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Bay & kdm welcome all of SF to an Easter feast! The weekend of Sunday, April 17
- Thread starter Baywasp
- Start date
5 Strange Easter Traditions
The Flying Bells
In France, Netherlands and Belgium it is said that the bells of churches fly to Rome for a few days and only return on Easter morning. The flying bells are supposed to bring back colored eggs and chocolate rabbits, almost like a Santa Claus.
This tradition supposedly started because all church bells are silent as a sign or mourning Jesus for several days before Easter. In the Netherlands and Flemish-speaking Belgium the bells fly away on the Saturday before Easter. In French- speaking Belgium and France the same story is told except that here the bells fly away the Thursday before Easter. Either way, it sounds a bit creepy that Santa Claus was replaced by massive metal bells.
2.
Trick or Treat
When most people think of little kids dressed as witches they immediately think of Halloween, however in Sweden you could see a little girl trick or treating on Easter. This is because Easter usually falls very close to the Swedish tradition of Walpurgis Night which is on April 30th. Walpurgis Night in Sweden is celebrated by lighting bonfires in attempts to chase away evil spirits and witches.
The Thursday before Walpurgis little girls dress up as witches and paint their faces, after which they go from house to house collecting candy. Since this falls close to Easter in many parts of Sweden girls go trick or treat during Easter, and people light bonfires to chase away Judas. The traditional meal on this evening is gravlax – fresh salmon marinated in salt, sugar and fresh dill.
3.
Whip your wife
In Czechoslovakia during Easter week it’s good luck to beat your wife or the girl you fancy with a pomlázka, or a braided whip. While this may sound strange It’s not meant in a demeaning way or as an insult, in fact pomlázka, means “make young.” The idea behind the tradition is that anyone hit with the whip will be healthy and happy during the upcoming year.
The tradition is believed to have originated with the spring blessing of the house which is common among all Orthodox Christians. This translated in using a whip or a single branch in order to lightly hit livestock or family members. Now the tradition is wide spread and you can even buy premade whips or special wooden spoons that can be used to hit your loved ones.
4.
Easter Tree
This tradition was started by a single family more than forty years ago. The Kraft family from Saalfeld, Germany started placing plastic eggs in a tree outside their house in 1965. The tradition has grown over the years from only a handful of plastic eggs to beautifully painted egg shells. The family even has an official site eierbaum-saalfeld.de.
While it looks odd, the tradition is enjoyed by the whole town and if we have a Christmas tree, why not have an Easter tree?
5.
Make a butter lamb
Baranek Wielkanocny is polish for butter lamb, which is exactly what it sounds like: a lamb conceived entirely out of butter. However, this is not just a decoration as people all around Poland actually consume the lamb on Easter.
The Lamb must always be present if a priest blesses the Easter meal and it should be consumed from the tail, leaving the head as last. Here is a recipe in case you want to have a heart attack on Easter: capnrons.com
The Flying Bells
In France, Netherlands and Belgium it is said that the bells of churches fly to Rome for a few days and only return on Easter morning. The flying bells are supposed to bring back colored eggs and chocolate rabbits, almost like a Santa Claus.
This tradition supposedly started because all church bells are silent as a sign or mourning Jesus for several days before Easter. In the Netherlands and Flemish-speaking Belgium the bells fly away on the Saturday before Easter. In French- speaking Belgium and France the same story is told except that here the bells fly away the Thursday before Easter. Either way, it sounds a bit creepy that Santa Claus was replaced by massive metal bells.
2.
Trick or Treat
When most people think of little kids dressed as witches they immediately think of Halloween, however in Sweden you could see a little girl trick or treating on Easter. This is because Easter usually falls very close to the Swedish tradition of Walpurgis Night which is on April 30th. Walpurgis Night in Sweden is celebrated by lighting bonfires in attempts to chase away evil spirits and witches.
The Thursday before Walpurgis little girls dress up as witches and paint their faces, after which they go from house to house collecting candy. Since this falls close to Easter in many parts of Sweden girls go trick or treat during Easter, and people light bonfires to chase away Judas. The traditional meal on this evening is gravlax – fresh salmon marinated in salt, sugar and fresh dill.
