Traditions light of Easter in different countries

Light holiday of Easter - the time the universal joy of all Christians in the world. After all, he - a symbol of eternal life, the triumph of Paradise over Hell, hope that everything will be fine. Still, every people who profess faith in Jesus Christ, sees this event a little differently, through the prism of their own culture, historical development, religious dogmas, and other important factors.

Traditions light of Easter in different countries

About the most interesting and special Easter traditions of the Christian countries of the world described in this article! Read and take into service all the fun that exists in the world! After all, our Passover yet to come!

Easter in Finland

In Finland, Easter does not only mean the resurrection of Christ, but also marks the beginning of spring.

Therefore, many Easter traditions in Finland are associated with symbols of spring. It is assumed here, for example, germinate Easter rye grain, to obtain the tender green shoots to decorate homes. In the manner of vases put birch and willow branches, which warm quickly bloom and create a spring mood. Of the more southern countries are imported tulips, lilies and daffodils.

In the past, the Easter holidays in Finland were more focused on the believers, and during Holy Week, many restaurants, cinemas and other entertainment facilities to work on a reduced schedule. It was not until the 90s, as long as the law has not been revised.

As for modern Finns, they mostly do not fast, but happily feasting and having fun at Easter. Even in the church, many of them are going to feel the atmosphere of celebration and music.

By the way, in Finland believe that the Holy Week - a time of witches. They are more active in the period between Good Friday and Easter Sunday, when Jesus was not buried in the tomb. However, over time the witch in the eyes of Finnish citizens "kinder" and turned into a pretty good-natured character of Easter. This is evidenced by the fact that their image can be found on almost every postcard for Easter. In this harsh Scandinavian country is still revered ancient Nordic tradition of Easter. The Finns believe that the time of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ to the Great Resurrection - the period of impunity celebration of evil forces: witches, demons and other black creatures. After the Savior lay in a coffin, and no one to defend the land of triumphant evil. In connection with this belief, with Maundy Thursday and Easter until the dawn walk the streets wretchedly dressed children and begging. They - bloated face and the hands they hold a broom, coffee pots and bunches of willow twigs.

These days can not distinguish, Finland celebrates Easter, Halloween or the second time marks. Finns honestly believe that children are distilled off its branches from their homes evil, but because - generously handed out small coins, candy, chocolate eggs, biscuits and other sweets. And in Finland there is a belief that on Easter Sunday the sun at sunrise dancing with joy. And, of course, the Finns, too, color and eat boiled eggs for Easter, symbolizing rebirth.

And she remembered Easter is a very tasty dish, which in Finland is affectionately known as "Mammi". Make Easter delicacy of water sprouted rye, malt, molasses and darker orange peels. Before serving, pour the milk.

Traditions light of Easter in different countries

Easter in the Czech Republic

Czechs just love the Easter holiday! This mood can be felt immediately, as soon as you set foot on the land of this country with a generous nature. What is the cause of such love? First of all, of course, for the Czechs Easter - a break from everyday worries, hearty meal (by the way, Easter woman baked sweet rolls as a little lamb and cook a lot of meat dishes, in addition to the Czech Republic will not see this anywhere cake).

And like the people of this country for a very interesting Easter traditions: Only on this day the Czechs male officially allowed to smack their wives and loved women as special rods, woven from willow twigs. Of course, the "spanking" has a symbolic meaning, but the Czechs say, helps men to get rid of hard feelings, and women - gives health and youth.

Traditions light of Easter in different countries

Easter in Slovakia

Poizmyvatsya little over the weaker sex love and Slovakia. Slovaks-men are convinced that on Maundy Thursday (or Green) all unmarried girls have to swim in a running stream before dawn. This will help them to maintain health, to get married and give birth to healthy children. And if the girl (well, really!) Did not want to get up before dawn on Thursday and go to look for the flow of the stream ... he finds a girl in her home, and loving it concerns men committing "ritual bath".

