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For some people, Easter Sunday celebrations might just be the same each year. It starts with the entire family going to church and then go home to eat a meal together. Those who have kids might also play Easter egg hunt or Easter egg painting. Though these activities sound fun, they seem to get boring if constantly done every year. The truth is that Easter traditions must not be limited to these activities alone. In fact, all around the world Easter is celebrated in different ways. In some countries, it can be weird or funny. Let us take a closer look at some of these interesting Easter Sunday traditions.
Getting Wet in Poland
The Polish Easter tradition is known as the Smingus-Dyngus. During Easter, boys will throw buckets of water or squirt water guns at each other. According to legends, girls who get wet during this activity might get married within the year. This tradition can be traced back to the baptism of Prince Miezsko, a Polish prince in 966 AD who was baptized during an Easter Monday. In Hungary, water throwing is also observed during Easter.
The Giant Omelet in France
In a small southern French town called Haux, they have a unique way of celebrating Easter every year. On the town’s main square, they serve a giant omelet. This is so huge that up to 4,500 eggs are used to feed over 1,000 people. This tradition can be attributed to Napoleon. According to stories, he was traveling through the southern part of France and stopped by Haux. He ordered omelets and loved what he tasted. He then asked the locals to gather their eggs and create a giant omelet for his army.
Spanking in Czech Republic and Slovakia
Before you think negatively about this tradition, you have to understand that this is not meant to cause pain to anyone. It is a tradition in these countries for men to spank women using whips made from willow and are decorated with colorful ribbons. This tradition can be traced to the legend stating that the willow is the first tree blooming during spring. Therefore, these branches are meant to transfer the fertility of the tree to that of women. Again, this is just a form of spanking for fun.
A Tasty Easter Sunday Meal in Greece
Easter celebrations in Greece start as early as Saturday evening. Before midnight, the priest gives out candles to those who attended the ceremony at the church. They will then light the candle together by midnight. There will also be a fireworks display to symbolize the beginning of Easter. The more interesting part is what they do during Easter morning. Lamb soup is made and will be eaten for breakfast on an Easter morning. The rest of the lamb parts will then be roasted and eaten as a main course. There will also be Easter cakes made from almonds and oranges. It will also be covered with a spicy orange sauce.
A Day for Generosity in Ethiopia
A large bread called “Dabo” marks the start of the Ethiopian Easter festival called Fassika. Before Easter, Ethiopians are busy preparing the bread that will be served to the guests. Each time visitors pass by, they will be greeted through the “Dabo.” This tradition is meant to honor the crucifixion of Christ. Also, during Easter, Ethiopians wear something white along with a headband created out of actual palm leaves to signify purity.
Indeed, there are lots of interesting Easter celebrations around the world. If you happen to visit these places during Easter, you will surely have fun!