Posted on 26 Mar, 2024

Enter a world of vivid hues, elaborate décor and delightful surprises as we set out on a worldwide eggstravaganza to discover the fascinating Easter customs that span across cultural boundaries. Every nation celebrates this happy occasion differently, from the fascinating egg hunts in the United States to the quirky egg rolling here in the UK.

With traditions as varied as the cultures they represent, Easter transforms into a genuinely global festival of life and revitalisation. We wanted to explore the hidden treasures of Easter customs from around the world and what as interesting journey it's been.

Easter Traditions in Europe

Europe is a treasure trove of unusual Easter customs because of its rich history and cultural mosaic. Leading up to Easter Sunday, during Holy Week in Spain, the streets of Seville come to life. The city is filled with elaborate processions when people carrying religious icons and sculptures through the streets, are dressed in traditional clothes. There are large numbers of spectators lining the road to get a sight of the exquisitely decorated floats, creating a solemn and devotional atmosphere.

When travelling up north to Norway, Easter is observed in a unique way. Norwegians have a peculiar Easter tradition called "Påskekrim," which entails reading murder novels. Bookstores fill up on crime novels as the holiday draws near, and families spend the long weekend curled up with a gripping detective narrative. Eastertime special crime dramas are aired on the nation's broadcast channels due to the popularity of this tradition.

Easter Monday is given a playful spin in the Czech Republic. In a custom known as "Pomlázka," young guys playfully whip unmarried girls (!) with handmade birch switches when they visit their houses. It is said that by following this custom, the girls will become healthier and more attractive, and in exchange, the boys will receive delicacies and painted eggs.

Easter Traditions in North America

North America, on the other hand, has a diverse range of Easter customs that are a reflection of the region's history and culture. The White House Easter Egg Roll and exciting Easter egg hunts are particularly well-known in the United States.

Easter egg hunts have grown into a popular holiday in a lot of American homes. Kids comb parks, backyards and public areas with great anticipation, hoping to find brightly coloured eggs that contain candy.

The Easter Egg Roll at the White House is a much-anticipated event in Washington, D.C. This custom, which dates back to 1878, involves kids using big spoons to roll hard-boiled eggs down the White House grounds. The celebration includes live entertainment, storytelling, and appearances by the First Lady and President, in addition to the egg-rolling.

The northern neighbour of the United States, Canada, has its own distinctive Easter customs. For example, youngsters dress up and go door to door in Quebec's "Poutine de Paques" custom to gather ingredients for a huge omelette. After cooking, the omelette is distributed among the community members as a sign of abundance and togetherness.

Easter Traditions in South America

Easter is one of the many joyous celebrations and dynamic cultures that South America is renowned for. Easter is a time for religious processions, music and customary dances in many nations.

In Brazil, Easter is marked by the "Festa do Divino" (Feast of the Divine), a colourful celebration that combines Catholic and Afro-Brazilian traditions. The streets come alive with parades, music, and dancing, as people don vibrant costumes to honour the Holy Spirit.

Known as "Semana Santa" (Holy Week) in Peruvian, the city of Ayacucho hosts one of the biggest and most extravagant Easter celebrations in South America. Religious processions, biblical event reenactments, and traditional music and dance performances are all part of the festival. The ambiance is one of profound veneration and devotion, drawing in both visitors and locals.

Moving even further south, "La Quema del Diablo" (The Burning of the Devil) is an exclusive Easter custom observed in Argentina. People assemble to burn demonic effigies on the eve of Holy Saturday as a symbol of the departure of evil and the start of a fresh, sanctified existence.

Easter Traditions in Asia

Asia has a wonderful blend of Easter customs that represent both Christian and local customs, thanks to its wide range of cultures and religions.

In the Philippines, "Semana Santa" (Holy Week) is observed during Easter, giving the holiday a distinctly spiritual atmosphere. Processions, Stations of the Cross, and reenactments of Christ's Passion are all part of this week-long celebration. The "Salubong" (Meeting), a symbolic reunion between an image of the resurrected Christ and an image of the sorrowful Virgin Mary, is the highlight of the week.

