Easter Traditions Around The World

April 8, 2023 Mitali k

Easter is the most important festival in the Christian calendar. It celebrates Jesus rising from the dead, three days after he was executed, symbolising his conquest of death. The date of Easter Sunday varies from year to year. It is observed on or after March 21, on the first Sunday following the full moon. Each culture has its own unique traditions to commemorate this special day. From food to decorations, there are many interesting Easter traditions that vary by region.

Know Of The Various Easter Traditions Around The World –

1. Cooking A Giant Omelette

Brotherhood of the Big Omelette members have gathered in Bessières, France, every year since 1973 to prepare an enormous omelette consisting of 15,000 eggs. The feast is prepared over a sizable fire in the town square by a group of volunteer cooks using wooden utensils shaped like oars and a four-meter-wide pan.

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2. Kite Flying

The colourful geometric patterns in the sky represent Jesus’ journey into heaven as Bermudians assemble to fly homemade kites constructed from wooden sticks and colourful tissue paper. Together with a codfish feast, hot cross buns, and sunrise services on the beach, this Easter custom is celebrated.

3. Halloweening

Halloween is a springtime tradition in Sweden and some of its Nordic neighbours. On the Thursday before Easter, young people dress as witches and knock on doors to ask for candy. In exchange for the treats, the kids typically give the grownups colourful willow branches or drawings. The custom is based on the myth that Swedish witches visited Blkulla before Easter to celebrate with the devil. On Easter Sunday, Swedes build large bonfires to ensure that the witches won’t return.

4. Easter Almonds

On Easter, people in Portugal give each other almonds, also known as amêndoas. The delicious candies are coated in hard candy, chocolate, or caramelised sugar and come in a variety of colours. On Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter, godchildren give their godparents a stalk, and in exchange, the godparents give almonds on Easter Sunday.

5. Easter Egg Roll

At the White House in America where the country’s president lives, an annual Easter egg roll is held on the lawn. The tradition dates back to 1878 when President Rutherford B Hayes ran the country. It’s held on Easter Monday and it’s usually the President’s wife, known as the First Lady, who is in charge of the event.

6. Water Fights

In Poland, people throw water over each other on Easter Monday. It’s known as Wet Monday. In the olden days, it was mainly single guys chasing single girls, but now it’s pretty much everyone water-fighting everyone. The weapons of choice are water guns, empty shampoo and dishwashing soap bottles, and buckets.

7. Pot Smashing

Old pots are traditionally thrown out of windows on Easter Saturday morning on the Greek island of Corfu. It’s believed that the custom originated with the Italians of Venice, who regularly discard their goods.

8. Easter Eggs Are Red In Greece

In Greece, dying eggs red, symbolizing Christ’s blood, has held strong throughout the millennia as an Easter tradition. The egg in itself is a symbol, as its hard shell represents the sealed tomb of Jesus, the cracking of egg symbolizes his resurrection from the dead and exit from the tomb.

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New Year Traditions Around The World

December 28, 2022 Mitali k

When the clock strikes midnight on January 1, a new year begins. The entire world celebrates the new year but the celebrations couldn’t be more different and unique. New Year’s is marked by a variety of traditions and customs depending on the culture and beliefs of the people. The New Year traditions hold a lot of value for people and make them feel happy and contended to follow them.

Also read, Easter Traditions Around The World

Here are some of the interesting New year traditions from around the world –

1. United States Of America

The ball drop at Times Square in New York is a tradition witnessed by millions of Americans across the country either in front of their television sets or at Times Square. Started by Adolph Ochs, the owner of The New York Times in 1907 to ring in the new year, wanted to draw attention to the Times’s new headquarters. Ever since it has become an annual and the most well-known New year’s eve tradition.

2. Denmark

In Denmark, people throw plates and glasses against their family and friends’ doors to ward off any evil spirits as they welcome the new year.

3. Italy

The Italians include lentils in their New Year’s Eve dinner, as they believe lentils are like mini edible coins and will bring in some good luck in the new year.

4. Spain

The people in Spain start off their new year by eating 12 grapes. These grapes are eaten as soon as the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve as it is believed to bring good luck in the new year. But these grapes have to be eaten within 12 seconds. The tradition of las doce uvas de la suerte (the twelve grapes of luck) dates back to the late 19th century and continues to date.

5. Greece

The Greeks believe that pomegranates are a symbol of life and good fortune. On New Year’s Eve, the people smash the fruit on the front door of the house. The number of seeds that come out equals the amount of good luck for the next year. It is also a tradition to hang onions outside the door, as they bring good luck for the new year ahead. Greeks hang the onions on the door after the church service on New Year’s Day.

6. Philippines

People in the Philippines hang round shapes all over the country on New Year’s Eve. Round loaves of bread, coins, and clothes covered in polka dots. All of these are believed to be symbols of prosperity. Also, many people eat 12 round-shaped fruits at midnight, each fruit representing each month in the new year.

