At LC, we are fortunate to have a diverse team of native professionals from different parts of the world. With Easter celebrations approaching, we asked some of them how this popular holiday is observed in their home countries. Easter has deep historical roots, originating from pagan traditions before Christianity. It symbolizes fertility, the joy of spring, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. However, Easter traditions vary greatly across different cultures and regions. Let’s explore how Easter is celebrated in five different countries! 1. Ostern – Germany In Germany, Easter is a vibrant celebration with decorated streets, homes, gardens, and storefronts. People paint eggs and display hares, symbols of fertility and renewal. The Easter Bunny & Egg Hunt 🔹 According to German tradition, the Easter Bunny brings chocolate eggs and sweets to children.🔹 Kids search for these hidden treats with baskets in gardens and houses. Fire, Water & Easter Markets 🔹 Germans light Easter bonfires (Osterfeuer) to ward off winter’s chill.🔹 Many participate in horseback rides and lamb feasts.🔹 Special Easter markets, similar to Christmas markets, sell seasonal treats and decorations. 2. Pâques – France In France, Easter is marked by a unique tradition involving church bells and chocolate eggs. The Silent Bells & Easter Egg Hunt 🔹 Church bells fall silent for three days as they are said to travel to Rome for the Pope’s blessing.🔹 Upon their return, they “drop” chocolates and eggs in gardens across France.🔹 Children eagerly search for these hidden treats once “les cloches sont passées” (the bells have gone). Easter Feasts & Picnics 🔹 Easter is a time for family picnics and traditional feasts.🔹 A popular dish is roast leg of lamb, a staple on French Easter tables. 3. Pasqua – Italy Easter in Italy is a deeply religious and traditional celebration, filled with processions, fireworks, and feasting. Religious Processions & Celebrations 🔹 From North to South, Italy hosts solemn processions, sacred rituals, and folkloric traditions.🔹 Entire villages gather to commemorate Jesus’ Death and Resurrection through public displays and religious events. Easter Food & Pasquetta 🔹 A special Easter treat is Colomba, a dove-shaped sweet bread.🔹 Easter Sunday is a family day, where loved ones gather to open chocolate eggs with hidden surprises.🔹 On Easter Monday (Pasquetta), Italians enjoy outdoor barbecues with friends. 4. Easter – India Easter is not widely celebrated across India, but in regions with significant Christian populations, it is a cherished holiday. Easter Celebrations in Christian Communities 🔹 In Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and northeastern states like Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Mizoram, Easter is celebrated with great enthusiasm.🔹 People enjoy religious parades, feasts, and traditional games reenacting Jesus’ final days. Traditional Easter Dishes 🔹 Depending on the region, Easter meals feature seafood, meat stews, and egg curries.🔹 Popular sweets include Kuli Paniyaram and Chakkarai Pongal, traditional South Indian delicacies. 5. Pascua – Spain Spain’s Semana Santa (Holy Week) is one of the world’s most spectacular and solemn Easter celebrations. Religious Processions & Brotherhoods 🔹 Brotherhoods (cofradías) organize grand processions, where members wear traditional tunics and conical hats.🔹 Participants, known as Nazarenes or penitents, walk alongside massive religious floats carrying statues of Jesus and the Virgin Mary. The Costaleros & Easter Devotion 🔹 Almost 40 men (costaleros) carry these massive floats on their shoulders.🔹 Some Nazarenes walk barefoot for up to 14 hours, showcasing deep religious devotion. Easter: A Celebration of Culture & Tradition These Easter traditions show how different cultures celebrate this sacred and festive occasion in unique ways. Do you know of any other fascinating Easter traditions from around the world? Share your experiences with us! From all of us at LC, we hope you had a joyous and memorable Easter!