GERMANY: FOLLOWING THE EASTER BUNNY
In Germany, the Easter bunny traditionally brings colorful dyed eggs, hiding them in the grass and under bushes. On Easter Sunday, children go in search of the treasured cache. The first written mention of this tradition dates back to 1662. Today, Germans prepare for the Easter holiday in advance: they place willow branches in vases, which they decorate with skillfully painted hollow eggs.
POLAND: JOYFUL DOUSING
On the so-called 'Wet Monday' or 'Dousing Monday' – right after Easter – Polish boys douse girls with water from buckets, tubs, and water pistols. However, the girls are not left in debt and pay back in kind. The 'Śmigus-dyngus' ritual recalls a significant event – the baptism of Prince Mieszko I in 966, which converted Poland to Christianity.
SPAIN: PENITENTIAL PROCESSIONS
Holy Week is traditionally celebrated in Spain. Every day, from Palm Sunday to Easter, processions take place throughout the country. Processions of barefoot penitents, dressed in long robes, masks, and hoods, march through the streets of Spanish cities, begging forgiveness for all committed sins.
ENGLAND: LENTEN MEAL AND FLUFFY TWIG
On Good Friday, the people of England eat very modestly. However, on this day they serve traditional hot cross buns, with a cross drawn in icing. Another local tradition: touching fluffy willow branches decorated with colorful eggs. The English believe this brings happiness.
ITALY: COMPLETE SILENCE
During the Easter festivities, noisy Italy falls into silence. Gathered together, the faithful participate in silent processions, following the church cross carried through the city streets. Thus they remember the Way of the Cross of Jesus Christ. And on Easter Sunday, everyone listens to the traditional papal message 'Urbi et Orbi', which he delivers in 60 languages.
ITALY: THE SALT OF THE FEAST
By the way, while Germans indulge in chocolate eggs, Italians prefer more substantial fare for Easter. Traditional baked goods here include the 'Easter cake' made from savory dough with boiled eggs and spinach. To accompany it, a sweet dove-shaped pie is also served on the festive table.
FRANCE: SILENCE OF THE BELLS
In France, children set out in search of Easter eggs and sweets only on Monday. On Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, church bells fall silent throughout the country. Their ringing on Easter Sunday is a special sign: those gathered may now hug and kiss each other in honor of the holiday.
FINLAND: WITH FIRE AND BIRCH RODS
In honor of the holiday in Finland, people 'whip' each other with birch branches. Lightly, of course. This recalls the palm branches with which Jesus was greeted in Jerusalem. On Easter Sunday, processions of children with drums and pipes announce the end of mourning. And in the evening, here as in Germany, bonfires are lit.
GERMANY: SWEET LAMBS
Easter lambs, which in Germany are served in the form of sweet pastry, recall the ancient sacrificial ritual during the Jewish holiday of Passover. For Christians, the sacrificial lamb symbolizes Jesus, who died on the cross for humanity. Another tradition links Christianity with the ancient religion: the lighting of candles, symbolizing life.