It is also interesting that in Slovakia, too, as in Finland, fear of increased influence of evil forces in the Good Friday. Because all the polls, this day wear in the mouth garlic and even give his domestic fowl! But Holy Saturday Slovaks are trying to make their homes all the old and burn it.

If you ask local families, why they do it. They explain, in response, that by this ritual burning means: "Move out of Judah the house and burn it down." As for the ritual baking for Easter in Slovakia prepared a special "meat loaf" - a casserole with meat or slices of different varieties of sausage.

Traditions light of Easter in different countries

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Easter in Germany

And Germany should be considered as the ancestor of the majority of present-day European Easter traditions. In the IV century in Germany was born the tradition of sanctifying eggs at Easter, and even then they were painted in different colors (usually red).

And yet, it is here that first appeared symbolic Easter bunny - a favorite symbol of the spring holiday of little Europeans who brings chocolate eggs under the door all the obedient kiddies. Easter Bunny is a symbol of Easter in Germany. It was borrowed from the old Germanic cults and, in popular belief, bears festive eggs. On the eve of the feast of the Resurrection of hare hides children in the grass in the garden, in the woods of Easter eggs, which they are happy to look for. In the Middle Ages the Easter bunny was persecuted, as they are considered a symbol of lust (in hares large litters in the spring). I worshiped one time only Protestant church. And yet, it is in Germany for the first time lit a ritual "Easter Fire" in which burned an old Christmas tree. Such an original way, the Germans decided to meet spring.

And only in this country, you can see a very beautiful, decorated with trees painted eggs. The Germans are considered a symbol of the revival of the trees of life, and thought it their duty to come every year to this tree and decorate it with a new egg. They believe that through this ritual, will live another year in peace and happiness.

There are very fond of Easter cakes. In Germany, it accepted the oven for the holiday buns-spikes with colored egg inside. Original and unusual!

Another important attribute of Easter in Germany- this wreath, which symbolizes the awakening of nature, the revival of a new life. Easter wreath in Germany is traditionally hang on doors or windows, but you can at the same time.

Easter (Ostern) or Resurrection Germans, like other Christians, celebrate the Sunday after the first spring full moon - not until March 22, no later than April 25.

Today, Germans celebrate two days of Easter: Easter Sunday and the following day - Easter Monday. Both days at Easter in Germany - state output.

Traditions light of Easter in different countries

Easter in Greece

Easter holiday in Greece are also very honored. To him, on Holy Saturday baked original bagels topped with eggs.

But travelers in this country can not even hit the original bakery. Most may surprise a unique Greek tradition to throw at exactly 11am on Easter Saturday, the windows of the old pottery. The custom thus to meet spring first came to Corfu, and is by far the most common Easter fun Greeks. So if you are planning this year to spend Easter in Greece (and the country also celebrates the day of Christ's resurrection from the dead as we are, May 5) try on Holy Saturday not to walk the narrow streets of the Old Town, you never know what ...

Traditions light of Easter in different countries

Easter in Australia

In Australia, a huge popular Easter eggs with sugar or chocolate. Here it is taken to prepare Easter eggs in the form of an animal, but rather a rabbit, a symbol of the Australian continent. Menu residents of Australia at Easter up of roast beef, lamb or chicken, vegetables and naturally with just fried.

For dessert on the Australian continent is considered a traditional sweet dish in the form of a cake of meringue, which is decorated with strawberries, tangerines and pineapple. There is quite popular are the sweet freshly cooked buns, which locals usually eat on Easter morning for breakfast before attending church activities. In Australia, Easter decided to celebrate in nature, for example, in the mountains or in the woods. According to ancient traditions it is assumed that in such a holiday is always clean air, besides the water in all sources is gaining miraculous properties that are inherent in the holy water.

If this year Australians planned to create a new family, the couple should work together to collect some water holy Easter and keep it throughout the whole year, so that they have not yet held the marriage was happy and strong.

Easter in Australia - a great 4 days of rest, which originate from the Good Friday. Holiday ends Monday. It was during this period are numerous fairs. The biggest and most popular fair usually opens in Sydney. A little earlier it was considered only agriculture, but nowadays it is able to celebrate almost anything.

