Discover 10 Astonishing Ways Easter is Celebrated Globally
In the UK, Easter might mean hot cross buns and chocolate egg hunts, but across the world, traditions can be vastly different.
1. Finland: Witches on the Prowl
In an intriguing twist to Easter, Finnish children take to the streets dressed as witches, brandishing willow branches adorned with colourful decorations, in exchange for sweets, while bestowing blessings to keep evil at bay.
2. Papua New Guinea: A Tobacco Twist
Swapping chocolate for tobacco, the people of Papua New Guinea conceal cigarettes in trees around churches. Post-service, the congregation embarks on a unique hunt for these hidden items.
3. Greece: Symbolic Red Eggs
Easter in Greece sees the serving of hard-boiled eggs dyed red, symbolising Christ's blood, with the egg embodying rebirth. A communal egg-cracking ritual represents the opening of Christ's tomb.
4. Norway: Easter Crime Spree
The chilling tradition of Påskekrim sees Norwegians indulging in crime fiction during Easter, a custom originating from a 1923 book advertisement mistaken for a real crime report.
5. Spain: Passionate Parades
Spain is renowned for its solemn Holy Week processions, with elaborate floats and costumes depicting scenes from the Passion of Christ, drawing participants and spectators from across the nation.
6. Italy: 'Explosive' Celebrations in Florence
The Scoppio del Carro, or "Explosion of the Cart", is a centuries-old Florentine event where a cart packed with fireworks is ignited to ensure a good harvest, symbolising peace and prosperity.
7. Sweden: Mini Halloween
Swedes celebrate Easter with a twist reminiscent of Halloween; children dress up as Easter witches, visiting houses with drawings and paintings in hopes of receiving sweets in return.
8. Poland: Wet Monday
Easter Monday in Poland is known as Śmigus-Dyngus, or Wet Monday, where the tradition is to drench each other with water, once thought to bring health and prosperity for the coming year.
9. Hungary: Water Sprinkling
Similarly, in Hungary, the "Watering of the Girls" is a playful Easter custom where girls are sprinkled with water, a gesture that's believed to promote fertility and ward off evil spirits.
10. France: Flying Bells
French children eagerly await the return of the "Easter bells" from Rome, bringing with them chocolates and sweets. According to tradition, all church bells in France fly to the Vatican on Good Friday and return laden with treats on Easter Sunday.
Cooke & Co are open 10am until 4pm on Good Friday, 9am till 5pm on Easter Saturday, and closed on Easter Sunday. On Bank Holiday Monday, we are here from 10am till 4pm. We're always here when you need us.
Please Click Here to link seamlessly to hundreds of interesting community and property-related articles, videos, and pictures on our local blog/property insights page, Thanet coastal interactive tour, up-to-date latest properties for sale and to rent, and much more.
Before you go, we would love you to comment or like this article. Please feel free to give your thoughts, helpful comments, or even suggestions of articles you would like us to write about.
About Cooke & Co
Cooke & Co, a liked and respected estate agency trading since 1992, is conveniently situated in the picturesque seaside district of Thanet. We proudly operate from our local offices in the region's primary towns, namely Margate, Broadstairs, and Ramsgate. Additionally, our extensive reach encompasses the charming areas of Westbrook, Westgate, Birchington, Monkton, Manston, and Minster. Our presence in these diverse locales enables us to offer an enriched understanding and comprehensive service to the property market in these prime coastal towns and villages.
Contact our offices at the following numbers:
- Margate Office/Area: (01843) 231833
- Ramsgate Office/Area: (01843) 851322
- Broadstairs Office/Area: (01843) 600911
No comments
Leave a comment