The different meaning of Easter.

_{Easter, a holiday rich in tradition, is celebrated across the globe with diverse customs and practices. While the essence of Easter remains constant—commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ—how different cultures embrace this occasion varies significantly. Let’s explore some unique Easter traditions from around the world:}

1. Semana Santa in Spain: In Spain, (Where I am living now.) Holy Week, is observed with profound solemnity and reverence. Cities like Seville and Malaga become stages for dramatic processions. Penitents dressed in traditional capirotes carry elaborate floats (pasos) depicting scenes from the Passion of Christ. The air is filled with the scent of incense and the sound of mournful saetas, soul-stirring flamenco hymns. For an immersive experience, join the locals in any procession and follow the paso from its church of origin through the winding streets¹.
2. Easter Egg Roll in the United States: The White House Easter Egg Roll is a storied American tradition dating back to 1878. Each year, children gather on the White House lawn to roll decorated hard-boiled eggs across the grass, cheered on by the President and First Lady. The event symbolizes the renewal of spring and the nation’s connection to its cultural heritage. Tickets are distributed via an online lottery system, so keep an eye on the White House’s official announcements for your chance to join this historic event¹.
3. Flying Kites in Bermuda: Bermuda has a long tradition of flying kites around Easter time. Special festivals on Good Friday feature kites shaped like hexagons. Interestingly, some places in Spain also have kite festivals during this time of the year².
4. Orthodox Easter: Orthodox Christians in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East celebrate Easter later than most in the western world. The difference arises because they use a different calendar to determine the date for Easter³.
5. Easter Markets in Germany: Germany hosts vibrant Easter markets where locals and visitors can explore festive stalls, buy handcrafted decorations, and indulge in seasonal treats. These markets are a delightful way to experience German Easter traditions⁴.
6. Easter in Sweden (Where I was raised) is a delightful blend of rich traditions, fine food, and quirky customs. Let’s explore some fascinating aspects of how Swedes celebrate this holiday: A. Easter Witches (Påskkärringar): Many Swedes used to believe in an old legend that on Maundy Thursday, witches flew off to consort with the Devil on Mount Blåkulla. While the belief has faded, the tradition of dressing up as Easter witches remains. Children clad in discarded clothes, gaily colored headscarves, and red-painted cheeks go from house to house in the neighborhood, presenting occupants with paintings and drawings in the hope of receiving sweets in return¹. B. Origins of Easter in Sweden: Historically, Easter celebrations in Sweden began with the three days of Shrovetide, filled with carnivals, games, and revelry. People playfully thrashed each other with birch twigs and tobogganed down steep slopes. On Easter Saturday, the mood turned joyful, and people resumed eating eggs. Eggs were often painted in different colors, and in the 1800s, Swedes started filling paper eggs with sweets. The custom of bringing birch twigs into homes and decorating them with colored feathers dates back to the 1880s C. Bonfires and Birch Twigs: In western Sweden, the tradition of lighting bonfires, firing shotguns, and shouting to scare away witches still lives on. Additionally, bringing birch twigs into homes and decorating them with colorful feathers adds to the festive atmosphere¹.
7. Summary; Easter celebrations vary due to cultural heritage, historical context, and regional customs. Each country brings its unique flavor to this global celebration of human expression.

Thank you for reading my post, and Happy Easter to you all.

#Windmush #Curtbergsten 28/03/2023