On this day all the parents for their children to buy a package with a couple of toys, a notepad, a set of pencils, postcards, and so on. D. In addition, the kids also decided to present a variety of weaknesses.

Traditions light of Easter in different countries

Easter in Ireland

Ireland - the country is very superstitious people. In addition to the true Christian tradition (that involve fasting and abstinence), the Irish have come up with and their ethnic, even more stringent. For example, Good Friday people are not working. It is believed that on this day need to be careful not to spill a single drop of blood. But Holy Saturday the Irish rushing into the temple to bless the water. That Saturday the water (just three sips of it!) Is able to ensure the health of the whole year. The last days before Easter, the inhabitants of this country particularly strict fasting, do not eat meat, and even (have a custom) cut myself a little piece of meat and tie it to the wall of the house. This ritual, believe the Irish, is able to protect a house from the effects of the evil forces. Oh well, the inhabitants of Ireland, like all Catholics, honor Easter bunny, goodies waiting for him in the Great Resurrection, and, of course, baked Easter buns. There's a little Easter made cinnamon buns, topped with a cross custard.

Traditions light of Easter in different countries

Easter in France

France is also able to surprise their Easter traditions. However, in this country, everything fit extraordinary why Easter holiday should be an exception? In France, the great day of the Resurrection, in the middle of the square a huge fried egg omelette. On a dish on average spend about 4500 eggs, and a few hundred kilograms of meat. And yet, on the day of the Passover there on the streets selling all chocolate figures millions of birds, chicks, bells, eggs, and others associated with the holiday, talismans. Even Easter baking French replace their branded crusty bread with smoked sausage and olives! It's easy and unique!

Easter in France - is not only a religious celebration. Not necessarily comply with all the Christian dogmas, to touch these events. French congratulate relatives, loved ones, friends and acquaintances not only with the religious dates, and something good, the spring and joyful.

Easter symbol in France is, as in many European countries, the rabbit, which brings Easter eggs. The explanation for this is contained in the legend, according to which the pagan goddess of spring Estra turned the bird into a hare, but he continued to lay eggs. Another explanation of the origin of the Easter character is not a fairy tale - Easter morning when the children went to gather eggs from the chicken coop, they are often seen near the rabbits (hares).

Already a month before Easter in all the French stores in the shops you can buy chocolate eggs, chickens, roosters and rabbits.

On the day of Easter Week in France, there is a tradition, when early in the morning, parents hide chocolate eggs in the garden, and the children woke up to find them under the bushes, in the colors, in the grass; they stack found eggs in the basket and treat them at the breakfast table. In France, there is another interesting Easter traditions - church bells are silent from Good Friday to Easter Sunday. It takes place in the memory of the crucified Christ. On rebyatni questions, why do not ring a bell, the parents say they "flew to Rome." Sunday morning children run to look at how the bells back.

Traditions light of Easter in different countries

Easter in Ukraine

In the next, Orthodox Ukraine, too, is very kind and reverently refer to the Great Day of Resurrection. Incidentally, Easter here is called: "Velikden". The net Thursday housewives with great thrill and proceed to baking prayer Easter cakes (PASOK). Necessarily placed in dough (crosswise) pieces hallowed willow. According to Pascoe judged as live for the next year the family. If the cakes turn out so rosy high - means that the house will be peace, joy and prosperity. If something does not work, should not expect trouble.

Easter in Ukraine is celebrated every first week after the vernal equinox and the full moon. Over the centuries this holiday has merged with national traditions and family customs that accompany a person throughout life.

Family table for Easter in Ukraine is prepared with great solemnity and always decorated with flowers. The main place takes on a festive table Easter and krashanki laid on the greens. In addition, each Ukrainian hostess prepares traditional and favorite family holiday dishes.

After the revolution, in spite of the militant atheism, the celebration of Easter traditions handed down in Ukraine from generation to generation.

