Around the world for Easter

As the Easter bunny lays those pastel-coloured eggs, (wait, what?), the chocolatiers and supermarkets around the world get their creativity together for a variety of cocoa masterpieces. We thought of looking towards our rainbow team of different nationalities, and asked them how their cultures celebrate the christian holiday of Easter. Needless to say, we were pleasantly surprised with the answers! 

The Netherlands: 

Before we get into the celebrations, there’s two easter holidays here! Double the brunch and double the fun! Families get together for a delectable easter brunch, consisting of rolls, cheese, ham, eggs and paasbrood. 

You’re also most likely to see many homes put up willow branches hung with tiny wooden eggs and bows. Over the years, they’ve become more elaborate and somewhere down the line, we’re going to start having Easter christmas-esque trees. 

Children (and adults alike) paint eggs and play in a variety of egg-hunt activities. Did you know? The Easter bunny took a walk on the wild side here and is called a Paashaas (easter hare). Additionally, Hemelvaart has a nice tradition going on called dauwtrappen, where you need to wake up early in the morning and touch the dew on the grass while being barefoot. 

Czech Republic: 

Here’s something that made us chuckle and raise our eyebrows at the same time, pause for doubts and then, double check if it’s accurate (it is!). 

The boys will make a whip out of wicker, and then decorate it with lots of colourful ribbons and visit homes that girls live in, and….whip them. Harmless fun, we’re sure. This cherished tradition ensures a girl stays healthy & beautiful and as a reward for the boys doing the whipping, they’re gifted with shots of alcohol, candies or painted eggs. They’d better share ;-)

Ukraine: 

Wet monday is celebrated on the second day of Easter. The tradition states that by pouring water on someone, you’re associated with spring purification. Water and fire are known for having magical properties that drove out evil, gave fertility to mother earth and of course, good health to people. 

Wet Monday is a favourite amongst the youngsters, and the central square in Lviv central is even specially equipped for this fun celebration and big water fights (and now, the people of Ukraine are robbed off their culture and life, and will not be happening this year).

Brazil:

In Brazil, one of the main traditions is something for the heart, soul and the stomach ;) It’s the never-ending tradition of eating chocolate eggs and collecting the gifts inside them!  

Portugal:

The celebrations are more religiously focused on this side of the world, with the Holy week, Good Friday (where no meat is eaten), and Easter is celebrated with eggs and almond-eggs!  

Spain: 

In Barcelona, there is the celebration of Monas de Pascua: where a variety of chocolate creations are given to all the children in families! In certain cases, they’re ginormous and can potentially cost hundreds of euros! The bakeries have plenty of creative chocolate creations on display, and it’s certainly a sight to behold! 

In Catalonia, there are some typical dishes prepared just for Easter, such as Cod (historical significance which we will tell you about below) and some specialised desserts (buñuelos de cuaresme). 

The history behind the Easter cod: We’re travelling back to the 16th century, where a priest named Olaf Magnus was delegated by Sweden to the Council of Trent, who showed other priests from southern Europe the benefits of Swedish cod. He elaborates on the salting process in order to preserve it better, thus achieving that the product becomes an object of import.

Given the prohibition of eating meat on certain days and fasting, it was not difficult for cod, with its proteins, its satiating power and its ease of conservation, to become the desired food on those dates.

So, in short: 40 days prior to Easter Sunday, there is a period that is being called cuaresma. During this period, traditionally you could eat less of no meat for 40 days, symbolising the belief that Jesus went 40 days in the desert without food. 

Well, there you have it! A quick tour around the various easter celebrations! We’d love to know more about how you celebrate Easter and any quirky traditions! 

Wishing you a joyful Easter holiday!