Easter traditions around the world

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Around the world, the Easter holiday is recognized in many different ways; some that would be considered similar to the American Easter, and others that are downright bizarre and superstitious.

Sweden Easter Traditions
In the western provinces of Sweden, residents compete to see who can make the biggest bonfire, while others shoot off fireworks. Bonfires are also lit in the Ukraine to ward off illnesses and catastrophes.

Bulgaria Easter Traditions
In Bulgaria, the practice of cracking eggs with one another takes place before Easter lunch. The last person holding an unbroken egg is said to be the recipient of one year of good luck.

German Easter Traditions
Germans celebrate with an "Easter Fire," which is the burning of Christmas trees to acknowledge the end of winter and the beginning of spring.

Austria Easter Traditions
In Austria, much like the American tradition of hiding Easter baskets, the Easter Bunny, known as Osterhase, hides decorated eggs for children on the night before Easter.

Finland Easter Tradition
Although winter is still dominant during Easter in Finland, birch twigs and pussy willows are planted to welcome spring.

Swiss Easter Traditions
The Swiss have revived an old Easter tradition by decorating wells to celebrate the gift of water. The wells are decorated with painted eggs that have been blown out and spring flowers.

Norwegian Easter Traditions
Oddly, Norwegians broadcast and promote "Easter-crime" shows during Easter time by televising detective novels and crime stories; it's a true "mystery" as to the origin of this custom.

Greek Easter Traditions
Greeks have a beautiful custom of decorating eggs red, to signify the blood of Jesus Christ. These hard-boiled eggs are then used in making Easter bread to give to friends and family on Easter Sunday.

Mexico Easter Traditions
In Mexico, our friends south of the border are given time off from work and school to recognize both Holy Week and Easter Week, known as Semana Santa and Semana de Pascua.

Costa Rica Easter Traditions
Travel by vehicle is virtually forbidden on Holy Thursday and Good Friday in Costa Rica, as the use of public services and transportation are viewed as sinful at this time and are left idle. Most businesses close during the middle of the week as well.

Russia Easter Tradition
Finally, in Russia, where Easter is a very important holiday, folk art Easter eggs are adorned with the traditional Ukrainian colors of red, black, and golden-yellow.