Easter is one of the most significant festivals in the Christian calendar, where Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ throughout the world. Easter around the globe is normally among the well-attended Sunday services with a massive number of people.Just like all other festivals, Easter is celebrated in different ways with many exciting and fascinating activities.
Easter is one of the most significant festivals in the Christian calendar, where Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ throughout the world. Easter around the globe is normally among the well-attended Sunday services with a massive number of people.
Just like all other festivals, Easter is celebrated in different ways with many exciting and fascinating activities.
In Africa, Easter is both a social and spiritual celebration. Churches are filled up and one could think church is compulsory for all Africans on that day. On Easter, families come together to feast and share a special meal which is usually a luxurious one like goat’s meat or chicken.
However, in Ethiopia Easter is one of the most honored festivals, celebrated after 55 days of fasting. Believers of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church offer daily prayers at the church and do not eat until 3:00 p.m apart from Saturday and Sunday when prayers are conducted early in the morning.
"In Rwanda, most families celebrate the Easter period by going to church and then on Easter Sunday we cook a special meal and invite over a few friends and relatives to share with us as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ,” said Anastacia Teteli, a resident of Kimoronko.
In Europe, Easter is celebrated by lighting giant bonfires on hilltops and in churchyards on Easter Eve while in England it is celebrated through the exchange of Easter Eggs and other gifts like clothes, chocolates or holidays packages.
Easter bonnets or baskets are also made that have fillings like daffodils in them.
Easter in Portugal is celebrated with sweet bread called Folar da Pascoa. The bread is usually served at breakfast on Easter morning but more often as a dessert after Easter dinner.
Portuguese serve a meat plate at the dinner table as the feature dish on Easter Sunday. Roasted pork ‘Leitao’ is popular accompanied by roasted potatoes and other vegetables, along with fresh bread.
In France, Easter is known as Paques. The main celebration usually kicks off on Good Friday but in a grave mood. Church bells are not rung for three days to mourn the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
On Easter morning, the children hurry into the garden to watch the bells "Fly back from Rome”.
In Brazil, the Easter festivity is held with much grandeur and splendor. Unlike other countries, Brazil has its Easter celebrations taking place in the autumn season, due to its geographical location.
Easter is more about the bunny rabbits, eggs and chocolate in Newzealand which has become more secular over the years.
In Netherlands, Easter is known as Pass Zondag in Dutch and is associated with special meals. The cross is the main symbol of Easter and it’s decorated with flowers or young leaves.
Holy fire lights and candles symbolize the resurrection of Jesus Christ in Israel. Thousands of pilgrims and tourists travel from across the world to Israel to celebrate the holy festival of Easter in the Holy Land of Jerusalem.
Different countries may celebrate Easter in various ways but what is most important is to take time off and thank God for having given His life for us and remember His resurrection.