3.
Whip your wife
In Czechoslovakia during Easter week it’s good luck to beat your wife or the girl you fancy with a pomlázka, or a braided whip. While this may sound strange It’s not meant in a demeaning way or as an insult, in fact pomlázka, means “make young.” The idea behind the tradition is that anyone hit with the whip will be healthy and happy during the upcoming year.
The tradition is believed to have originated with the spring blessing of the house which is common among all Orthodox Christians. This translated in using a whip or a single branch in order to lightly hit livestock or family members. Now the tradition is wide spread and you can even buy premade whips or special wooden spoons that can be used to hit your loved ones.
4.
Easter Tree
This tradition was started by a single family more than forty years ago. The Kraft family from Saalfeld, Germany started placing plastic eggs in a tree outside their house in 1965. The tradition has grown over the years from only a handful of plastic eggs to beautifully painted egg shells. The family even has an official site eierbaum-saalfeld.de.
While it looks odd, the tradition is enjoyed by the whole town and if we have a Christmas tree, why not have an Easter tree?
5.
Make a butter lamb
Baranek Wielkanocny is polish for butter lamb, which is exactly what it sounds like: a lamb conceived entirely out of butter. However, this is not just a decoration as people all around Poland actually consume the lamb on Easter.
The Lamb must always be present if a priest blesses the Easter meal and it should be consumed from the tail, leaving the head as last. Here is a recipe in case you want to have a heart attack on Easter: capnrons.com
Attachments
A Wet Easter
One of the crazier Easter traditions from around the world has to be in the country of Hungary. The Easter celebrations in Hungary see the local women dress up in traditional dresses. Yet, this is not where the craziness begins, it starts with a nice cool splash of water. But, the splashing happens only with the women wearing these traditional dresses. This is one of the crazy Easter traditions for the ladies living in Hungary.
A Smoky Easter
Easter holidays take an exciting turn in the country of Papua New Guinea. Easter chocolates tend to become a melting affair in the country of Papua New Guinea. So the country turns to something they do best, tobacco. Easter culture in the country sees locals walking into the church on an Easter Sunday morning, with hand-rolled tobacco and cigarettes. These smoky treats are then hung on Easter trees outside the churches. These are then given away as Easter blessings to adults after the prayer service.
A Play About Easter
Some of the exciting 10 crazy Easter traditions from around the world brings us to the country of the Philippines. The country is popular for its devotion and following the teachings of Christ. However, this dedication goes a step beyond on Easter Sunday. Devout Catholics in the country have been practicing self cruxification and self-flagellation on Easter. The reason behind this practice is the belief that they would be purified and cleansed of their sins. The Roman Catholic Church has not been happy with these traditions and has tried to stop them, but to no avail.
A Red Easter
One of the best Easter destinations in the world is the country of Greece. Easter holidays and traditions around the world see kids scavenging for Easter eggs made of chocolate. These eggs are painted in bright colours before being planted around the front yard, backyard and inside the house. But the country of Greece takes this to another level with eggs being painted in red. The reason behind painting the eggs in bright hues of red is, that in Greece the colour red is a sign of life. According to the Greeks, red eggs are a sign of victory over death, which is a representation of the ascension of Christ into heaven.
A Thrilling Easter
Top 10 crazy Easter traditions from around the world brings us to Norway, which sees a lot of murder mysteries and crime-solving shows being aired on tv on Easter. Easter mornings begin with a popular crime based tele series and milk cartons showcasing small murder mysteries on one side of the carton. People across the country would often retreat to the cabins in the wood or mountains and plug into these thriller mysteries on air or through novels.
An Easter Hunt
Easter at home brings a whole new meaning to the term hunting for the Easter bunny in the country of New Zealand. The country of New Zealand celebrates Easter in the form of the ‘Great Easter Bunny Hunt’. The idea behind this hunt is to rid farmlands of ‘invasive pets’, with over five hundred hunters vying for the coveted cup. The competition sees one hunter winning price money of three thousand five hundred New Zealand dollars. This is one country the Easter bunny is sure to skip.
