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Easter Customs Across Europe

The tradition of celebrating Easter has long been established in different cultures across Europe, but many countries don’t just send cards and eat chocolate eggs.

Norfolk removal company Hamiltons Removals are experts in organising domestic and commercial moves to Europe, and our friendly, knowledgeable staff make sure the whole relocation process is as smooth as possible. To help you on your way, here we look at some of the ways countries across the continent mark Easter.

France

On Good Friday, all the church bells fall silent to mark the passing of Jesus, while on Easter Sunday they ring out to mark his resurrection. The French then greet each other warmly, with hugs, to show that the celebration is under way.

In common with youngsters across the world, French children enjoy hunting for Easter eggs. They are equally likely to go searching for chocolate chicks, bunnies and bells. The commonest dish served at the meal table is a lamb dish known as l’Agneau Pascal, because in the Bible Jesus was often referred to as The Lamb of God.

Germany

Many Germans think Easter represents the start of spring, so they embark on a major home clean-up. Often they will then decorate their houses with clay bunnies, crocuses and branches hung with painted eggs. In the weeks before Easter, shops sell Osterbrot, a special bread with almonds and raisins, and it is eaten over the holiday weekend.

Another major German custom is the lighting of Easter fires in public places on the Saturday evening. They are kept burning until dawn and are often accompanied by food stalls and rides for children.

Italy

If you are thinking of moving home to Italy, you will discover many Easter traditions with religious roots. Pilgrims travel from all over the world for the Pope’s address in St Peter’s Square, Rome, while processions known as Via Crucis or Stations of the Crosstake place across the country. Stations such as churches are marked with pictures of Jesus and pilgrims say prayers at each one.

Traditional Italian Easter dishes include Torta Pasquelina, a pie in the form of a quiche which typically contains cheese and spinach, while youngsters can enjoy a rich ‘Easter Dove’ cake which is full of candied peel and almonds.

Norway

Here stores and businesses close for five days over the Easter period. This allows plenty of time for the Norwegians to stay at their mountain cabins, or enjoy a spot of cross-country skiing. They are just as likely, however, to read or watch a murder mystery.

In a tradition which is thought to date back to the 1920s, many publishers bring out new crime novels over Easter, while the TV schedules are full of whodunnits. Even milk cartons carry short mystery stories on their sides for around a fortnight.

The Czech Republic and Slovakia

A tradition common to many Eastern European countries, is for Czechs and Slovaks to decorate eggs for Easter and display them around the house.

Hamiltons Removals can help you if you are moving home to Italy, Germany, France, Norway or any other European destination. We are a Norfolk removal company, based close to the Suffolk border, arranging moves for customers from across the UK and abroad. We have years of experience in putting together packages tailored to fit your individual requirements. Follow the link above to find out more. Our international removals department can also arrange moves to countries including the USA, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.