Easter traditions of Germany, France, Spain, Switzerland

As you know, on Easter, Christians celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. However, each country has its own traditions of celebrating this great event.

For example, in France, Easter is a widespread Catholic holiday, during which services and processions are held in all corners of the country. But for the French, Easter is also a day of joy, when friends and family members meet together to enjoy delicious food and, of course, lots of chocolate.

In honor of the Easter holidays in France, children are coming to school holidays. Thus, they have a lot of time to enjoy sweets and take part in feasts where the "Easter lamb"is always present.

As in all Western European countries, in France, one of the main attributes of Easter is considered a hare, bringing children and adults sweets: chocolate eggs, bells and fish.

On Easter Sunday, the Church bells sound again, silent from Maundy Thursday until Holy Saturday. When they hear them ringing, the French embrace each other and congratulate them on Easter.

In Germany, at Easter, people give each other brightly colored eggs, chocolate and toy figures of Easter hares, as well as small Souvenirs and gifts hidden in special "Easter nests".

Outside, bushes and trees are decorated with painted eggs and ribbons, and cakes in the shape of a hare or lamb are served with coffee.

In Poland, on Easter Monday, mayors of different cities meet to traditionally sprinkle each other with water. This custom is associated with the baptism of Prince Mieszko the First, who at one time brought Christianity to Poland.

In Spain, in Vergas, on Maundy Thursday, you can see a very peculiar celebration: young men dance through the streets, wearing skeleton costumes.

In Switzerland, there is a different tradition. On Good Friday, mourners carry the shroud of Saint Veronica through the streets, as well as the instruments of Christ's torture. Processions are accompanied by chants and prayers.

And on Sunday, shortly before sunrise, the Swiss go up to the mountain valley to traditionally greet the arrival of Easter Monday with a dance.