How Easter Is Celebrated Across The World
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is celebrated as Easter across the world. It is a day of joy, hope and new beginnings. As opposed to Good Friday when Christ was publicly crucified, Easter marks his rebirth. The traditional celebrations call for special services at the church, ringing of church bells and traditional feast. However, each country has its own way to commemorate Christ&rsquos return to life. From omelette feast to crepe paper carpets, the day is uniquely celebrated all over the world. Let&rsquos find out how
FRANCE
Bunnies are an Easter trademark but France marks the day with church bells. Instead of Easter bunnies, children receive their gifts from flying church bells which are said to be travelling to Rome to fetch the goodies. In France, churches ring no bells on Good Friday as a sign of mourning, which is when the bells are believed to be flying to the Italian capital. The celebrations get interesting from region to region. Like in a village names Bessieres, a dozen cooks are involved in making a
giant omelette of 15,000 eggs which is later served to the villagers.
GUATEMELA
The Central American nation holds one of the largest celebrations in the world, beginning days ahead of Easter. In its capital city Antigua, massive carpets of decorated crepe paper are strewn across streets. The striking feature about these alfombras&rsquo (Arabic word for carpet) is the colourful pattern which is created on the crepe paper by local artisans. The multi-chromatic illustrations are embossed using sawdust, dyes from vegetables, fruits. On Good Friday, parades are carried out to mourn Christ&rsquos death as people are seen kicking the many-hued sand and walking over the design.
BERMUDA
Bermudians mark Christ&rsquos resurrection by organizing a kite flying festival. Hexagonal kites with long tail are mainly flown at Horseshoe Bay Beach, therefore, also signifying the natural touch to Easter traditions. The Easter feast includes the traditional hot cross buns and codfish cakes. It&rsquos also said that the British island territory grows Easter lilies and gifts a bouquet of those lilies to the Buckingham Palace every year.
POLAND
Easter celebrations in this European nation are distinguished by their peculiar presentation of eggs. Traditionally, the eggs are dyed in different colours but Warsaw chooses to embellish them. This elaborate version of Easter eggs is called &lsquopisanki&rsquo, symbolizing kaleidoscopic and floral patterns. The locals celebrate Easter Monday as &lsquoWet Monday&rsquo in which men, boys pour water on their opposite gender. A music program is also organized throughout the week in line with Beethoven traditions.
ITALY
From white oxen carrying a wagon to picnics with leftover food, Italy has an extraordinary way to mark Easter. Like in the city of Florence, a ritual involving white oxen is practiced. Known as &lsquoScoppio del Carro,&rsquo this Easter tradition has the oxen pulling centuries-old wagon to &lsquoBasilica di Santa Maria del Fiore.&rsquo This follows fireworks and parade in the city. On the morning of Easter Monday called &lsquoPasquetta,&rsquo people head out for picnics with the leftover food. In some parts of Italy, wheels of cheese are rolled on streets.
THE PHILIPPINES
A large part of Easter festivities in Philippines is inspired by Longinus, the Roman executioner of Christ. Saint Longinus was involved in the task of piercing lance on Christ. During crucifixion, his blind eyes received a droplet of Christ&rsquos blood and he got his sight back. After getting his vision back, Longinus &lsquodeclared his faith&rsquo (surrendered to God). He was later beheaded. The same tale is reenacted during Easter celebrations in the city. Men, women act as Roman soldiers by wearing masks, helmets, roaming around the streets, scaring children.
UNITED STATES
Easter festivities in America are a mix of traditions and modernity. In Los Angeles, colourful parades are carried out with pets decorated in costumes. While New York City sees a gamut of festivities. Sporting quirky hats, colorful costumes, New Yorkers carry out Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival around St. Patrick&rsquos Cathedral.
GREECE
The Eastern Orthodox communities of Greece mark Easter through the &lsquoHoly Fire.&rsquo The flame from Christ&rsquos tomb in Jerusalem is flown to Athens and passed on to the churches across Greece. It is during the midnight church service when the flame is transferred from priests to worshippers to light candles. This follows illumination of dark spaces and singing of hymns as a way to conclude the ceremony.
MEXICO
The Latin American city celebrates Easter as a way of salvation. The day is used as an opportunity to ward-off sins. Several Easter tales are recreated throughout Mexico. Theatrical renditions called passion plays are performed, and in some parts, effigy of Judas (traitor) is also burnt. The most extravagant celebrations are marked in Iztapalapa where no less than 5,000 people reenact Easter fables. These activities start on Palm Sunday and continue through Holy Week.
