We are firmly within the Easter season. Without a doubt, the holiday of Easter is the most important celebration in the Christian calendar. Christians believe that Jesus Christ was resurrected from the dead on that day, thus triumphing over sin. However, the different cultures that Christianity has entered mark this holiday with different customs and practices. Here are some of the most interesting traditions.

In Italy, the Monday after Easter is called the Pasquetta, and it is a national holiday in itself. Some Italians will spend time with their families and have picnics during the day. Italians make certain foods for Easter; one of them is pigna, which is a type of egg bread with fruit and icing. The word literally means, “pine cone.” It comes in a large circular shape that is perfect for enjoying the cake with friends and family.

Greece sees widespread use of Easter eggs to celebrate the season, but the Greek will often only paint eggs red, which are called κόκκινα αυγά in Greek. They dye the eggs starting on Holy Thursday, play games with the eggs, and use them in cooking. The red coloring symbolizes Jesus’ blood, and despite the lack of different colors, the Greek often paint unusual patterns onto the eggs.

Bermudans fly special kites during Easter. These often have eight or more sides and are made with cloth, sticks, string, and tissue paper. A cross design may be included, fitting for the holiday. Bermuda kites have a reputation for being very high-quality and aerodynamic.

In Ethiopia and Eritria, Christians participate in a strict fast during the Lenten season, and they break this fast when Good Friday comes. On Eastern Sunday, they may feast on a freshly-slaughtered sheep and drink local alcoholic drinks derived from honey.

Israel, where the Easter story purportedly occurred, has a Palm Sunday tradition where people enter Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, as they believe Jesus did. There is also a Good Friday procession along the Via Dolorosa (meaning the “Sorrowful Way” in Latin). This is the route Jesus is claimed to have taken to his crucifixion. Pilgrims from many Christian countries go to Jerusalem to celebrate the holiday. Christians have a mass at dawn at a site where they believe Jesus was buried after the crucifixion.

Christians in Russia celebrate Easter with a special meal of eggs, leavened bread, and cake with raisins and cheese. The Orthodox have already fasted during the preceding Lenten season. As in other places, there are egg-themed games and an Easter Vigil mass the night before Sunday. Russians specially greet each other by saying, “Christ is risen,” and the standard response is, “Truly he is risen.”

In Australia, people celebrate by watching football games, having children hunt for chocolate eggs, eating hot cross buns, and going on road trips. The Easter Bilby is a symbol of Easter there, as opposed to the more familiar Easter Bunny. The bilby is an animal similar to a bunny, but it is threatened due to the introduction of certain rabbit species.

Sources:

https://www.cookist.com/pigna-di-pasqua-recipe/

https://www.thespruceeats.com/greek-easter-egg-game-1705738

https://www.womansday.com/life/travel-tips/g2175/easter-traditions/

https://shebasjewels.com/fasika-ethiopian-easter/

https://www.touristisrael.com/easter-in-israel-the-holy-land/5727/

https://www.advantour.com/russia/traditions/easter.htm

https://insiderguides.com.au/celebrating-easter-in-australia/

https://unsplash.com/photos/QUeJRmJTzT0