7. Turkey

In Turkey, it is lucky to sprinkle salt on the doorstep at midnight. The Turks believe it

promotes peace and prosperity throughout the new year.

8. Austria

In Austria, people believe pigs to be a good luck charm. So, they celebrate the new year by eating dishes made from pigs. They also exchange chocolate pigs with each other, believing it will bring good luck in the new year.

9. Japan

In Japan, people welcome the new year by eating a bowl of warm soba noodles, or noodles made from buckwheat flour. While the origins of this tradition are not known, these noodles have been nicknamed “year-crossing noodles”. These noodles represent a long life, and also it is believed that eating them symbolizes a literal break from the old year.

10. South Africa

People in South Africa throw their old appliances and furniture out of their windows to bid farewell to the old year and ring in the new year. They believe that it would bring them good fortune in the coming year.

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11. Brazil

Brazil has a tradition of tossing white flowers into the sea. As sacrifices to Yemoja, a water god who can bring good fortune in the upcoming year, locals throw white flowers and candles into the Atlantic Ocean.

12. Scotland

In Scotland, they have a tradition for the new year called “First Footing.” Scots think that a dark-haired guy should ideally be the first person to enter a residence on New Year’s Day after midnight in order to bring in a prosperous new year.

Wishing you and your family a very happy and prosperous new year.

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Top 10 Interesting Facts About Christmas

November 24, 2022 Mitali k

Christmas is a popular holiday all over the world, and both young kids and adults dearly look forward to celebrating it every year. Everyone is super excited to decorate their Christmas trees and receive gifts from Santa Claus. While it’s a popular holiday celebrated all over the world, it is religiously observed in western countries such as the US and the UK. People go to churches and attend masses to offer their prayers and receive blessings from Jesus Christ. Streets, houses, and shops are decorated with lights, Christmas trees, and festive food items. People are seen donning classic white and red Santa hats and Christmas-themed sweaters to mark the occasion.

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All the celebrations aside, let’s read about some Christmas facts that you might find interesting.

Top 10 Facts About Christmas That Are Strange But True

1. Christmas Wasn’t Always Celebrated on 25th December

Yes, you read that right! While the 25th of December is widely celebrated as Christmas Day to mark the birth of Jesus Christ, it is nowhere mentioned as such in the Bible. No one actually knows the exact date of Jesus Christ’s birth.

2. Christmas Trees Are A Part of An Ancient Tradition

We’re all familiar with the evergreen fir trees that have become a part of Christmas celebrations all over the world. However, the introduction of fir trees as part of decoration dates back to the 16th century. It is believed that Ancient Romans and Egyptians would use evergreen trees as a symbol of long-lasting life and to mark the return of Spring.

3. Who Was Santa Claus?

Santa Claus is a fictional character based on a Christian Bishop named St. Nicholas. While he didn’t wear the classic red suit and hat, he was a very generous Bishop who gave away his inheritance to the poor and needy people. He also loved children and was known to give them gifts secretly. He was called Sinter Klaas in Dutch which was later modernized to be called Santa Claus.

4. There Are A Total of 9 Reindeer

We all know that our dear Santa wouldn’t be able to deliver our gifts if he didn’t have his team of fantastic reindeer. These nine amazing reindeer who help Santa fly his sleigh are called Dasher, Vixen, Prancer, Dancer, Comet, Donner, Cupid, Blitzen, and Rudolph.

5. ‘Jingle Bells’ Wasn’t Originally A Christmas Song

Can you believe it? We can’t either! The famous Christmas song called ‘Jingle Bells’ wasn’t originally written for Christmas. The song was written by James Lord Pierpont in the 1800s for Thanksgiving, and was titled ‘One Horse Open Sleigh.’ It was later re-released under the title ‘Jingle Bells’ and is now the most popular Christmas song all over the world.

6. Norway Sends A Christmas Tree to London, Every Year!

In the spirit of Christmas, the Norway government has been sending the iconic large Christmas tree to London since 1947. Trafalgar Square in London is a very popular tourist attraction that showcases a 20 feet tall tree that is decked with fairy lights. This gesture is extended by Norway as a token of gratitude for Britain’s support during World War II.

7. Christmas Was Once Banned for 20 Years

Believe it or not, the popular festival of Christmas was banned in England and soon in America as well. The government believed that people are forgetting the religious meaning of Christmas and getting lost in the festivities. The ban started in 1659 and continued for two long decades until 1681. People who were caught celebrating during this period were penalized.

8. Santa Claus Also Has A Postal Code

Many people encourage their children to write letters to Santa Claus telling him how well they have been throughout the year. And some kind people from the Canadian postal authority started writing back to these kids which resulted in more people writing to them. Since then, the Canadian postal service has set up a special postal code for addressing the letter to Santa Claus. The postal code is- HOH OHO!