Lamb Feast
On the list of 10 crazy Easter traditions from around the world things get even crazier when one reaches the country of the Czars. Easter in Russia is followed by a massive family feast, where one would get to see a lamb. But it is not the roasted kind, the lamb is a massive blob of butter shaped in the shape of a lamb. The reason behind this tradition is that the locals believe that they can be sure that it will not be the devil in disguise. The reason being the Russian devil can take the form of any animal except the lamb, because of its religious symbolism.
Easter Bilby
In the country of Australia, the Easter holidays come with a massive conservation effort of preserving the endangered Bilby. The celebration is an attempt to raise awareness for conserving the diminishing population of Bilby. Local confectioners during Easter make Easter bunnies in the shape of these small rabbit-sized marsupial for charity. Aussies wholeheartedly participate in this conservation drive and funds pour in bulk.
Easter Omelette
The next tradition on the list of 10 crazy Easter traditions from around the world comes from the land of ‘Omelette au formage’. Easter Sunday in France sees a massive community event taking place in towns and villages of France. The celebration starts on Easter Sunday and sees families breaking eggs in a bowl and gathering in the town square. These families pour the broken eggs in a massive pan, to create a massive egg dish. This egg is then consumed for lunch, dinner and breakfast the next morning.
Witches Of Easter
On the list of 10 crazy Easter traditions from around the world brings us to Finland. The Easter celebration in the country comes in the form of an early Halloween, where younglings dress up as witches. Young girls and boys dress up as witches, with broomsticks and baskets in the shape of pumpkin heads for treats. The tradition comes from the belief that the witches would fly to Germany and prance around the devil, keeping him busy during the auspicious occasion.
One of the crazier Easter traditions from around the world has to be in the country of Hungary. The Easter celebrations in Hungary see the local women dress up in traditional dresses. Yet, this is not where the craziness begins, it starts with a nice cool splash of water. But, the splashing happens only with the women wearing these traditional dresses. This is one of the crazy Easter traditions for the ladies living in Hungary.
A Smoky Easter
Easter holidays take an exciting turn in the country of Papua New Guinea. Easter chocolates tend to become a melting affair in the country of Papua New Guinea. So the country turns to something they do best, tobacco. Easter culture in the country sees locals walking into the church on an Easter Sunday morning, with hand-rolled tobacco and cigarettes. These smoky treats are then hung on Easter trees outside the churches. These are then given away as Easter blessings to adults after the prayer service.
A Play About Easter
Some of the exciting 10 crazy Easter traditions from around the world brings us to the country of the Philippines. The country is popular for its devotion and following the teachings of Christ. However, this dedication goes a step beyond on Easter Sunday. Devout Catholics in the country have been practicing self cruxification and self-flagellation on Easter. The reason behind this practice is the belief that they would be purified and cleansed of their sins. The Roman Catholic Church has not been happy with these traditions and has tried to stop them, but to no avail.
A Red Easter
One of the best Easter destinations in the world is the country of Greece. Easter holidays and traditions around the world see kids scavenging for Easter eggs made of chocolate. These eggs are painted in bright colours before being planted around the front yard, backyard and inside the house. But the country of Greece takes this to another level with eggs being painted in red. The reason behind painting the eggs in bright hues of red is, that in Greece the colour red is a sign of life. According to the Greeks, red eggs are a sign of victory over death, which is a representation of the ascension of Christ into heaven.
A Thrilling Easter
Top 10 crazy Easter traditions from around the world brings us to Norway, which sees a lot of murder mysteries and crime-solving shows being aired on tv on Easter. Easter mornings begin with a popular crime based tele series and milk cartons showcasing small murder mysteries on one side of the carton. People across the country would often retreat to the cabins in the wood or mountains and plug into these thriller mysteries on air or through novels.
