Easter traditions around the world

Easter. The beloved day of Easter egg hunts and Jesus’s resurrection… at least that’s what we have in Australia. But around the world this iconic holiday is celebrated in so many ways. From egg painting to kite flying, the celebration centred around Christ’s resurrection brings people together in the most wholesome holiday known to humanity.

As well as sharing the renowned Easter egg hunts that we know and love in Australia, the United States of America adds a capitalist twist – the hilarious White House Easter Egg Roll, where children are selected through a lottery to roll both themselves and their eggs down the White house lawn. This is of course accompanied by extravagant parades with the largest being in New Orleans, accompanied by feasts galore.

But who can forget the iconic Easter Egg tree, otherwise known as Ostereierbaum. Originating in Germany, this egg-citing hobbies is widespread across North America, often seen as a token of good luck charm in the states of Appalachia and Pennsylvania.

But Greek Easter is a completely different story. A traditional recipe is devoured in this joyous time, most notoriously with the scrumptious mayeritsa soup. If you don’t know what it means, search it up but be warned it’s not for those with weak stomachs. But here’s a more pleasant dish, dried eggs dyed red to symbolise the blood of Christ. Delightful. But if you want something more… PG, Italy has this awesome custom of putting gifts inside their Easter Eggs, from trinkets and toys. It makes me want to move there now… just so long as I don’t receive the blood of Christ thank you very much. They also light candles to celebrate Jesus’s resurrection, a tradition shared within many Christian denominations around the world!

But if you want the most ancient of Easter traditions, then get cozy next to a German Osterfeuer (Easter bonfire). Created by ancient Germanic tribes that worshiped the sun, this was swiftly absorbed by Christians, topped off by a nice German barbeque… JA, BITTE! But now for the weirdest tradition of them all, hosted by the backwards country of Australia. Due to the destructive nature of rabbits, an alternative mascot for Easter has been found. Presenting… THE EASTER BILBY!!! Though not as popular, the Easter Bilby has gained traction in Australian society, raising awareness for the adorable endangered species.

Thomas C, Year 12