Easter Traditions Around the World
It is believed that the Easter bunny first arrived in America when German immigrants settled in Pennsylvania in the 1700s. They brought with them a tradition of an egg-laying rabbit called “Oschter Haws.” Children made nests so this creature could lay its colored eggs.
This custom soon spread to homes across America. It grew to include morning deliveries of candy and decorated baskets replaced the rabbit’s nest. Can you guess who’s hiding in our puzzle?
Easter is a time of celebration and there are so many holiday traditions around the world. Here are a few of our favorites:
Cascarones
These are Mexican Easter eggs that are filled with confetti or small toys. They are cracked open on someone’s head, and the confetti or toys fall out.
Egg Rolling
This is a popular activity in many countries, and involves rolling hard-boiled eggs down a hill. The first person to reach the bottom with an unbroken egg is the winner.
Egg Tapping
This is a game in which two people tap their hard-boiled eggs against each other, trying to break the other person’s egg. The person with the unbroken egg at the end is the winner.
Pace Egging
This is a tradition in some parts of England and Wales, in which children go door-to-door on Easter Monday, collecting eggs and other treats.
Egg Decorating
This is a popular activity for children, and involves decorating hard-boiled eggs with paints, markers, or other materials.
Many countries celebrate Easter in their own special way. Click on a country below to learn more about these traditions.