An Easter Hunt
Easter at home brings a whole new meaning to the term hunting for the Easter bunny in the country of New Zealand. The country of New Zealand celebrates Easter in the form of the ‘Great Easter Bunny Hunt’. The idea behind this hunt is to rid farmlands of ‘invasive pets’, with over five hundred hunters vying for the coveted cup. The competition sees one hunter winning price money of three thousand five hundred New Zealand dollars. This is one country the Easter bunny is sure to skip.
Lamb Feast
On the list of 10 crazy Easter traditions from around the world things get even crazier when one reaches the country of the Czars. Easter in Russia is followed by a massive family feast, where one would get to see a lamb. But it is not the roasted kind, the lamb is a massive blob of butter shaped in the shape of a lamb. The reason behind this tradition is that the locals believe that they can be sure that it will not be the devil in disguise. The reason being the Russian devil can take the form of any animal except the lamb, because of its religious symbolism.
Easter Bilby
In the country of Australia, the Easter holidays come with a massive conservation effort of preserving the endangered Bilby. The celebration is an attempt to raise awareness for conserving the diminishing population of Bilby. Local confectioners during Easter make Easter bunnies in the shape of these small rabbit-sized marsupial for charity. Aussies wholeheartedly participate in this conservation drive and funds pour in bulk.
Easter Omelette
The next tradition on the list of 10 crazy Easter traditions from around the world comes from the land of ‘Omelette au formage’. Easter Sunday in France sees a massive community event taking place in towns and villages of France. The celebration starts on Easter Sunday and sees families breaking eggs in a bowl and gathering in the town square. These families pour the broken eggs in a massive pan, to create a massive egg dish. This egg is then consumed for lunch, dinner and breakfast the next morning.
Witches Of Easter
On the list of 10 crazy Easter traditions from around the world brings us to Finland. The Easter celebration in the country comes in the form of an early Halloween, where younglings dress up as witches. Young girls and boys dress up as witches, with broomsticks and baskets in the shape of pumpkin heads for treats. The tradition comes from the belief that the witches would fly to Germany and prance around the devil, keeping him busy during the auspicious occasion.
Saitopolemos
The saitopolemos is a tradition in Kalamata, Greece, that has survived for several years. The participants are divided into 10-15 teams, every team consisting of 15-30 individuals, generally young boys armed with saites (paper tubes filled with gunpowder) and dressed in traditional outfits. The tradition is controversial because it is extremely dangerous.
The saitopolemos is a tradition in Kalamata, Greece, that has survived for several years. The participants are divided into 10-15 teams, every team consisting of 15-30 individuals, generally young boys armed with saites (paper tubes filled with gunpowder) and dressed in traditional outfits. The tradition is controversial because it is extremely dangerous.
The children in Finland dress up in Halloween outfits, and go to each house collecting treats and sweets. In turn, the kids have to give a present of a decorated willow twig to every house.
People in Bermuda celebrate Good Friday with eating hot cross buns and codfish cakes and flying homemade kites. Also, they hold kite contests.
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CREATING COLORFUL OUTDOOR CARPETS
Antigua in southern Guatemala covers its streets in colorful carpets throughout Holy Week in preparation for its Good Friday procession, according to Condé Nast Traveler. The long carpets are made from flowers, colored sawdust, fruits, vegetables, and sand. They're often covered in scenes that are important to the artists who make them, ranging from religion to Mayan traditions to nature and Guatemalan history. With some as long as half a mile, artists use stencils to assemble the carpets quickly. They have just 24 hours to create their works of art the day before the Good Friday procession.
Antigua in southern Guatemala covers its streets in colorful carpets throughout Holy Week in preparation for its Good Friday procession, according to Condé Nast Traveler. The long carpets are made from flowers, colored sawdust, fruits, vegetables, and sand. They're often covered in scenes that are important to the artists who make them, ranging from religion to Mayan traditions to nature and Guatemalan history. With some as long as half a mile, artists use stencils to assemble the carpets quickly. They have just 24 hours to create their works of art the day before the Good Friday procession.
