The word "Easter" derives from ancient Hebrew, "pesach", which references the Hebrews' exodus from Egyptian slavery and journey towards freedom. The same theme of "passage" is echoed in the transition from the rigors of winter to the warm weather that accompanies the awakening of blossoms.

The festivity was officially adopted by Christianity to mark the Advent and Resurrection of Jesus. Over time most cultures around the world came to associate a myriad of rather similar icons with it: the white dove and olive branch are well known symbols for peace, while bells and yellow chicks herald new beginnings and the perpetration of life. It is not by chance we mentioned yellow. Oriental philosophies also associate it with a vital energy source, the affirmation of one's being: the umbilical Chakra, tied to the abdomen and the element of fire. The tradition of associating the egg with birth and hope traces back to Indian and Greek mythology.

Do you know how Easter is celebrated around the world? Let's see...

France

On Easter morning children search around the house or in the garden to find chocolate eggs hidden by their parents.
Church bells ring festively again after holding still through Good Friday, the anniversary of Christ's death, a day of respectful silence Moms magically justify to their little ones by recounting the story of the bells legendary journey to Rome.

Germany

The bunny is the most widely used symbol for Easter in Germany and other northern European Countries. Since rabbits and hares are quite prolific to say the least, they are apt symbols of life's renewal.

German homes are decorated with lots of colours and arrangements of dry tree branches; children embellish  hard boiled eggs, the tasty, brightly coloured treats traditionally eaten on this holiday. Easter lunch revolves around lamb, and even desserts are lamb shaped. In the countryside dry branches sizzle as bonfires are lit to celebrate the end of winter and the vigorous awakening of spring.

Holland

Easter is mainly a celebration of life and spring itself here: homes are decorated in yellow and children paint eggs so a cute bunny can steal them and hide them in the garden for the sole purpose of holding a grand "egg hunt" for them on Easter Sunday.

Finland

The majority of Finnish people are either Evangelists or Lutherans, therefore Easter for them is basically a vacation day. In this country Christian tradition is a connotation of pagan spring-arrival celebrations, even though true spring comes later on at such latitudes.
Children traditionally sow seeds that will sprout in the house.  

It is said that during the nights before Easter witches leave their hiding spots to fly around the sky.

Greece

The air of festivity is felt quite strongly here: church bells merrily announce the end of Lent and from then on though Easter Greeks participate to religious processions and attend vigils on Easter eve.

Easter lunch is quite rich: ethnic breads, red coloured eggs and  Maghiritsa, the soup made with lamb innards.

Worth mentioning is the Athenian custom by which diners challenge each other in an egg game: each bangs their egg against someone else's until only one egg remains intact, and wins.

Russia

The religious tradition here mandates that right after the clock strikes midnight on Easter Saturday followers join a procession to their Cathedral. During the morning of the same day, families meet at the grave of a relative for a picnic. Dinner never fails to include pasxa made with ricotta cheese, kulich and kisel, a mixed fruit salad.