We’ve taken a look at some of the most bizarre Easter traditions across the world, proving that there’s more to Easter than chocolate eggs and bunnies…
Germany – Easter tree or ‘Osterbaum’
These Easter trees are either made of branches cut from pussy willows or or are small living trees and bushes that are already planted around the house. The cut branches are brought indoors to be decorated with hand-painted wooden eggs, hollowed out real eggs and little garlands. The living trees and bushes outside the house are also decorated with plastic, wooden or real painted eggs and wreaths.
Slovakia – whipping women and girls into good health
Men and boys douse women in water on Easter Monday, and in some cases, the women are then whipped with a whip made from thin branches of a willow. Why? Because this is meant to symbolise youth and make women healthy for spring. Similar traditions are observed in several Eastern European countries including Hungary and Czech Republic.
Philippines – Christians repent for their sins
One of a number of public events in the Philippines at Easter time sees Christians walk through the streets, half naked and barefoot, whipping themselves with bamboo sticks and sharp blades as they repent for their sins. Performing this act is meant to replicate the suffering of Jesus and cleanse the soul.
France – the ringing of the bells
The tradition begins on Maundy Thursday, the day before Good Friday, all the bells in France stay silent and still in memory of Jesus’ passing. The silence is broken on Easter morning, when the bells begin to ring in celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. This a joyous occasion for much of the French community, as friends, family and neighbours pour out into the streets to wish warm greetings to those around them.
Finland – children dress as witches and hunt for treats
Much like the tradition of Trick or Treating at Halloween, the children of Finland dress up as witches at Easter and go from door to door asking for treats. They offer a decorated willow twig as a gift in exchange for a treat for themselves. They recite a short poem which translates as “I wave a twig for a fresh and healthy year ahead; a twig for you, a treat for me!”
Greece – red eggs and Easter bread
The Greeks dye their eggs red in memory of the resurrection and blood of Christ. They say that red is the colour of life and victory, and use the red eggs as decoration through their braided Easter bread.
Spain – the Holy Week processions
In the last week of Lent, processions take place in many towns and cities across Spain, to mark Holy Week. These processions are performed by members of Catholic religious brotherhoods, who wear different coloured robes to distinguish themselves.