GATHERING FOR FIREWORKS DISPLAYS
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In Florence, Italy, locals celebrate a 350-year-old Easter tradition known as Scoppio del Carro, or "explosion of the cart." An ornate cart packed with fireworks is led through the streets of the city by people in colorful 15th century costumes before stopping outside the Duomo. The Archbishop of Florence then lights a fuse during Easter mass that leads outside to the cart and sparks a lively fireworks display. The meaning behind the custom dates back to the First Crusade, according to Visit Florence, and is meant to ensure a good harvest.
Easter celebrations in Mexico vary by region over a span of two weeks: the week leading up to Easter and the week following it. One Mexican tradition that takes place on Holy Saturday is the Judas Burning, in which giant papier-mâché figures of Judas Iscariot are stuffed with fireworks and blown up for spectators in local plazas.
GETTY IMAGES
In Florence, Italy, locals celebrate a 350-year-old Easter tradition known as Scoppio del Carro, or "explosion of the cart." An ornate cart packed with fireworks is led through the streets of the city by people in colorful 15th century costumes before stopping outside the Duomo. The Archbishop of Florence then lights a fuse during Easter mass that leads outside to the cart and sparks a lively fireworks display. The meaning behind the custom dates back to the First Crusade, according to Visit Florence, and is meant to ensure a good harvest.
Easter celebrations in Mexico vary by region over a span of two weeks: the week leading up to Easter and the week following it. One Mexican tradition that takes place on Holy Saturday is the Judas Burning, in which giant papier-mâché figures of Judas Iscariot are stuffed with fireworks and blown up for spectators in local plazas.
DRESSING IN COSTUMES
GETTY IMAGES
Young children in Finland — especially girls — traditionally dress up as Easter witches, wearing colorful clothing with painted freckles on their cheeks. On Palm Sunday in Eastern Finland and Holy Saturday in Western Finland, the little witches go door-to-door with bunches of willow twigs decorated with colorful feathers and crepe paper. A rhyming blessing is recited to drive away evil spirits, and the children are often given a chocolate egg in return.
On Holy Thursday in the Medieval town of Verges, Spain, the traditional "dansa de la mort," or "death dance," is performed. To reenact scenes from the Passion, everyone dresses in skeleton costumes and parades through the streets. The procession ends with frightening skeletons carrying boxes of ashes. The macabre dance begins at midnight and continues for three hours into the early morning.
In Prizzi, Sicily, "the Abballu de daivuli is a representation of devils from locals wearing terrifying masks of zinc and dressed in red robes," according to The Telegraph. Those dressed in costume pester as many "souls" as they can (which really means making them pay for drinks) before the afternoon when the Virgin Mary and the risen Christ save the day by sending the devils away with angels.
GETTY IMAGES
Young children in Finland — especially girls — traditionally dress up as Easter witches, wearing colorful clothing with painted freckles on their cheeks. On Palm Sunday in Eastern Finland and Holy Saturday in Western Finland, the little witches go door-to-door with bunches of willow twigs decorated with colorful feathers and crepe paper. A rhyming blessing is recited to drive away evil spirits, and the children are often given a chocolate egg in return.
On Holy Thursday in the Medieval town of Verges, Spain, the traditional "dansa de la mort," or "death dance," is performed. To reenact scenes from the Passion, everyone dresses in skeleton costumes and parades through the streets. The procession ends with frightening skeletons carrying boxes of ashes. The macabre dance begins at midnight and continues for three hours into the early morning.
In Prizzi, Sicily, "the Abballu de daivuli is a representation of devils from locals wearing terrifying masks of zinc and dressed in red robes," according to The Telegraph. Those dressed in costume pester as many "souls" as they can (which really means making them pay for drinks) before the afternoon when the Virgin Mary and the risen Christ save the day by sending the devils away with angels.
THROWING WATER
GETTY IMAGES
On the morning of Holy Saturday, the traditional "pot throwing" takes place on the Greek island of Corfu. People throw pots, pans, and other earthenware often filled with water out of their windows, smashing them on the street. Some say the custom derives from the Venetians, who on New Year's Day used to throw out all of their old items. Others believe the throwing of the pots welcomes spring, symbolizing the new crops that will be gathered in the new pots.
