We are very familiar with our German Easter customs. But Easter is not only celebrated in Germany. All Christian countries around the world celebrate the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus with Easter. Some countries have developed interesting—and some even bizarre—Easter customs that are celebrated traditionally.

I have put together a brief overview for you here:

Easter customs in Germany

The children dye eggs in bright colors, which are then eaten for breakfast or as a snack on Easter Sunday.

Parents (well, actually the Easter Bunny ;-)) hide eggs and gifts in the house or garden, which are then

Eggs are blown out and painted or decorated with colorful stickers, then used to decorate rooms in the house on willow branches with opening buds.

Easter customs in Brazil

At Easter, the city of Jerusalem, where Jesus died, is recreated on 100,000 square meters in the Pernambuco region for the Passion plays.

Easter customs in Bulgaria

Here, we hide eggs at Easter, but in Bulgaria, people throw eggs at their relatives or at church walls. If the egg doesn't break, you'll have a happy year ahead of you.

Easter customs in Sweden

In Sweden, children dress up as Easter witches on Maundy Thursday and go from house to house to deliver Easter greetings. In the past, people in Sweden believed that Easter witches would gather for secret meetings on the night before Good Friday.

Easter customs in the Philippines

Poor children! In the Philippines, according to an old custom, it is believed that children will grow faster if their parents pull them up by their hair as soon as the Easter bells ring. Ouch!

Easter customs in Japan

Four kilometers off the coast of Japan lies Okunoshima Island, which is teeming with wild rabbits. That's why the island is also called Rabbit Island. The rabbits have become a real tourist attraction, and many tourists and locals travel to the holiday island, especially at Easter.

Easter customs in Vatican City

During his Easter Mass, the Pope gives the blessing "Urbi et orbi." In doing so, he forgives the sins of all his listeners—both in Rome and throughout the rest of the world.

Easter customs in Ireland

In the past, meat was not allowed to be eaten during Lent. That is why people there ate fish exclusively—mostly herring. At Easter, the herring is ceremoniously carried to its grave, symbolizing the end of the meatless period.

Easter customs in Christian countries

In the Middle Ages, Easter eggs were dyed exclusively red, symbolizing the suffering of Jesus Christ. Red = blood

Easter customs in Scandinavia

On Easter Eve, Scandinavian women sprinkle themselves with fresh spring water to promote fertility and beauty. If they also want to charm a man, they sprinkle him as well. This is supposed to encourage his affection.

Easter traditions in Italy

A yeast dough pastry with almonds in the shape of a dove symbolizes peace.

Baking and book tip 

Still looking for an Easter gift idea?

Birgit Weidt is a passionate amateur traveler and cook. In her book Das kreolische Kochbuch(The Creole Cookbook), published in February 2015, she pays tribute to Creole cuisine: the photos make my mouth water.

Pictures, stories, and recipes from La Réunion, Guadeloupe, and Martinique
Food photography by Ariane and Kornelia Bille

On Travel on Toast, she shares a baking tip for Easter: sweet potato cake from the island of La Réunion. YUMMY!

I wish you a happy Easter and pleasant holidays,

Yours, Stephanie Gräf

travel expert

Image credit: © INFINITY – Fotolia.com