When the production of gift art Easter eggs banned, continued to celebrate Easter with 'Krashenki' (cartouches in one or more colors eggs) 'pysankas' (painted ornaments) manufacturing tradition which was strong in the western regions of Ukraine and the 'skrobankami'. This is a special technique of ornamentation eggs when pattern scratch out one way or another sharp instrument. Live art wooden Easter eggs concentrated in remote villages Zavolzhsky edge - Polkhovsky Maidan and Crutzen. The main theme of the painting - floral design combined with figurative elements: trees, river, sun, houses, birds. Traditional motifs and subjects were images of a rooster or chicken, sun and others. Only masters Crutzen were not afraid in the Soviet time to write on the eggs 'X a' depicting the Church and strongly indicate that the egg is Easter.

Whatever the culinary treats on the table, but to start a dinner made with cake. Even the crumbs of bread that fell on the floor, not on your nelly not be disposed of in the trash. Cut off a crust of tradition was preserved as a talisman that brings happiness.

There is plenty of Easter fun. Most popular now - a game of chops, when the children, and not only, choose Easter eggs and knocking them one on another. Whose is broken, and the loser.

Died on Easter, considered to be very happy, because on this day the gates of heaven are opened, and the soul without trial gets there.

Traditions light of Easter in different countries

Easter in the US

As a multi-ethnic country in which believers live together many different denominations, America does not comply with some specific customs of Easter (Easter).

The only prominent feature, which is considered common to Americans of all religions, is that on Easter Sunday they gather around a large table in the family circle. The main dish at a family dinner on Easter Day are potatoes, ham with pineapple and fruit salads.

Presented in this day of tradition basket with colored eggs and a huge variety of delicacies. Each egg is traditionally contains a question and the person receiving such an egg, must necessarily respond to it.

The next day, on Monday, the White House organize a traditional skating Easter eggs, which together with the boys and girls took part and the United States of America. This tradition was brought to America by the British and meticulously maintained, bringing adults and children a lot of joy. Also at Easter in the United States it is an essential visit to the Easter service in the church, which is called "On the dawn of the sun" and begins at 6 am. Thus, for Christians, Easter - it is a day of prayer and family gatherings.

However, most of the US population are Catholics, and they know how to have fun somehow, especially at Easter. In Boston, for example, in the pre-Easter days in the stores and shops you can buy dolls that depict the Prophet Moses with the tablets of covenant in his hands, Queen Esther and Jesus Christ. These dolls are able to pronounce the phrase from the Bible, and are $ 10, but their appearance, they are obliged to one of Boston for couples, who explained to her daughter the Bible basics just by using just such puppet characters.

In some American cities held parade, when people in bright costumes are on the main streets, attracting attention and giving a sense of the present general holiday.

Traditions light of Easter in different countries

Easter in Mexico

Unlike some European countries, Easter in Mexico to this day carries great religious significance. Living in the country for this great holiday seriously prepare, fast and torturing a variety of obedience and torture. Mexicans believe that the one who knows himself to torment Jesus Christ on the road to Calvary (street mystery Crucis), become kinder, more sensitive to the plight of others, and because of all this - happier. The very same Easter in Mexico, illuminated by the light of joy and quiet family gatherings. The Great Day there is no pomposity, Easter rabbits and some other surroundings, characteristic of the Catholic Easter tradition. Everyone wants to spend the day in peace with all, and among the most expensive people.

Traditions light of Easter in different countries

Easter in Moldova

Easter or the Resurrection of Christ - one of the most important religious holidays, which is actively marked almost the entire population of Moldova. The date of this festival varies every year. So the Orthodox Easter is celebrated in Moldova on Sunday after the first new moon following the vernal equinox, is not less than a week after the Jewish Passover. In Moldova, Easter is celebrated 2 days - Sunday and the following Monday, which are considered inoperable.

In "Maundy Thursday" before Easter decided to hold a general cleaning of apartments, houses, yards. During the preparation for the holiday, in advance cooked hard-boiled and dyed eggs, and two days before Easter Sunday, Good Friday, Easter cakes and cook Paschi.