In Poland, pouring water on one another is an Easter tradition called Śmigus-dyngus, a.k.a. Wet Monday. On Easter Monday, people try to drench each other with buckets of water, squirt guns, or anything they can get their hands on. Legend says girls who get soaked on Wet Monday will marry within the year.
"Sprinkling," a popular Easter tradition in Hungary, is observed on Easter Monday, also known as "Ducking Monday." Boys playfully sprinkle perfume or perfumed water on girls after getting their permission to do so. Young men used to pour buckets of water over young women's heads, but now they spray perfume, cologne, or just plain water, and ask for a kiss. People used to believe that water had a cleaning, healing, and fertility-inducing effect.
GETTY IMAGES
On the morning of Holy Saturday, the traditional "pot throwing" takes place on the Greek island of Corfu. People throw pots, pans, and other earthenware often filled with water out of their windows, smashing them on the street. Some say the custom derives from the Venetians, who on New Year's Day used to throw out all of their old items. Others believe the throwing of the pots welcomes spring, symbolizing the new crops that will be gathered in the new pots.
In Poland, pouring water on one another is an Easter tradition called Śmigus-dyngus, a.k.a. Wet Monday. On Easter Monday, people try to drench each other with buckets of water, squirt guns, or anything they can get their hands on. Legend says girls who get soaked on Wet Monday will marry within the year.
"Sprinkling," a popular Easter tradition in Hungary, is observed on Easter Monday, also known as "Ducking Monday." Boys playfully sprinkle perfume or perfumed water on girls after getting their permission to do so. Young men used to pour buckets of water over young women's heads, but now they spray perfume, cologne, or just plain water, and ask for a kiss. People used to believe that water had a cleaning, healing, and fertility-inducing effect.
Fatou, a western lowland gorilla believed to be the oldest in the world, just celebrated her 65th birthday at the Berlin Zoo.
Our Gorilla lady is celebrating her 65th birthday today, making her the oldest Gorilla in the world," the zoo wrote on Instagram.
"The traditional birthday cake could not be missing this year either. The birthday meal is always something very special for Fatou," the zoo said. Photos included in the post showed the huge primate enjoying a cake decorated with berries and fruits to form the numbers "65."
Fatou arrived to Berlin in 1959 through what the zoo describes as "unusual circumstances" in a news release from her 61st birthday.
A sailor used the young gorilla to pay his tab at a tavern in Marseilles, France, after which she was transported across Europe before eventually being purchased by the zoo in Germany. She was estimated to be just two years old at the time of her arrival.
In 2019, Fatou was named the "oldest living gorilla in captivity" by Guinness World Records after Trudy, a gorilla born in 1956, died.
Fatou is one of the only animals at the Berlin Zoo born in the wild, according to the news release.
In captivity, gorillas usually live up to 50 years, Guinness noted.
Our Gorilla lady is celebrating her 65th birthday today, making her the oldest Gorilla in the world," the zoo wrote on Instagram.
"The traditional birthday cake could not be missing this year either. The birthday meal is always something very special for Fatou," the zoo said. Photos included in the post showed the huge primate enjoying a cake decorated with berries and fruits to form the numbers "65."
Fatou arrived to Berlin in 1959 through what the zoo describes as "unusual circumstances" in a news release from her 61st birthday.
A sailor used the young gorilla to pay his tab at a tavern in Marseilles, France, after which she was transported across Europe before eventually being purchased by the zoo in Germany. She was estimated to be just two years old at the time of her arrival.
In 2019, Fatou was named the "oldest living gorilla in captivity" by Guinness World Records after Trudy, a gorilla born in 1956, died.
Fatou is one of the only animals at the Berlin Zoo born in the wild, according to the news release.
In captivity, gorillas usually live up to 50 years, Guinness noted.
Thanks for the Easter festivities, it was cool to see my name tag, thanks again. ❤️🩹