Easter traditions around the world

Now let's look at the way Easter is observed in parts of the world. In Europe many countries light giant bonfires on hilltops and in church yards on Easter Eve. 

In France Easter is called Paques. The main celebration sets off on Good Friday with a somber note. To mourn the crucifixion of Christ, church bells are not rung for three days. On Easter morning, children hurry into the garden to watch the bells "Fly back from Rome".  

Easter in German is referred to as Ostern, the name of the Anglo Saxon goddess of spring, Eostre. The three days, that is Good Friday, Easter Saturday and Easter Sunday are off in Germany. While fish is served on Good Friday, Saturday calls for a big bonfire. Well-decorated eggs are exchanged amongst family and friends on Easter Sunday. 

In  Italy, the festival of Easter is termed as La Pasqua and is celebrated with real fanfare. The Paschal feast is celebrated with Angelino, a roasted baby lamb. Italy's extraordinary popular dish on the occasion of Easter, special crown-shaped breads are prepared on the occasion which children relish very much.  

In Netherlands, Easter is referred to as Pasen or Pasen Zontag. People decorate and arrange tables for Easter dinner. Sweet bread is an important dish of the Easter feast.  

All across Sweden, the egg features in all Easter food and games. Egg coloring parties, a favorite of virtually every household, are one of the most important activities on this occasion. Young boys and girls participate in egg rolling contests. Bonfires are a part of the Easter traditions in Sweden as well. People gather in large numbers to enjoy these bonfires. 

Easter egg hunt is a common game conducted in the United States. Eggs are hidden all around the house which kids hunt enthusiastically. 

An annual Easter carnival called 'Mardi Gras' is conducted in New Orleans featuring parades, jazz music bands, dazzling costumes and a great ball.

Thousands of pilgrims and tourists travel from across the world to Israel to celebrate the holy festival of Easter in the Holy Land of Jerusalem. 

Holy fire lights and candles symbolize the resurrection of Jesus Christ here.

GBC