If you stop and think about it, Easter traditions are, well…pretty strange. Firstly, there’s the large, friendly rabbit that delivers treats to children. Then, there are the multicolored eggs hidden around the yard. And how about the egg rolling contest on the White House lawn each year? Of course, none of that even touches on the holiday’s religious origins.
In other locations around the world, people have their own, equally off beat Easter traditions. From water throwing in Poland to chocolate bilbies in Australia, learn more about these quirky ways to honor the holiday.
The Czech Republic and Slovakia
Watch out if you’re a woman traveling to the Czech Republic or Slovakia during Easter — you may want to keep an eye out. In both of these countries, men fashion “whips” out of willow branches and ribbons and use them to gently smack women and girls – supposedly, in order to make them more beautiful. They don’t hit hard, but still this is one tradition we’ll pass on, thanks.
Haux, France
In a tradition that supposedly goes all the way back to Napoleon, the people of Haux, a village in the southwest of France, celebrate Easter not by hunting for eggs but by breaking them. Specifically using 4,500 of them, in order to make an omelette of massive proportions. Several chefs are needed (armed with long, wooden paddles) to stir the giant skillet in the village center, which gets divided up among hungry residents.
Finland
Halloween happens on Oct. 31 each year, right? In Finland, the locals actually seem more intent on celebrating it on Easter, if their traditions are anything to go by. During the holidays children dress up as witches, with colored faces and brooms. Bonfires take place, too, as it’s thought the flames will keep witches away on Easter weekend.
Poland
In Poland, people celebrate Smingus-Dyngus, which features women being doused in buckets of water or sprayed with perfume. The Polish also say family patriarchs cannot take part in preparing the Easter feast, as it will turn their moustaches gray. Hmm, we’re dubious…
Australia
Imagine a rabbit, a mouse and a fox put together. Got it? The image you have in your head likely resembles a bilby, or an endangered Australian marsupial. Around this time of year, it’s important to recognize this creature if you’re traveling Down Under. After all, Australian Easter chocolates are shaped like bilbies, not bunnies.
Feature Image: Easter Eggs © Chris Brown
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