Easter Traditions Around the World: A Colorful Tapestry of Cultures
At Coo-Mon, we believe that every fabric tells a story — of a people, a place, and a tradition. From African wax print to Guadeloupean madras, South African shweshwe, Chinese brocade, and Brazilian chita, our accessories are woven with cultural heritage from around the globe.
Easter, celebrated across continents, is one of those beautiful moments when traditions bloom in countless ways. Let's take you on a cultural journey to discover how Easter is celebrated around the world, each with its own flavors, symbols, and style.
In Quebec, Easter is a heartfelt and meaningful holiday, often celebrated with large family brunches even as winter lingers. Tables are filled with maple-glazed ham, eggs, Easter bread, sometimes cipaille (a traditional meat pie), and of course, chocolate in all shapes. Children enjoy egg hunts indoors or outside — if the snow has melted! Religious observances such as Good Friday and Easter Sunday Mass are also meaningful for many families.
In Guadeloupe, Easter is the second most celebrated holiday after Christmas. Beyond its religious meaning, it's a moment for joy, family, and vibrant culinary tradition — where crab takes center stage.
During Easter weekend, Guadeloupeans gather for massive beach picnics on Easter Monday, often wearing colorful outfits made with traditional madras fabric. These picnics feature crab in all forms — stuffed, curried (colombo), or in rich stews. The celebration is a true expression of Creole identity, shared joy, and cultural pride.
In the United States, Easter blends religious tradition with fun, family-focused events. A classic Easter meal might include roast lamb, glazed ham, scalloped potatoes, spring vegetables, and fruit pies.
One of the most iconic traditions is the White House Easter Egg Roll, first held in 1878. Children roll decorated eggs on the White House lawn in a cheerful event that draws families from across the country. Easter egg hunts are popular nationwide, with kids scouring parks and backyards for chocolate treasures left by the Easter Bunny.
Easter, or Páscoa, is a major celebration in Brazil, marked by the deeply spiritual Holy Week (Semana Santa). Throughout the country, especially in cities like Ouro Preto and Salvador, there are solemn processions and religious ceremonies.
One unique tradition is the creation of intricate carpets made from dyed sawdust, flowers, and seeds, laid out in the streets to welcome processions. Churches are beautifully decorated, and the atmosphere is both reverent and festive. And of course, giant chocolate eggs — often extravagantly wrapped — are exchanged as popular Easter gifts.
In Ukraine, Poland, and Romania, Easter is closely tied to the beautiful tradition of painting eggs. Called pysanky in Ukraine, these eggs are decorated using a wax-resist technique and complex geometric and symbolic designs.
Each motif represents something — fertility, health, protection — and the craft is passed down through generations. These eggs are more than decorations; they are miniature works of art and expressions of deep spiritual and cultural significance.
While Easter isn't widely celebrated in China, it is observed within Christian communities through church services and spiritual gatherings.
Around the same time of year, China celebrates the Ching Ming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day. Families honor their ancestors by visiting graves, cleaning tombstones, and making symbolic offerings. It’s a deeply meaningful tradition of remembrance and reverence, often accompanied by traditional clothing or decor in luxurious fabrics like brocade. Though not directly related to Easter, it echoes similar themes of reflection, renewal, and connection to heritage.
In South Africa, Easter is one of the most significant Christian holidays. Communities come together for outdoor church services, lively singing, and traditional dances. It's not uncommon to see families dressed in beautifully made garments featuring shweshwe fabric, a staple in South African design.
Easter Monday is a public holiday, often celebrated with family gatherings and picnics. The air is filled with joy, music, and the warmth of shared heritage.
From Caribbean beaches to Eastern European egg art, from Brazilian streets to African fabrics — Easter traditions around the world show how a single celebration can take on many beautiful forms.