Easter Traditions Around the World
How Eggs, Bunnies, and Bonkers Customs Bring Us Together
Easter might be celebrated on different days, in different ways, and with wildly different foods, but one thing unites us all: we love a good egg. Whether they’re hidden in gardens, dyed bright colours, or filled with chocolate, eggs take centre stage in many Easter traditions. But that’s just the beginning. Let’s hop around the globe (like a certain bunny) to uncover the most delightful, unusual, and egg-cellent Easter customs worldwide.
1. United Kingdom: Rolling Eggs and Chocolate Dreams
The UK does Easter in style with egg rolling competitions. Picture this: you’re on a hill, cheering as hard-boiled eggs race to the bottom, cracking and wobbling along the way. It’s fun, it’s chaotic, and it’s said to represent the rolling away of the stone from Jesus’ tomb.
But let’s get to the chocolate. Brits take their Easter chocolate seriously, and it’s no surprise that brands like Cadbury lead the charge with iconic creations like the Creme Egg.
Egg hunts are a must for kids (and some very competitive adults), featuring chocolate eggs hidden in gardens, parks, and just about anywhere a bunny might roam.
The popular Cadbury Creme Egg Easter Egg, available to buy online from Cadbury Gifts Direct.
2. United States: Egg Hunts and Presidential Egg Rolling
If there’s one thing Americans love, it’s an egg hunt. Plastic eggs stuffed with candy or tiny toys are hidden everywhere, from backyards to giant public parks. Some hunts even feature golden eggs with big prizes, like toys or cash, because, of course, everything’s bigger in the U.S.
And then there’s the White House Easter Egg Roll. Every year since 1878, kids have gathered on the White House lawn to push wooden eggs with spoons in a bizarre-yet-adorable race. It’s less about winning and more about celebrating together (and maybe spotting the President).
3. Germany: Artistic Eggs and the Magical Egg Tree
Germany is basically the birthplace of Easter traditions as we know them. One of their most enchanting customs is the Ostereierbaum, or Easter egg tree. Families decorate trees or branches with hollowed-out, painted eggs, creating a dazzling display of colour and creativity.
Speaking of painting, the Germans don’t mess around when it comes to egg art. Their decorated eggs range from simple dyes to museum-worthy masterpieces. Forget chocolate eggs—these beauties are meant to last (or at least until someone drops one).
4. Poland: Pisanki and Baskets of Blessings
Poland’s Easter traditions are equal parts heartfelt and intricate. Take pisanki, for example, these hand-decorated eggs are dyed with natural colours and adorned with wax-resist patterns that look so good you’ll want to frame them.
Then there’s the Święconka, a beautiful custom where families bring baskets of food (including their best-decorated eggs) to church for a blessing. The eggs symbolise life and rebirth, while the baskets? Let’s just say they’re a feast waiting to happen.
5. Greece: Red Eggs and Cracking Battles
If there were an Olympic sport for egg cracking, Greece would win gold. Their dyed red eggs—representing the blood of Christ—are used in a game called tsougrisma, where players tap their eggs against each other. The goal? To crack your opponent’s egg without breaking your own. The last unbroken egg is said to bring good luck for the year.
Greek Easter also features tsoureki, a sweet bread with a red egg baked right into the middle. It’s delicious, symbolic, and Instagram-worthy all at once.
Image credit: The Spruce Eats
6. Sweden and Finland: Witches and Candy Eggs
In Sweden and Finland, Easter has a quirky twist, kids dress up as witches (yes, witches) and go door-to-door trading handmade cards for sweets. Think of it as a springtime version of Halloween, but with more pastel colours.
And let’s not forget the candy-filled eggs. These giant, hollow plastic eggs are stuffed with chocolates, gummies, and every sugary delight you can imagine. They’re the ultimate Easter treat and a dentist’s nightmare.
7. Australia: Bilbies, Not Bunnies
In Australia, the Easter Bunny shares the spotlight with the Easter Bilby, a native marsupial that’s way cuter (and less damaging to crops) than rabbits. Chocolate bilbies are sold alongside traditional eggs to raise awareness about wildlife conservation.
Egg hunts are just as popular Down Under, though they happen in the crisp autumn air instead of spring sunshine. Aussie kids don’t mind—they’re too busy searching for eggs and munching on chocolate.
Image credit: Britannica
8. Mexico: Cascarones and Confetti Chaos
Mexico’s Easter celebrations are part of the larger Semana Santa (Holy Week), and they include a playful twist: cascarones. These hollowed-out eggs are filled with confetti, and the goal is to crack them over someone’s head for good luck (and a lot of laughs).
While cascarones are the life of the party, Easter itself is a more solemn affair, filled with processions and religious observances. Still, those confetti-filled eggs bring a pop of colour and fun to the season.
9. Italy: Chocolate Eggs Fit for a King
In Italy, Easter is all about tradition, and indulgence. While families enjoy a feast of lamb and other spring dishes, kids are treated to massive chocolate eggs wrapped in shiny foil. These aren’t your average chocolate eggs; they’re often filled with toys or even jewellery.
Meanwhile, in the town of Bessières, the community gathers to cook a giant Easter omelette using thousands of eggs. It’s a delicious tradition and a true spectacle to watch.
Image credit: Atlas Obscura
10. France: Flying Bells and Festive Feasts
In France, Easter comes with a whimsical twist: instead of an Easter Bunny, kids believe in flying bells. According to tradition, church bells fly to Rome on Good Friday and return on Easter Sunday, dropping eggs and treats for children to find.
French chocolatiers take Easter to the next level, crafting elaborate chocolate creations, from eggs to bunnies to bells. And, of course, no Easter celebration in France is complete without a lavish meal featuring lamb, pastries, and other delicacies.
Why Eggs? A Global Obsession
No matter where you are in the world, eggs are the common thread tying Easter traditions together. They symbolise life, renewal, and the joys of spring, making them the perfect centrepiece for this festive season.
So, How Do You Celebrate?
Whether you’re battling in an egg-cracking contest, decorating your own pisanki, or munching on a chocolate bilby, Easter traditions around the world prove that there’s no wrong way to celebrate. After all, it’s a holiday that’s as much about joy and creativity as it is about eggs, lots and lots of eggs.