9. The Red Suit Wasn’t The Original Santa Suit

While we’ve grown to associate Santa with his red suit, it wasn’t always his costume. For many years, Father Christmas wore green, blue, and purple clothes. However, as a part of their campaign, Coca-Cola dressed up Santa in a red suit that matched their brand colors, and the rest is history!

10. Alabama Was The First American State To Recognize Christmas As A Holiday

Although Christmas is a religious celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, it wasn’t considered a holiday everywhere. Alabama was the first state in the US that recognized 25th December i.e. Christmas as a public holiday in 1836. And do you know which was the last American state to recognize Christmas as a holiday? Oklahoma declared Christmas a holiday in the year 1907.

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What Is Halloween & Why Do We Celebrate It?

October 21, 2022 Mitali k

Halloween is a popular holiday festival celebrated on October 31st, every year in the US, Ireland, England, and Canada. It is one of the oldest holidays in the world and is considered to be the second most successful commercial holiday in the US after Christmas. This holiday is also known by many different names such as Snap-Apple Night, All Hallows’ Eve, Witches Night, etc. With the roots of its origin dating back thousands of centuries ago, Halloween borrows its traditions and practices from many different cultures.

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Why Do We Celebrate Halloween & What Are The Halloween Traditions?

1. Where Was Halloween Originated?

Origins of Halloween

Halloween is believed to have originated around 2,000 years ago. The ancient Celtic people in Europe celebrated the end of summer and harvest every year on October 31st. This festival was called Samhain (pronounced “sow-win”). On the night of October 31st, the Celts believed that ghosts of their dead would come back to visit the Earth and therefore large bonfires were lit in villages to ward off evil spirits.

By 43 AD, the Romans conquered most of the Celtic territory and brought their festivals with them. However, a few centuries later, November 1st came to be celebrated as All Saints’ Day or All Hallows’ Day to honor some saints. And October 31st was celebrated as All Hallows’ Eve, which later became Halloween.

Did You Know?
Celts were people that mostly lived around the area that is now Ireland, the UK, and northern France.

2. What Are The Famous Halloween Traditions?

There are many popular traditions of Halloween that people celebrate with full zest and zeal. A lot of these rituals have interesting stories behind them, let’s find out-

Scary Costumes

Halloween is synonymous with scary and crazy Halloween costumes. And the tradition was started by the Celts during Samhain, to ward off evil spirits and confuse the ghosts. The people would dress up in scary costumes to scare away the ghosts. Slowly and steadily wearing scary and weird Halloween costumes became an integral part of Halloween.

Carving Jack-O-Lanterns

Jack-o-Lanterns originated in Ireland and were originally made using turnips. According to an Irish folktale, a man named Stingy Jack was condemned to wander the Earth as a ghost. He was given a carved-out turnip with a lump of coal to light his way. The locals then started carving frightening faces into their turnips to scare the evil spirits. Today, the carving Jack-o-Lanterns have become a staple of the Halloween festival. People in the US carve pumpkins and use them as decoration outside their houses.

Going Trick-or-Treating

It is believed that during the festival of Samhain, Celtic people would keep food out to please the wandering souls and ghosts. Eventually, people began dressing up as ghosts and demons and went door-to-door performing songs in exchange for food and drink. It is also believed that children and poor adults would go door-to-door to collect food and money in return for prayers said for the dead. This eventually evolved into the present-day custom of trick-or-treating. Today, kids go door-to-door dressed up in their Halloween costumes asking for candies.

Decorating With Black and Orange

Black and orange are Halloween theme colors. From decorations to costumes, mostly everything on Halloween is in black and orange. These classic Halloween colors also find their origins back to the Celtic festival of Samhain. Black signifies the “death” of summer and orange represents the color of the crops and the autumn harvest season.

How To Throw A Halloween Party?

If you want to throw a Halloween party for your friends all you need is the following items:

A fun costume, you could turn into any of your favorite cartoon, movie, or comic characters like Superman, Spiderman, or Bugs Bunny. Or simply throw over a white bedsheet and turn into a cute ghost.
Decorate the party area with orange and blue items like balloons, colored charts, curtains, bedsheets, etc.
Grab a small container and go trick-or-treating with your friends.
Watch a scary movie with your friends and family.
Learn to carve a spooky pumpkin with your friends.
Lastly, remember to have lots of fun!

DID YOU KNOW?

The fear of Halloween is called Samhainophobia.
In China, a festival similar to Halloween is celebrated. It is called the Hungry Ghost Festival.
Mexicans celebrate Día de Muertos, a three-day festival from October 31 to November 2. This festival is similar to Halloween and is also called the Day of the Dead.
The word “witch” comes from the Old English word wicce, meaning wise woman.
Until the 1950s, candy was not given to trick-or-treaters. A long time ago, trick-or-treaters were handed pieces of cake, nuts, fruits, coins, and little toys.

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