Celebrate Easter begin on Sunday night, when the faithful go to church and consecrated cakes, Pasco and painted eggs. In the morning all the relatives and friends gather around the Seder table, exclaiming happily, "Christ is risen" ( "Hristos a inviat") and response "Truly He is risen" ( "Adevarat a inviat"), begin the morning meal, the so-called breaking of the large seven-week Lent.

In Easter dishes in Moldova, in addition to traditional Easter cakes and painted eggs (cakes) are also with curd cake, zhambon (ham) in dough baked in the oven (oven), resol (jellied cock) and the famous Moldovan wine.

The only time in the year, the children can not afford to break the painted eggs, bumping them, arranged the whole mini-tournaments.

The remaining part of the two holidays Moldovans relax and go for a visit, and if the weather is conducive to allow, then go to nature to the first spring picnics.

Traditions light of Easter in different countries

Easter in Armenia

Easter in Armenia is called Zatik, which means "zatvel - andzhatvel" - freedom from suffering. The holiday begins the evening of Holy Saturday, at the end of the church ceremony Andastana (consecration of the four cardinal points).

One of the old traditions that have come down to modern times, considered doll "Aklatiz", decorated with 49 stones and onions. This attribute of Easter symbolizes good luck for the home and family.

Symbol of Easter in Armenia and is considered the figure Utis-tat, place it in the kitchen as a symbol of the mistress of the house. In ancient times, this figure should be able handicrafts Armenian each woman. Utis-tat also had an educational aim, that children grow up in the spirit of national traditions. Armenians painted eggs and before the adoption of Christianity, paint and now. Red means the sun. Very unusual tradition was in Armenia for Easter consecration trees. Elderly Armenian women on Easter morning with candles in their hands consecrated trees. In pre-Christian times it was made on this day to perform the ritual of sacrifice. Lamb or rooster cooked all night, and then distributed to the poor and needy.

At Easter in Armenian traditional dish is now pilaf and painted eggs. And earlier in the day we were served Spitak Banjar, because, according to legend, St. Virgin wraps Jesus Christ, in the leaves of this plant. Also, on Easter Armenian housewives decided to treat kutapom - this dough baked with greens or beans with fried onions, still auikom (wheat tortillas) and Achar (boiled lamb or cock).

In ancient times in Armenia at Easter after Easter lunch merry celebration continued in the outdoors with a variety of games, equestrian competitions and bonfires. And, of course, in this day, as usual, competing, broken colored eggs.

Armenian Christians by tradition say to each other: "Christ is risen from the dead!" - "Blessed is the Resurrection of Christ!".

Traditions light of Easter in different countries

Easter in Canada

In Canada, many traditions of Easter, as Catholics and Protestants.

The main character is Easter - rabbit that brings eggs. The tradition of popularizing the long-eared animal came to Canada in the 18th century and, of course, from Europe, to be exact - from Germany. First, the ancient Germans celebrated the spring equinox, and worshiped on this day the goddess of spring and fertility Ostara, on whose behalf and went current name of the holiday - Easter (German - Ostern). At that time, her sacred animal was the hare. This was not an innovation of the Germans, for the hare, which symbolized fertility and fertility, and also accompanied the goddess of love Aphrodite and revered since ancient times by the Romans and the Egyptians.

With regard to the traditions of Easter treats in Canada, every nationality adheres to its practices in this regard. The families of immigrants from England at Easter made baked lamb with vegetables, cook Easter cake and buns with a cross (hot-cross buns). Canadian Italians make the cake with sweet cream cheese, bake bread in the form of a dove? la colomba, prepare torta Pasqualina cake 33 cakes very thin dough, which number represents each year of life the Son of God.

Easter celebrations in Canada is complete without a traditional maple syrup festivals.

After the sad last days of Lent coming of Easter Sunday it is perceived as something bright and happy. And, despite the fact that the first most important holy day of Canadian Catholics, Protestants and Anglicans still considered Christmas and Easter is the second part in the liturgical calendar, between these two celebrations in Canada can see the similarities ..

