Easter traditions around the world

Easter is celebrated in North America with chocolate eggs and the Easter bunny visiting children. Although Easter is observed around the world, different countries celebrate it with their own traditions.

Australia

Although some Australian families are visited by the Easter bunny, rabbits are considered pests because they destroy the land in Australia. Therefore, in 1991, a campaign was started to replace the Easter bunny with the Easter Bilby – an endangered rodent with long noses like mice and big soft ears like a rabbit.

Also, farming communities showcase their best produce at the annual two-week Sydney Royal Easter Show where rides, exhibits and farm animals are also available for children to enjoy.

France

In France, children receive treats from Easter bells rather than the Easter bunny. It is said that church bells cannot ring between Holy Thursday and Easter Vigil because of solemnity around Jesus’s death, according to Catholic teachings. Eventually, the story evolved to church bells not being rung because they grew wings to fly to Rome and to be blessed by the Pope and return on Easter day with chocolates and presents for kids.

Greece

Residents of the island of Corfu in Greece take part in an annual “pot throwing” on Holy Saturday every year. Pots, pans and other earthenware are thrown out of the windows to mark the beginning of spring.

Italy

Residences of Florence celebrate Easter with a 350-year-old tradition called scoppio del carro – which means “explosion of the cart.” A “centuries-old cart” is loaded with fireworks and set-off in front of the cathedral for residents to watch. This tradition is a sign of peace and a good year ahead.

Panicale, a town in southern France, holds a big celebration the day after Easter where locals gather for a competition involving rolling huge wheels of Ruzzola cheese around the village – also known as Ruzzolone.

India

The western India state, Goa, celebrates Easter with street plays, songs and dances at a carnival. Gifts such as chocolates, flowers and colourful lanterns are exchanged.

Poland

A “blessing basket” filled with coloured eggs, sausages, bread and other important food is taken to the church to be blessed the day before Easter. Their Easter festivities don’t start until a priest blesses their basket.

Young boys often try to douse each other and girls with water using water guns, buckets of water and other means they can think of. According to a legend in Poland, girls who get soaked will get married within the year.

United Kingdom

Morris Dancing is one of the more unusual traditions involving people dressing up in bonnet hats, clogs, bells and ribbons while performing their folk dance while holding sticks during Easter. The dance is believed to drive away the spirits of winter and bring in luck.

Another odd tradition is egg jarping where two players smash hard-boiled eggs together and whoever has the egg that’s still intact is the winner. There is even a championship held each Easter in Durham, England.