Easter Traditions Around the World You Didn’t Know About

Let’s start with a little secret: Easter might just be the most unexpected holiday around the world. Sure, there are Easter eggs and bunnies galore, but trust me, you haven’t seen anything until you take a peek at how different cultures get their Easter groove on. From whipping people with willow branches to riding giant eggs down hills, Easter is so much more than just chocolate bunnies and pastel-colored eggs. In fact, some Easter traditions might make you wonder if you’ve wandered into a different dimension. Let’s hop on a global Easter tour and check out the most unique, surprising, and downright weird Easter customs that will make you rethink your whole Easter vibe. No matter where you go, one thing’s for sure: Easter isn’t just a holiday, it’s an experience.

Easter Traditions in Sweden: Children Dressed as Witches?

You think your neighborhood kids look cute in their bunny ears? Try seeing them dressed as little witches. That’s right, in Sweden, the Easter Bunny has some serious competition, and it’s not even a rabbit. On Easter Sunday, Swedish children transform into “Easter witches,” wearing old clothes, headscarves, and face-painted freckles. They roam the streets, knocking on doors, and handing out drawings in exchange for candy. It’s sort of like Halloween, but without the costumes that take three hours to put on. This tradition comes from old Swedish folklore, where people believed witches traveled to a mountain to meet the Devil. Now, the only thing they’re meeting is a bowl of candy and maybe a few confused adults wondering where their Easter eggs are.

Easter in Poland: The Easter Traditions of Śmigus-Dyngus

Are you ready for a splash? Poles celebrate Easter Monday by drenching each other in water during a playful tradition called Śmigus-Dyngus (pronounced “shming-goose-ding-goose”, go ahead, try saying it five times fast). The tradition involves people, particularly young men, dousing women and each other with water. Why? Well, it’s a symbol of renewal and purification, marking the end of winter. But if you think you’re just getting a light sprinkle of water, think again. You might find yourself the target of a full-on water bucket assault, and no one’s going to apologize for that. The more water, the better. Imagine a street fight with squirt guns and water balloons… except it’s totally normal, and no one gets in trouble for it. Just another day in the Easter madness.

Easter in Spain: The Epic Processions

When you think of Easter in Spain, you might think of flamenco or paella. But what if I told you the country takes Easter to a whole new level with massive, solemn processions? If you’ve ever seen a picture of people in full robes carrying statues of Jesus and Mary, you’ve likely stumbled upon Spain’s famous “Semana Santa” (Holy Week) processions. These stunning displays of devotion occur throughout Spain, with Seville leading the charge. But here’s the twist: the “Nazarenos” (the people dressed in robes with pointed hoods) look a lot like… well, let’s just say, they bear a striking resemblance to certain other groups throughout history. It’s a strange, but stunning, sight, and while it might seem eerie at first, it’s a deeply rooted tradition, steeped in centuries of religious and cultural significance.

Easter in Italy: The Last Supper Reimagined

In Italy, Easter isn’t just a religious event; it’s a full-blown feast. But one tradition stands out more than the rest: the “Pasquetta” or Easter Monday picnic. After a long Sunday Mass, Italians flock to parks, countryside, or even beaches to celebrate Pasquetta, where picnics reign supreme. And what’s on the menu? Think lamb, artichokes, frittata, and maybe even some leftover Easter bread. But let’s not forget that the food is a prelude to the most important event of the day: family time. Easter in Italy is all about gathering around the table, enjoying food, and being with loved ones. Of course, there’s always a healthy amount of arguing about who makes the best lasagna, but that’s part of the fun. The real kicker, though? After the big feast, people take part in a special game called “Caccia al Uovo” (Egg Hunt). But unlike the chocolate-filled egg hunts, this one is competitive, there are actual prizes for those who can roll the perfect Easter egg. Talk about a unique Easter celebration!

Easter Traditions in Hungary: The “Sprinkling” Tradition

Picture this: a bunch of dudes show up at your house on Easter Monday, armed with bottles of perfume and water. No, it’s not an awkward family visit. In Hungary, there’s a tradition where young men, dressed in traditional clothing! And visit the homes of women to sprinkle them with water or perfume. It’s called “locsolkodás,” and it’s meant to symbolize fertility and purification. Think of it as a bizarre but charming mix of water fights and old-school chivalry. In return for the “sprinkle,” the women typically offer painted eggs or chocolates. It’s a fun, playful custom that’s been passed down for generations and remains a beloved part of Easter in Hungary.

Easter in Greece: The Game of Egg Cracking

If you ever spend Easter Sunday in Greece, locals will likely hand you a hard-boiled egg and invite you to play “tsougrisma,” a spirited (and noisy) egg-cracking contest. The goal is simple: tap the tip of your egg against someone else’s without cracking your own. The person who’s left with the uncracked egg at the end of the game is said to have good luck for the rest of the year. You’d think the Easter Bunny was busy with eggs, but apparently, the Greeks just want to see who has the best egg-cracking skills. Think of it as an Olympic event, but with fewer medals and more broken eggs.

