Easter is the most important festival in the Christian calendar, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus — but the way it's marked varies wildly around the world. Some countries hunt for eggs, some light huge bonfires, and one famously holds a water-throwing day. Here's a tour of Easter traditions across the globe.
Easter moves each year — see why Easter changes date, or find the date for any year with our Easter calculator.
Where do eggs and the Easter bunny come from?
- Eggs have symbolised new life and rebirth for thousands of years, long predating Christianity. Decorating them at spring festivals is an ancient custom the church adopted as a symbol of resurrection.
- The Easter bunny comes from German folklore — the "Osterhase," a hare that brought eggs to children. German immigrants carried the tradition to the United States in the 1700s, where it grew into the chocolate-and-basket version we know today.
Easter traditions by country
- United States & UK: Easter egg hunts, chocolate eggs, the Easter bunny, and Easter Sunday church services. The White House holds an annual Easter Egg Roll.
- Italy: "Scoppio del Carro" in Florence — a cart of fireworks is exploded outside the cathedral on Easter morning for good luck. Easter Monday (Pasquetta) is a public holiday for picnics.
- Greece & Orthodox countries: midnight services, red-dyed eggs cracked together, and roast lamb. Often celebrated on a different date than the West.
- Spain: Semana Santa (Holy Week) — solemn, dramatic processions with floats and hooded participants, especially in Seville.
- Germany: Easter trees (Ostereierbaum) hung with decorated eggs, and Easter bonfires (Osterfeuer) on Holy Saturday.
- Hungary & Poland: Wet Monday (Śmigus-Dyngus) — boys playfully sprinkle or douse others with water, an old fertility-and-cleansing custom.
- Sweden: children dress as "Easter witches" (Påskkärringar) and go door to door for treats — a little like Halloween.
- Philippines & Latin America: elaborate Holy Week processions and re-enactments.
- Australia: instead of the bunny (a pest there), some promote the Easter Bilby, a native marsupial, to raise conservation awareness.
Holy Week: the days around Easter
| Day | When | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Palm Sunday | Sunday before | Jesus enters Jerusalem |
| Good Friday | Friday before | Crucifixion |
| Holy Saturday | Day before | Vigil |
| Easter Sunday | — | Resurrection |
| Easter Monday | Day after | Public holiday in many countries |
Quick answers
Why do we have Easter eggs? Eggs are an ancient symbol of new life and rebirth, adopted by the church as a symbol of resurrection. Decorating them at spring is a custom older than Christianity.
Where does the Easter bunny come from? From German folklore — the egg-bringing "Osterhase" hare — brought to America by German immigrants in the 1700s.
Is Easter Monday a holiday? Yes, in many countries — including the UK, Australia, much of Europe, and others — Easter Monday is a public holiday.
What is Holy Week? The week before Easter, running from Palm Sunday through Good Friday to Easter Sunday.