Easter Traditions Around The World

Easter in the United States falls on April 24th this year.  But the date, and many of our American traditions are not the same around the world.

Ancient history indicates the Easter bunny might have started as an Anglo-Saxon fertility symbol (we've all heard of those rabbits having lots of rabbit babies).

The tradition of Easter eggs also has roots in pre-Christian history.  In Scotland and England a tradition of rolling colored eggs down a hill and then chasing it is still observed today.

Of course, Easter didn't REALLY hit its stride until the remembrance of the death of Christ was tied to the spring holiday.  While in many cultures, Easter is a somber event, for many others, bizarre and beautiful traditions have evolved.

In Bermuda, a common practice on Easter is to fly kites to represent the assent of Christ after death.

Several European countries have a flying bell as a symbol of Easter, instead of our bunny.  The bell flies around and delivers chocolate to good children of France, The Netherlands and Norway.  The bells, by the way, make a trip to Rome before coming back to their home countries to deliver the treats.

Norway has taken up the American holiday TV marathon idea and on Easter holiday, you will find almost exclusively crime dramas on TV.

In Scandinavia, children dress like witches and go door to door collecting candy.

In the Czech republic, Easter Monday is celebrated by spanking women and throwing cold water on them.  I think I could live without that one.  How about you?

Do you have any strange family traditions for Easter?