Easter in Czech Republic and Slovakia: Whipping, Yes, You Heard That Right

Now, this one’s a bit, uh, intense. In the Czech Republic and Slovakia, there’s a tradition known as “Pomlázka,” where men (and sometimes boys) gently whip women with braided willow branches. While this might sound like a bizarre form of “punishment,” it’s actually meant to bring good health and youth for the upcoming year. The idea is that the whipping cleanses the women of the past year’s bad luck, leaving them refreshed for the year ahead. You might be wondering, “Is this really necessary?” But hey, it’s all in good fun. In exchange for the willow whips, women traditionally give men decorated eggs, chocolates, or alcohol. So it’s kind of a win-win, but only if you’re into getting smacked with twigs. If you’re not, maybe skip the Czech Easter, just to be safe.

Easter Traditions in France: The Giant Bell Conspiracy

In France, Easter is a little more mysterious than your usual egg hunt. According to tradition, church bells are silenced on Good Friday and remain silent until Easter Sunday morning. Why? Legend has it that the bells fly off to Rome to visit the Pope. But when they return, they come back loaded with Easter goodies! The bells ring joyously to announce their return, while children rush into the streets, eager to collect the chocolate eggs and candies scattered by the bells. It’s an Easter tale with more bells than a Christmas carol, and it certainly adds an air of mystery to the holiday. Plus, who doesn’t love a good chocolate egg hunt in the morning?

Easter in Australia: The Easter Bilby Takes Over

While many countries rely on the Easter Bunny to spread Easter joy, Australia has its own spin on the classic Easter tradition. Meet the Easter Bilby: a small, endangered marsupial that has taken over the Easter celebrations in Australia. The Easter Bilby was chosen as an alternative to the bunny due to the environmental damage caused by the overpopulation of rabbits in the country. So, instead of the traditional bunny hopping around, it’s the Bilby who’s responsible for hiding chocolate eggs. This unique Easter celebration isn’t just about cute animals, it’s also a chance to raise awareness about conservation efforts for native species. So, while kids in Australia are searching for eggs, they’re also learning a little something about saving wildlife.

Easter in Germany: The Easter Egg Tree

When it comes to Easter decorations, Germans take things to a whole new level with the “Osterbaum,” or Easter Egg Tree. Imagine this: beautiful trees adorned with hundreds of colorful eggs hanging from every branch. It’s not just a few eggs either, no, the trees are covered in a way that would make even the Easter Bunny jealous. People hang these eggs on their trees, in their homes, and even in public spaces, creating a magical atmosphere that’s both charming and a little bit surreal. This tradition is mostly seen in Germany’s rural areas, where families spend days preparing their Easter Egg Trees. Think of it as a magical Easter forest, but one where the only creatures you’ll find are human, and possibly a few confused squirrels.

Easter Traditions in Ethiopia: Fasika – A Unique Easter Feast

In Ethiopia, families celebrate Easter with a special feast called “Fasika,” turning the holiday into a meaningful culinary celebration, far beyond an ordinary meal. Before the feast, Ethiopians participate in a 55-day fasting period, where they eat only plant-based food. It’s a time of reflection and spiritual growth, leading up to the grand finale of Fasika. The meal features traditional Ethiopian dishes like injera (a type of sour flatbread) and doro wat (a spicy chicken stew). The celebration also involves religious rituals, including a midnight church service, where people wear white robes to symbolize purity. Fasika is an intensely spiritual experience, but also an incredibly joyous occasion when families and communities come together to share food, laughter, and memories. It’s a perfect blend of reflection and celebration, Easter with a whole new depth.

Easter in the Philippines: The Salubong Tradition

The Philippines’ Easter celebration, known as “Salubong,” is one of the most unique, heartwarming, and dramatic Easter traditions in the world. The day starts early in the morning with a re-enactment of Jesus’ resurrection. Women carry a statue of the Virgin Mary through the streets, while men parade a statue of the risen Christ. At a predetermined spot, they bring the two statues together, unveiling the Virgin Mary’s face to symbolize the joy of reuniting with her son. The community marks this powerful, heartfelt moment with hymns and prayers, coming together in a deeply emotional celebration. It’s a symbolic tradition that connects people to their faith while celebrating the joy of Easter.

Easter in Norway: The Easter Crime Craze

Hold on to your Easter bonnets because in Norway, Easter isn’t just about egg hunts or church services, it’s also about crime. Yup, you read that right. During Easter, Norwegians celebrate what’s known as “Påskekrim” or Easter crime. Over the holiday, TV channels, radio stations, and even newspapers flood the airwaves and pages with crime fiction, creating a kind of nationwide obsession with murder mysteries. Families crowd around their TVs to watch intense crime dramas, while readers flood bookstores in search of gripping crime novels. It’s like a nationwide version of “CSI: Easter Edition.” How did this bizarre tradition begin? No one knows for sure, but it’s safe to say, this is one of the most unique Easter celebrations you’ll find. Forget Easter eggs, here’s to Easter whodunnits!

Around the World: Wild Traditions, Cracked Eggs, and a Spin at Eternal Slots

So, whether you’re cracking eggs in Greece, dodging water buckets in Poland, or just vibing with a chocolate-stuffed Bilby in Australia, one thing’s clear, Easter is way more than brunch and bunnies. It’s a global mashup of ancient traditions, unexpected fun, and meaningful moments. And once you’ve explored the world’s quirkiest customs, why not keep the excitement going from your own couch? Fire up Eternal Slots and let the Easter thrills roll on, no passport required, just pure, festive fun at your fingertips.

Read more: Creative Easter Egg Decorating Ideas You’ll Want to Try