Just like Christmas, Easter in Canada - it is not only a religious celebration focused on the faithful. It really is a popular and very beautiful event, which, like Christmas in Canada are beginning to prepare long before its occurrence. Many media tells about the traditions of decorating, cooking and gifts at Easter, and in the towns organize fairs and markets where you can buy all sorts of wonderful treats and gifts.

Another Canadian family Easter traditions is the giving Easter basket with colored eggs or sweets in the form of eggs. This tradition also came to Canada from Germany. In the Middle Ages in Western Europe eggs for Easter meant billing unit: they pay the debts. That peasants paid to the Church for the lease of land for Easter eggs, and she, in turn, distributed them to the poor. Over time, this custom has evolved into hand painted eggs kids.

A century later, the real painted eggs replaced the chocolate and caramel eggs, and 30-ies of the last century - and even multi-colored candy - candy jelly beans, resembling birds' eggs. Finished basket with painted or plastic eggs, if desired, may be purchased at the Canadian product, mostly in Italian. And of course no one is glad Easter in Canada as children. On the eve of their parents try to hide carefully harvested pre-painted eggs and souvenirs in the form of eggs with various surprises inside. Children are told that the eggs they brought the Easter Bunny, but he hid them until the morning. Waking up in the morning, the children begin to look for the eggs all around the house. They are looking for them, even in the yard and in the garden, in advance anticipating the pleasure of discovery. If you are not a child, then ignite the present rivalry between brothers and sisters in the family. Everyone tries to find as many eggs as possible. Usually this chocolate eggs.

Traditions light of Easter in different countries

Easter in Norway

Most people in Norway - the Lutherans and the celebration of Easter in Norway a little different than in other states.

In Norway, Easter is found not only dyed in different colors Easter eggs and the Easter Bunny, but Easter chickens. Made of different materials: plastic, cotton or painted little yellow chicks are present in the windows of shops, in private homes, on packages, in newspapers and magazines.

Norway's main national holiday called "Lazy Thursday," Good Friday and Easter Monday.

Norwegian people do not particularly pay attention to the religious significance of Easter. Few people go to church on Easter. TV shows a lot of religious programs, and certainly some detective. Somehow, at Easter in Norway received read or watch detective detective series. Even the Easter book describes "Easter crime."

Most Norwegians go to the Easter weekend to have fun in the mountains: skiing, even sunbathing.

Children in Norway are provided Easter holidays for 6 days. At Easter, usually bloom daffodils, which are called "Easter lily."

Traditions light of Easter in different countries

Easter in Italy

Easter in Italy is the most popular and favorite holiday. Its mobile data, year-on-year change is determined by the phase of the moon and the position of the sun. Framework established in the year 525 for Easter, - from 22 March to 25 April. This is almost the same significant event, like Christmas, and despite saying "Natale con i tuoi, Pasqua con chi vuoi!", Which translates to "celebrate Christmas with his family, and Easter - with whom you want!", Most often this holiday celebrated in the family circle. However, the day after Easter (it is called little Easter) Italians for a long-standing tradition of picnics, barbecues, barbecue.

The celebration of Easter traditions in Italy have a long history. For example, early on Easter in Italy there was a tradition carry on the eve of the torch with the help of homes fire kindled in the church.

In modern Italy decided to organize an Easter breakfast: it is indispensable hard boiled eggs, smoked sausage and savory cheese cake. Or kazatello - Neapolitan pie with salted egg, cheese and sausage. Or the same Neapolitan pastera - pie with ricotta and soaked wheat. Despite the fact that this delicious, but heavy dessert baked all year round, the best pstera other dishes symbolizes rebirth.

One of the attributes of traditional Easter in Italy - a dish called Colombo, which tastes like a Christmas panettone, but with a lemon scent and is often covered with almonds and almond frosting. Italian holiday is not complete without roasted lamb or goat, and chocolate eggs. The last accepted to give to children. In recent years, chocolate eggs replaced the chicken, and a large amount of chocolate eggs are sold in stores, shops and shops. Vary both the size and the "contents", most of the eggs contain any surprises inside.

