effigy of Judas, the traitor of Jesus Christ, is burned. After that, people eat sweet pastries. On the festive table, one can find shortbread cookies with cinnamon and oranges or Easter cottage cheese dessert, as well as colored eggs. One of the ancient traditions for unmarried women is to perform divination in order to learn about their future spouse. They weave wreaths of palm leaves and float them on the water.

US

Easter traditions in the United States are different from the European ones. Americans consider it the second most important religious holiday after Christmas. Nevertheless, they carefully prepare for Easter. Many people take a day off to celebrate this event. On this day, all parishioners go to church and then gather at the Easter table. Among the treats are cakes, painted eggs, ham with potatoes, as well as vegetables and fruits. The main symbol of Easter is a rabbit. According to tradition, this animal leaves chocolate eggs with a toy inside the bushes. Children and adults participate in the Egg Hunt. After that, family teams compete in the egg roll. The most popular competition called EGGuation takes place annually near the White House. Hundreds of families participate in it.

Israel

The most important events for Orthodox Christians take place in Israel. In Jerusalem, which is considered the cradle of Christianity, people of various faiths gather in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. They are united by a reverent and respectful attitude to Easter. Every year, the Jewish Passover takes place here and the most important event for Christians is the descent of the Holy Fire. Thousands of people from all over the world are eager to see it. On Easter days, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre becomes the most visited place in the country. Services are held here nonstop, prayers are read at night all week, and there is also a procession with the shroud of Jesus Christ. At Easter in Jerusalem, as well as in European countries, cakes are baked and eggs are painted, and the house is decorated with flowers.