Introduction
Easter is a celebration that is celebrated around the world. The Christian holiday marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is celebrated to commemorate the paschal mystery of his death and resurrection.
Though some countries may observe the holiday differently, one thing is certain: Easter is an important celebration that is observed by people of many nations.
Fast Facts: The History of Easter vs Resurrection Day
Easter and Resurrection Day are two religious holidays perpetually linked together. Both commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, but each has its own meaning and customs.
The origin of the name “Easter” comes from the ancient goddess of spring and fertility, Ēostre. This holiday was celebrated by the Germanic people and commemorates the start of spring. Eventually, when Christianity spread to Eastern Europe, some of the pagan customs and rituals, such as the Easter egg, were merged into the Christian celebration.
Resurrection Day, or “Resurrection Sunday,” is part of the week-long religious holidays observed by Christian denominations to mark the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This holiday is typically celebrated by attending church services and observing other religious practices.
Nowadays, the two distinct holidays are generally observed side-by-side in many countries, often combining traditional symbols, such as the Easter egg, with religious services to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
How Easter is Being Celebrated Around the World
From Europe to Oceania and everywhere in between, Easter is celebrated throughout the world.
Each country has its own unique traditions and customs. These are just some of the ways that people from different countries and cultures around the world partake in Easter festivities.
Easter Celebration in Europe
In Europe, many countries celebrate Easter with colorful processions and parades, as well as special mass services commemorating the resurrection. Easter eggs, decorated or dyed hard-boiled eggs, are often hung around the house as a sign of new life. Special Easter cakes, called “Columbia”, are also eaten.
Celebrating Easter in North America
In North America, the religious aspects of Easter are celebrated. Families often go to services and enjoy Easter brunches. Egg hunts, where kids go out and search for eggs, are also popular.
Oceania
In countries like Australia and New Zealand, it is still a predominantly Christian holiday, but some of the religious aspects have been replaced with more pagan, outdoor activities.
This includes organizing traditional Easter egg hunts, hot cross buns, and baking a special Easter cake or fruitcake called a “Simnel Cake.”
Asia
In Asia, Easter has become a more secular holiday. In many countries, people attend church and partake in special Easter services.
The tradition of Easter eggs and egg hunts is also celebrated during Easter in many Asian countries.
South America
In South America, Easter is typically celebrated with the traditional paschal mass and a procession of Catholic religious statues.
In addition, people often organize egg hunts and Easter feasts full of traditional dishes such as “pan de Pascua”, a cake with sweet spice and fruits.
Easter Celebrations and Traditions
Across all cultures, Easter is typically celebrated with egg hunts, Easter bunnies, and baskets of candy and chocolates. Other religious and cultural traditional may be observed, such as eating special dishes and attending religious services. We will highlight how the United States and other Christian-dominated countries like the Philippines commemorate Easter.
Philippines
In the Philippines, the 5th largest Christian-majority country worldwide, an estimate of over 103 million people, or 90% of the 115.5 million population practice Christianity. The Easter Sunday celebration is a religious holiday that Filipinos particularly the Catholics honor with a number of traditional customs, ceremonies, and festivities.
Similar to celebrations in other countries, the commemoration begins with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday. On Good Friday, many churches do a veneration of the cross. On Easter Sunday, the mass is reenacted to mark the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
In addition to these services, the traditional symbols of Easter, like the Easter egg, are often incorporated into the celebration. Other traditional activities include cooking special Philippine dishes such as lechon and salted duck eggs. In addition, families often give each other Easter baskets filled with chocolate eggs and treats.
United States
The United States marks the Easter celebration similar to what other Christian-majority countries do. It is celebrated as a religious holiday and as an opportunity to welcome the arrival of spring.
Many American as well as Christin immigrant families begin the celebration by attending a special Easter service at their place of worship. After the service, families often go to brunch or dinner and take part in traditions such as Easter egg hunts and decorating Easter eggs.
This is often done with the entire family, creating a wonderful, bonding experience as a “rite of Spring.” Additionally, the Easter Bunny often visits the home and leaves treats around the house or in baskets.
Creating your memorable Easter dinner with your family [Video by CBS New York from YouTube]
Finding the Perfect Gift for Easter
Easter is a great time to show your loved ones how much you care. Whether you’re looking for something traditional or something a bit more modern, you’re sure to find the perfect gift for Easter.
Regardless of the holiday’s religious significance, a great gift for Easter reflects the meaning of the holiday and your care to your loved ones. Some traditional gift options for Easter include chocolate eggs and other Easter-themed trinkets.
You could opt for something a bit more meaningful, such as books related to the holiday, religious artwork, or jewelry to safely celebrate Easter.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for something a bit more unique, consider gift cards to local restaurants or stores. No matter what you choose, take the time to find a gift or something special that will bring Easter joy to your family and friends this Spring.
Next-Call-To-Action!
How the world goes to celebrate Easter is an important tradition observed by many nations and cultures, from egg hunts to religious services.
Don’t miss out on a chance to join the Easter festivities this spring and find the perfect Easter gift at New York Art Life.
Conclusion
Easter is a beloved holiday that is celebrated around the world. From Europe to Oceania, there are so many different ways to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Whether it’s the traditional customs such as egg hunts and religious services, or more modern festivities such as Easter shopping and feasts, you’re sure to find something to enjoy this Easter season.
At NYArtLife, we’re proud to offer a wide selection of unique and meaningful gifts for Easter.
Call us at +1 646-961-0512 or email us at ciao@nyartlife.com for any help you need in finding the perfect gift for your Easter celebration.
