Hip Hop Hooray Easter is On It’s Way

Easter is the oldest and most significant of Christian holidays. It signals the beginning of Spring and completes the circle in the life of Jesus. Easter Sunday marks the end of Lent and of the “Holy Week”, an event that commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and celebrated by exchanging of gift baskets of patterned eggs.

Easter, the world over is an occasion to gather together with family, friends and loved ones. For many, it is a deeply religious holiday while for others, Easter marks a long weekend, filled with fun. No matter what you do, the celebration of Easter across the world is fascinating as we look at how cultures intermingle and becomes a part of present day life. In America, Easter means church services, Easter egg hunts, and baskets full of candy. Below are a few Easter traditions from around the World.

Italy

In Florence, a 350-year-old tradition in celebrated on Pasqua (Italian for “Easter”), where an old cart is loaded with fireworks and pulled in front of the Duomo, where spectators watch the pyrotechnics go off. It signifies peace and a good year ahead.

France

On account of the solemn nature of the days around Jesus’s death, no church bells ring between Holy Thursday and the Easter Vigil. One legend goes that the bells were not rung as they grew wings and flew to Rome to be blessed by the Pope, returning on Easter day with chocolate and gifts for local kids. This is why French children get treats in the shape of bells rather than bunnies.

Germany

Unlike many other countries where Easter eggs are hidden and a hunt organized for children to find them, Germany displays Easter eggs on trees. This is done prominently on streets and you often see trees with thousands of decorated eggs hanging on them.

Poland

Families prepare a “blessing basket”, a day prior to Easter, filling it with colored eggs, sausages, bread, among other items and taken to church to be blessed. It is believed here that Lent isn’t over until this basket is blessed by a priest.

Brazil

A custom in Brazil and a number of other Latin American countries is to prepare an effigy of Judas, the apostle who betrayed Jesus, and celebrate by burning this in the centre of the city.

Greece

On the island of Corfu, a very special ritual is followed on Holy Saturday. Marking the beginning of spring, residents throw pots, pans and other earthenware out of their windows. This “pot throwing” is symbolic of new crops that will be gathered in new pots.

Bulgaria

Another country that doesn’t hide their Easter egg but instead has egg fights! It is believed that whoever comes out of a fight with their egg unbroken will have a much success in the coming year.

Depict these traditions in your cards to create some unique and fun cards. Read on here for more elements in Easter cards that you can use to truly capture the spirit if Easter.

Here’s wishing you an ‘Egg’stra Special Easter !!