Easter traditions in the world - 10 different Easter customs

There are many different Easter traditions in the world, some more odd than others. This year, some traditions may have to be cancelled due to a curfew in the name of Corona, while other "home" traditions can continue as usual. Here are some Easter traditions that might (in our eyes) be considered a bit different...

Easter traditions in the world - when do we celebrate Easter?

The Christian Easter is celebrated to commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus for the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Jews celebrate Passover (Pesach) to commemorate the Jews' exit from Egypt after years of slavery, as recorded in the Old Testament.

• Protestant and Catholic Easter falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox (between 22 March and 25 April).
• Orthodox Easter is celebrated according to the Julian calendar, which means that Easter is celebrated later than in the Protestant and Catholic tradition.
• Pesach (Jewish Passover) falls at different times each year, based on the Gregorian calendar.

Different Easter traditions in the world

There are many different Easter traditions in the world, and some are more odd than others. Perhaps our traditions (such as children dressing up as Easter bunnies) are considered different by others?

We've read a lot of reports and found a lot of information about Easter traditions around the world, but sometimes it's a bit tricky to secure sources. We have chosen to highlight some traditions that we have read about in several places. Among other things, we have gathered information from Svenska Dagbladet, Aftonbladet, Momondo and Wikipedia.

1. Norway: Påskekrim

According to Norwegian Wikipedia, Easter thrillers are crime novels launched with the intention of being read during Holy Week. By the way, Easter crime fiction does not only have to be in book form, but can also be broadcast on radio or TV.

2nd Finland: Memma

At Easter in Finland, people like to eat a special Easter dessert called memma, or mämmi in Finnish. The dessert is mainly made from rye flour, rye malt and syrup. Memma is often eaten with unwhipped cream or milk and powdered sugar, or with vanilla ice cream.

3. Central and Eastern Europe: water splashes

In the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary, Easter celebrations include ... splashing women with water. The tradition, called 'oblievačka', is believed to be purifying and to bring beauty.

4. Central and Eastern Europe: Whipping with rice

In the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary, it is not enough to splash the women with water. There's also a tradition that includes fun whipping with a rice, with colourful ribbons.

5. Spain: Processions

During the Spanish Easter celebrations, long processions can be seen in many cities, especially in Andalusia. These are of medieval origin and symbolise Jesus' journey to the cross. The processions last for many hours while carrying large 'barges' with icons illustrating the life and suffering of Jesus.

6. Spain: The Dance of Death

In Verges, near Girona in Spain, the 'Dance of Death' (Danze de la muerte) is held every year. The dance is one of the many activities organised during Easter and dates back to the 15th century when Verges, like the rest of Europe, suffered the dreaded Death of the Devil. It may be difficult to organise the dance this year because of the coronavirus. On the other hand, it might be needed more than ever.

7. France: Giant omelette

We have read in several places that in some specific French villages a giant omelette is made at Easter. Among other things Lonely Planet the village of Bessières makes an omelette that requires 15 000 eggs.

8. Greece: Candlelight processions and fireworks

In Orthodox Greece, Easter is a festival of joy and focuses on the resurrection rather than the crucifixion. Greeks celebrate with light processions, fireworks and, of course, good food. Just before midnight on Easter Eve, people gather in the church with white candles in their hands to celebrate the resurrection.

9. Greece: Red eggs

In Orthodox Greece, Easter eggs are coloured red to commemorate the blood of Christ. Today, the red eggs are used for decoration.

10. Philippines: Crucifixion

In the Philippines, it has become a tradition to re-enact the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Good Friday. The bloody ritual attracts many tourists to the Philippines, but is frowned upon by the Catholic Church.

More about Easter and Easter traditions in the world

Want to learn more about Easter and Easter traditions around the world? You can find some more reading here:

What Easter traditions in the world do you know?

Do you know or have you experienced any different Easter traditions around the world? Please tell us!