World Easter Traditions
Easter is celebrated in many parts of the world as a religious holiday, but several non-religious traditions are associated with this occasion. These traditions vary from country to country and often reflect the region's unique cultural heritage.
One example of a non-religious Easter tradition is the egg hunt, which is popular in many countries. In this activity, children search for hidden eggs, which may be real or chocolate. Some cultures also have a tradition of decorating eggs with colorful dyes or paints.
Another Easter tradition that is not necessarily religious is the Easter bunny. This character is often associated with delivering eggs or candy and is a beloved figure among children in many parts of the world. Some countries have variations on the Easter bunny, such as the German "Osterhase" or the Swedish "Påskharen."
In some countries, Easter is also an occasion for feasting and spending time with family. For example, in Greece, families gather to enjoy a special Easter meal called "Mageiritsa," a soup made from lamb intestines. In Norway, families often eat a traditional Easter dish called "Smorgasbord," which includes a variety of meats, cheeses, and breads.
While Easter is often celebrated as a religious occasion, many non-religious traditions are associated with this holiday. These traditions vary from country to country, but they all share the theme of new beginnings and springtime renewal.
My family has a fun tradition of an egg-tossing contest. We have done it for almost a decade. We set up hula hoops on the chicken coop gate with target rings inside. (You can hang it somewhere else, obviously. My (free-range chickens gladly clean up the mess! They run around the yard while we play the game) We stand back 20 feet, and everyone gets 10-12 of our (non-boiled) colored eggs to toss. The winner gets the Easter trophy. As my kids get older, the competition gets more intense. Ironically, friends tend to stop by on Easter wanting to partake in the fun! We never deny anyone, lol. My now almost 80-year-old mom has won more times than anybody else.
As a kid, Easter was all about chocolate egg hunts and new Easter dresses with fancy bonnets. My grandma was a seamstress, so our dresses and hats were always unique and to our style. I miss those days! Does anyone still wear Easter bonnets? I can still smell the Easter Ham, and Pierogies, my Babcia, would make from scratch. Everyone knew that my daddy and his brother would fight over their favorite ones at any given time until they were all devoured. Our kids would end the night covered in the powdered sugar from the Chruscikis'. Can you guess I am a little bit Polish? LOL
What are your favorite Family Easter Memories?
What traditions does your family have?
