With Easter coming up, we can look forward to many of the traditions we practice today in America: hunting for candy-filled eggs, eating chocolate bunnies, decorating eggs, going to church, etc. While these customs are widely practiced across America, the origins and variations extend beyond our borders, rooted in cultures from overseas. Additionally, people of various nationalities observe the Christian holiday in their own unique ways contributing to a diverse Easter celebration in America.
Compared to Roman Catholicism, Easter is the most important Christian holiday for Orthodox Christians, emphasizing the miracle of Christ’s resurrection from the dead especially in the décor of holiday. Egg decorating is largely practiced around the world. This custom can be traced back to pre-Christian times but was eventually adopted by the Church. The traditional dye color was predominantly red, which has come to signify the blood of Christ. In Russia, eggs are cooked with onion peels to achieve the scarlet hue. Since eggs are a symbol of renewal of life, these red-dyed eggs came to represent victory of death.
In European countries, these eggs go beyond just decorating them. Egg tapping is widely practiced with a variety of meanings. Hard-boiled eggs are bumped together intending to crack the opponent’s egg while keeping your own intact. In countries like Romania, each guest taps his or her egg with the egg of the host as a greeting saying, “Christ has risen!” In other cultures, such as in Bulgaria and Greece, this custom has evolved more as a friendly competition. The person who’s egg survives all other challengers is the winner and will enjoy the longest, healthiest life.
Egg rolling is another practice common during Easter. Eggs are rolled either on flat terrain or down a hill as a race. This custom is not only observed in European countries, but also is an annual event at the White House.
Decorated eggs are used solely for ornamental purposes as well. In some European countries, including Germany, Sweden, and Norway, eggs are hung from bushes and trees to create “Easter-egg trees.” Similarly, in Brazil, decorated chocolate eggs are hung above aisles in supermarkets as a way to display the merchandise. Brazilians give each other these eggs, “ovo de pascoa,” as gifts and can be very expensive and elaborate.
Just as in New York, Guatemala holds a parade in celebration of this national holiday. However, the Guatemalans’ parade is much more participative and intricate. Volunteers are eager to contribute to the procession, carrying lavishly decorated floats depicting the Passion of Christ and the Virgin Mary. The procession follows a trail of elaborately decorated carpets made of pine needles, flowers, and colored sawdust (called aserrin) made each year to ease walking on uneven streets.
Of course there are several other customs that make up Easter celebrations. Everyone observes this holiday in different ways. If you have your own Easter traditions, leave a comment below! Happy Easter, Colliegettes!
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter_egg#Easter_egg_traditions
http://www.russian-moscow.com/the-history-and-traditions-of-easter-in-russia/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egg_tapping
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egg_rolling
http://www.sailing-diving-guatemala.com/guatemala/easter-week.php
Photo Sources:
http://www.happyholidays2014.com/easter-2014-easter-2014-date-happy-easter-2014.html
http://kipiboo.blogspot.com/2011/04/ethnic-decorative-easter-eggs.html
http://www.ideastream.org/news/npr/175757281
http://fotografiaufs.wordpress.com/2013/03/19/o-tradicional-consumo-do-chocolate-na-pascoa/
https://www.roomsuggestion.com/Top-Ten-Places-to-Celebrate-Easter