In the Czech Republic: Whipping tradition

In the Czech Republic: Whipping tradition
Shutterstock

The Czech whipping tradition known as pomlázka takes places on Easter Monday. Men will visit women – usually family members or friends – and tap them with “whips” made from braided willow branches wrapped with colourful ribbons. Although not intended to be painful, the tradition is said to bring the women vitality and fertility, which is symbolically transferred through the branches of the willow tree as it’s the first tree to bloom in the spring. In exchange men get painted eggs or chocolate and for those of age, an alcoholic shot for the road.

Advertisement

In Bermuda: Kite flying

In Bermuda: Kite flying
Shutterstock

The sky’s the limit during Easter in Bermuda. To celebrate the holiday, Bermudians gather to fly homemade kites made using wooden sticks and decorative tissue paper, with the bright geometric designs in the sky symbolising the resurrection of Jesus. This tradition is paired with a feast of codfish, hot cross buns and sunrise services on the beach. According to a legend, a Bermudian teacher flew a kite as a way to illustrate the ascension of Jesus into heaven.

In Portugal: Easter almonds

In Portugal: Easter almonds
Shutterstock

In Portugal, people gift each other almonds also known as amêndoas for Easter. The tasty treats come in all colours and coating such as hard candy, chocolate or caramelised sugar, giving you that extra crunch when you bite into it. It’s tradition for godchildren to give their godparents a stalk on Palm Sunday (the Sunday before Easter) and for godparents to give almonds in return on Easter Sunday. The egg-shaped almonds are said to represent the beginning of life and the spring season.

Sign up here to have Reader’s Digest’s favourite stories straight to your inbox.

Source: RD.com, RD Canada

Never miss a deal again - sign up now!

Connect with us: