While Brits hide chocolate bunnies, make spring-themed hats or put their feet up and enjoy a buttered hot cross bun, countries around the world celebrate Easter with their own strange traditions.
From hiding cigarettes near churches to making a giant omelet and punching family friends, every country has a unique twist on the hour to celebrate Easter and some traditions may surprise you.
France
In the French town of Bessières in southwestern France, locals celebrate Easter by cooking a giant omelette.
About 15,000 eggs are used to create the enormous feast, which is cooked in one pan by about 50 volunteers and served to 2,000 people.
It all started in 1973 on the occasion of Napoleon Bonaparte’s visit to a small inn and enjoying a delicious omelette. He is said to have enjoyed it so much that he ordered a giant omelet for his army.
About 50 volunteers work together to make the giant omelet, breaking eggs and stirring the large pan
About 15,000 eggs are used to create the enormous feast, which is cooked in one pot and served to 2,000 people
The designated chefs stow the pan with giant spatulas that look more like paddles or oars than cooking utensils
Czech Republic
In the Czech Republic, instead of eating a chocolate bunny with friends and family, family members wish each other good health – by gently hitting each other with a stick decorated with ribbons.
The word is called pomlázka and comes from pomladit, which means to make younger.
Girls dress up in traditional costumes and are gently beaten as a sign of good health
The whip is called pomlázka and comes from pomladit, which means to make younger
Finland
Although we may associate witches with Halloween, in Finland children dress up as spooky ghosts and roam the streets, going door to door asking for treats and handing out blessings.
Dressed in witches’ hats and cloaks and with twigs decorated with colored paper and fabric, they promise to ward off evil spirits.
Papua New Guinea
In Papua New Guinea, people have adapted to the heat and instead of hiding chocolate eggs, people hide cigarettes in trees near churches.
After the traditional Easter service, believers go looking for the parcels.
While it may not be the healthiest treat, it will undoubtedly increase attendance.
Russia and Slovenia
In Russia and Slovenia, instead of enjoying a chocolate animal, these countries make a butter version.
As a symbol of Jesus’ sacrifice, people carve a lamb from butter.
They decorate it with peppercorns or dried cloves for eyes and a red ribbon around the neck to symbolize the blood of Christ.
In Russia and Slovenia, instead of enjoying a chocolate animal, these countries make a butter version.
Russians usually carve a lamb from butter and decorate it with peppercorns or dried cloves for eyes
Norway
In a tradition that seems to have almost nothing to do with Easter, Norwegians thoroughly enjoy a crime drama.
It started in 1923 with an advertisement on the front page of a national newspaper for a book entitled ‘The Bergen train was robbed in the night’.
Many thought it was a real robbery and book sales skyrocketed.
Now, every Easter, publishers and TV producers capitalize on the tradition of Påskekrim, or Easter crime, and release new crime fiction.
Poland
If you visit Poland during Easter, it is best to bring an umbrella as children are encouraged to dunk passers-by with buckets, water guns and hoses.
The tradition dates back to pagan fertility festivals where soaking women could expect to become pregnant, but now it is open to everyone.
