Easter is just around the corner and if for many it is synonymous with relaxation, staying with the family and having a barbecue kissed by the sun, others follow very different and rather curious traditions. On the other hand "country you go, tradition you find"!
Let’s discover together 5 unusual ways to celebrate this holiday!
1. NEW YORK - THE HAT PARADE
A real riot of colors and creativity!
This parade is called the Easter Bonnet Parade and is held right on 5th avenue in New York. After Mass, both adults and children wear their best dress, an eccentric headdress and pour into the streets of Big Apple.
A procession that dates back to 1870 when the wealthy after mass strolled through the streets of the city to see the Easter floral decorations. With their fashionable clothes they attracted the middle class who gathered to see the latest trends.
2. BERMUDA - KITES
Since Good Friday, the beaches of the British island alone are populated by hundreds of people ready to free their craft kites in the sky.
The best are rewarded.
It is said that this tradition was born from the initiative of a teacher to explain to the students the meaning of the ascension of Jesus after the crucifixion and resurrection.
3. POLAND - THE BALLOONS
Wet Monday, lucky Monday!
In Poland on Easter Monday is celebrated the Lany Poniedzialek (Wet Monday), so green light for water games and water balloons. They all represent a target, even the elderly!
The origin of this custom comes from a pagan festival and symbolizes purification in view of spring!
4. CORFÙ- THE LAUNCH OF POTS
On the beautiful Greek island, on Easter day it is used to throw out the window pots, containers and terracotta pots.
Today it is seen as a superstitious gesture to ward off bad luck, but in ancient times it was used to perform this rite to celebrate the natural cycle of vegetation: getting rid of old empty containers was a way to celebrate the awakening of nature in spring and then wish you soon new and lush crops!
5. FINLAND - THE WITCHES
Easter or Halloween time? In Finland, on Easter day, children dress up as magicians, witches and go to bless the houses of neighbors with decorated willow branches. To drive out evil spirits, however, there is a duty to pay: many sweets!
This custom blends sacred and profane: on the one hand witches, often linked to the representation of evil, on the other hand the practice of blessing by means of the olive branch typical of Palm Sunday.