It should be noted that at Easter in the different regions of Italy are preparing a completely different dishes, for example, in Campania (Campania) - a sweet dish called Neapolitan cake, in Emilia Romagna (Emilia Romagna) - Green lasagna in bolonezski, in Friuli (Friuli) - sweet dish with a curious name "Easter claw in Trieste" and in Lazio (Lazio) Easter mandatory "Roast lamb with giblets." On Easter Sunday, the Pope blesses the custom of the people on the square in front of St. Peter's Basilica. In addition to the prayers made in Italy at Easter suit theatrical performances about the life, suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus. Italians participated in these performances allows the person to join the great spiritual values ​​of mankind.

At Easter, all the Italians carried out general cleaning apartments, real: scrubbed floors, washed out the glass and window frames, in short, "lick" the nest until the last straw. Because otherwise-in-law has a right to inflict shaped scandal. "To whom are you married !!!" (This is a common phenomenon in the Italian families and all who care for the family peace).

With a special scale Easter is celebrated in Sicily. There are solemn processions and mystery played out. In the town of Ganges arrange competitions between the admirers of the Virgin Mary and Christ. No violence, the sense is that who better to grace the streets in the city center. A "devil's dance" can be seen in Prizzi (Prizzi). True long last he finally win angels and evil will be defeated.

In Rome on Good Friday is traditionally held a procession from the Colosseum to the Palatine Hill. On the way make 14 stops, symbolizing Christ's path from the court to the place of Calvary. Such processions are held in other cities.

And not even in Rome takes place annually the most amazing Easter event, but in a small town in southern Italy, Sorrento. It is here, on Maundy Thursday, from 1500, the year occur very ambitious, bright, costume parades, "white procession" in which the participants in a theatrical form of trying to convey all the pain of the Virgin Mary in the day of judgment over her son. On Good Friday the evening, the whole town is plunged into darkness and silence. Procession starts another process, "black", which has already informs the world of the Great Crucifixion, the Virgin and the incredible sorrow.

And, of course, the Resurrection itself is illuminated by laughter, loud chants street choirs ubiquitous picnics with lots of delicious dishes. For example, if you are in Italy for Easter, be sure to recommend you try "Firttata" - a dish of whipped eggs with different herbs and spices and, of course, the magnificent Italian cake, which is baked in the shape of a cross, and is half of the raisin.

Traditions light of Easter in different countries

Easter in England

Until a few centuries ago in England, the Easter holiday was accompanied by games and fun. Sometimes clergy and lay people entertained themselves at Easter game ball. As a prize were presented special Easter cakes or puddings.

In some parishes in the counties of Dorset and Devon after a Good Friday service at Easter was passed distribute special white cupcakes as a treat for Easter in the county home. These cupcakes are different sizes and have a bitter-sweet taste. During this servant received monetary compensation from the owners that depended on their material wealth and generosity.

In Lancashire, Cheshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, and in some counties, there was a funny habit to carry each other's hands. On Easter Monday the men were wearing women's, and Easter Tuesday women wore men in turn. Two strong men or women intercrossed hands in such a way that a kind of "seat" for the third. Thus, many managed to "pass" a few yards down the street.

It is said that one monk traveler passed by a small town in the county of Lancashire was on Easter Tuesday. He stopped for a rest at a local hotel. He was extremely surprised when I ran into him a few strong sensual women with a proposal to "move" it! The traveler asked him to explain what was happening. And the lady told him: "Today - Easter Tuesday, and we must carry them in return! Therefore, we will fast forward you! It is our right and duty. " After long negotiations, funky confessor managed to deviate from this local tradition, offering to replace the ridiculous tradition to crown-floor.

On Easter Monday in some areas of England men demanded the privilege to remove the ladies shoes, but the next day, the women did the same.