Easter is celebrated differently in South Korea. Known as "Seongmyo," families go to their ancestors' graves to honour them and carry out customs passed down through the generations. This custom guarantees the deceased's happiness in the hereafter and pays respect to them.

Easter is celebrated with tremendous enthusiasm in the Christian-majority state of Goa, India. Processions and crucifixion reenactments fill the streets and are followed by colourful feasts and folk dances. The festivities highlight the merging of Portuguese and Indian elements, giving Easter celebrations a distinctly Goan flavour.

Easter Traditions in Africa

Africa's Easter customs showcase the rich cultural diversity of the continent, from the vivid colours of traditional clothing to the rhythmic beats of drums.

Easter, or "Fasika," is a significant religious occasion observed with tremendous fervour in Ethiopia. There are religious processions, fasting and prayer during the week preceding Easter Sunday. Easter Sunday is a joyous meal shared by families, usually consisting of a special bread called "Dabo" and a spicy stew called "Doro Wat."

Easter is a time for happy celebrations and family get-togethers in Nigeria. Churches host special services that are followed by feasts including Nigerian traditional food. People wear their best clothes, and kids play activities and go on Easter egg hunts.

Easter is a time for community building and spiritual contemplation in Zimbabwe. Churches host sunrise services, where believers come together to commemorate Christ's resurrection at first light. Families gather for a joyous dinner following the service, trading customary delicacies and telling tales of rebirth and optimism.

Easter Traditions in Australia and Oceania

Easter customs in Australia and the Oceania islands are distinctive, combining Christian practices with native cultures.

Easter is a time for outdoor activities and gatherings with relatives in Australia. A lot of Australians use the long weekend for fishing, camping, or just relaxing on the stunning beaches. Children love going on Easter egg hunts, where they excitedly look for hidden chocolate treats.

In New Zealand, Easter is a season of introspection and rebirth. Religious processions and crucifixion reenactments bring communities together, and churches host special services. Families also get together for celebratory dinners, when lamb and seafood—two staples of New Zealand cuisine—take the front stage.

Easter is observed throughout the Pacific Islands using a fusion of indigenous and Christian traditions. Communities unite to celebrate Christ's resurrection, and traditional dances, music, and feasts are all important components of the celebrations.

How Easter is Celebrated Globally in the Modern Age

It is clear from looking at Easter customs across continents that every nation and culture has its own special manner of commemorating this happy event. These customs, which range from ornate processions to strange rituals, showcase the diversity and depth of human expression.

Easter celebrations have evolved in the linked world of today, incorporating both traditional and modern elements. Social media helps to showcase these festivities by enabling people to share their individual Easter experiences from all around the world. people from different corners of the globe to share their unique Easter experiences. From Instagram feeds filled with vibrant Easter egg decorations to YouTube tutorials on traditional recipes, the internet has become a platform for preserving and sharing Easter traditions. Families and communities come together to create online content, documenting their unique customs and inviting others to join in the celebration.

In recent years, there has also been a rise in eco-friendly Easter celebrations, with a focus on sustainable practices and reducing waste. From using natural dyes for egg colouring to opting for plant-based Easter treats, individuals and communities are finding creative ways to celebrate while being mindful of the environment.

Embracing Diversity in Easter Celebrations

We cultivate a deeper awareness and respect for the world we live in as we become more knowledgeable about and accepting of these many customs. Easter has evolved into a truly global celebration. Easter customs from all across the world, from extravagant feasts to strange egg hunts, vividly illustrate our shared humanity and cultural diversity. We discover, bond with, and enjoy the season's genuine spirit—rebirth, hope, and love—as we explore these distinctive practices.

How are you going to celebrate Easter? Here in our offices at Careers in Design we'll hang decorations and have our own Easter egg hunt. There'll also be lots of spring flowers and greenery to brighten our spirits after a rather wet few months.

If you need assistance with your job search, contact us at recruit@careersindesign.com or 01920 486125. Our vibrant community connects design professionals across cultures, fostering global understanding and collaboration. Join us in celebrating not just Easter, but the countless creative expressions that enrich our lives!

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