6 New Easter Traditions to Incorporate from Around the World

Spring might be officially here, but nothing marks the start of the season quite like everyone’s favorite springtime holiday. If you’re Christian, Easter is a sweetly sacred holiday, and if you’re not, well, there’s nothing to hate about egg hunts and chocolate bunnies! Whatever your beliefs, Easter’s the perfect time to celebrate nature and new beginnings – and you can do just that by incorporating some of these fun and unique traditions from around the world.

Shape your butter

If you’ve ever picked up turkey butter at Thanksgiving, you’ll be pleased to know you can find everyone’s favorite condiment in other animal shapes as well. In fact, a lamb-shaped butter loaf isn’t just a novelty fad; the tradition dates back to as early as 1200 in Central and Eastern Europe, according to Food & Wine. 

In certain pockets of the United States, you might be able to find butter lambs in the grocery store. But if not, you can buy the specialty condiment online, or order a butter mold to keep the tradition alive year after year!

Fly a kite

There’s something about flying a kite that makes you feel like a kid again! And in some parts of the world, it’s not just a springtime pastime – it’s an Easter tradition. In Bermuda, Easter Weekend kicks off with kite flying on Good Friday. Generally fashioned in the traditional Bermudan hexagonal or octagonal style, the kites symbolizes the resurrection of Christ. 

Of course, store bought kites will do just fine to celebrate Easter and springtime anywhere in the world. So grab some kids, some kites and hope for a breezy day!

Crack an egg

…or 15,000? Since 1973, a small town in France has created a giant omelet from 15,000 eggs each Monday following Easter Sunday. The tradition is credited to Napoleon, who stopped in the southern town of Bessières and ate an omelet cooked by a local chef. Legend has it that Napoleon loved the creation so much he requested that all the eggs in the village be gathered, and a gigantic omelet cooked and shared by townspeople the next day. 

Today, the omelet has become a staple part of Easter celebrations. And since no food is more appropriate at Easter than an egg, this is one tradition you can easily incorporate into your holiday festivities.

Binge on crime dramas

We’re not mad about any tradition that starts with Netflix. In Norway, Easter is the season of new grisly crime dramas. While this might sound gravely incongruent with traditional Easter celebrations, the tradition dates back to 1923, when two Norwegian authors launched a campaign just before Easter to advertise their new (and soon-to-be-bestselling) crime novel. Fast-forward nearly 100 years, and Norwegian noir – as the dark crime dramas are known – is an integral part of the Easter season. So grab some popcorn and settle in for some gruesome binging.

Have a hunt

…but not that kind of hunt. In New Zealand’s South Island, Easter hunting involves actual guns, and ends with more than 10,000 dead bunnies. Rabbits are a recognized pest in the South Pacific island nation, which is home to no native mammals. To fight the unwelcome rodents, the South Island town of Alexandra hosts an annual Easter Bunny Hunt, awarding cash prizes to the most prolific killers. Last year, top recognitions went to team Overkill, which shot 1,185 rabbits from 8 a.m. on Good Friday until noon on Easter, according to The Guardian.

Of course, if you don’t have the stomach of a Kiwi, it’s totally okay to stick to hunting plastic eggs and chocolate bunnies.

Set a lovely table

Well, this one’s more a nod to our favorite Easter traditions. Regardless of your religious beliefs, Easter is the perfect time to gather with friends, family members and loved ones to share a beautiful meal and delectable treats. Whether it’s a casual family gathering on Good Friday, a cheery Easter brunch or a formal Sunday dinner, keep it festive with our newest collection of tea towels and table linens in the cutest spring prints. Head over now to check it out. 

From all of us at Geometry, cheers to a happy and healthy Easter season!