Of course, in modern England, the tradition and fun have sunk into oblivion, and very few are likely to have been preserved in some patriarchal villages. However, even today the tradition of celebrating Easter in England is very funny, bright, colorful and joyful. Easter is one of the most important holidays of the year in this country. On the day of Easter at sunrise in the churches are religious services. In Catholic churches traditionally hosts concerts of organ music.

In this holiday in the UK decided to put on new clothes, which symbolizes the end of the season, inclement weather and the coming of spring. Easter Basket (Easter baskets), full of eggs, bread and other food, take with them on the Easter service, to consecrate the church. The Easter Monday given to children on the streets of candy and toys.

Children in England Paskhus looking forward to Sunday. On Sunday morning, they wake up and see that the Easter Bunny has left them baskets of goodies and put the eggs that they were painted last week.

By the way, the Easter bunny symbolizes the abundance and fertility, as everyone knows the ability of the soft and fluffy animal to rapidly increase the offspring. One of the legends about the Easter bunny (hare) is associated with the name of the Anglo-Saka goddess Iostre appearing accompanied by long-eared pet. That belief rabbit hiding in a secluded place Easter eggs to rebyatnya then look for them.

Children in England around the house looking for eggs at Easter. Even held a traditional competition - search for eggs. A child who collects the most, receives the award. Such festivals organized in parks and restaurants.

Among England Easter egg characters occupy one of the most important positions. They mean abundance, and there is an ancient custom to share them among friends and relatives. In ancient times, Easter eggs were painted with bright, marking the arrival of spring. Red - the color of the blood of Jesus, and green - holiness.

Now, however, has taken root in the UK is another tradition of Easter eggs - to present to friends and relatives are not real eggs, and chocolate, in which the caramel or some other goodies, as well as all sorts of souvenirs in the form of Easter eggs. In the morning, at Easter in England, children traditionally rolled eggs from the mountain. This is an ancient game. Egg that rolls from the mountain, symbolizing the stone rolled away from the Holy Sepulcher. In Lancashire arranged Easter celebrations and the "Egg Race": descend the hill hard-boiled eggs, and wins the victory, whose egg roll down the hill first. The British spread this tradition in America.

England at Easter, there is also the tradition of decorating the church and homes during Easter candles. Master decoration for Easter candles - popular fun English families.

The morning of Good Friday, which in England is called "good" - Good Friday, begins with breakfast, during which freshly baked buns crusades - spicy, curvy, before baking incised on top of the cross, with raisins, candied fruits or inside. Burning of spices in the mouth when eating buns to remind people about the sufferings of Christ.

By the way, it is believed that the cross on the buns preserved from pre-Christian period of life in England, where it symbolized the sun and the coming of spring. Today, the cross - a symbol of resurrection. There is another legend: buns protect the house from evil spirits, and have healing properties. Therefore, people used to hang these muffins on the kitchen ceiling.

For Easter dinner made to decorate the house for spring festive - flowers, figurines Easter bunnies. English beautifully covered table, decorating it with the middle of the Easter basket with white lilies, in other corners of the table should certainly be colorful Easter eggs.

The traditional Easter treat meat is honey, garlic meatballs, baked ham, smoked, spring salad, sausage or bacon, glazed apple, potato rosemary and garlic in oil. The main dish is baked Easter stuffed lamb.

At Easter in England as well as in many other countries decided to play the wedding. By tradition these days for wedding dress using white, cream, yellow or pale pink shades. youth representatives in England, is not particularly deep into the origins of religious holidays, while recognizing the existence of Jesus as a general concept and a rational explanation for his resurrection. Fewer and fewer of the islanders versed in the rituals, ceremonies and traditions of Passover. For the majority of the younger generation in England Easter fun funny holiday.

And, of course, in modern England Easter widely it launched the production of different kinds of Easter rabbits - from chocolate and marzipan options to fun toy, textile products, and they are sold in these festive days in huge quantities.

In conclusion, we wish all the light of Easter, love, goodness! Make your life more varied and holidays - brighter, using interesting and unique traditions of the world!