Easter Monday is the day following Easter Sunday, and it is observed as a holiday in many countries around the world. While Easter Sunday is the day on which Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Easter Monday is a time for reflection, rest, and celebration. In this article, we will explore the various Easter Monday traditions and customs that are observed in different countries and cultures.
Easter Monday in Europe
In many European countries, Easter Monday is a public holiday, and it is celebrated with various customs and traditions. In the Czech Republic, men go from house to house with willow branches and lightly whip women to bring them good luck and health for the coming year. The women then give the men painted eggs and shots of liquor as a thank you. In Hungary, people celebrate with a water splashing tradition called “Ducking Monday” or “Wet Monday” where boys would splash girls with water in exchange for eggs and money.
In Greece, Easter Monday is called “Bright Monday,” and it is a time for feasting and celebration. People enjoy traditional Easter dishes such as lamb, goat, or roasted pig, along with local wine and sweets. In Romania, people celebrate “Lunea Mare” by visiting the graves of their loved ones and lighting candles in remembrance.
In Germany, Easter Monday is called “Ostermontag,” and it is observed as a public holiday. People traditionally go for walks in the countryside or participate in Easter egg hunts. The Germans also have a custom of lighting Easter fires on the eve of Easter Sunday, which continue to burn until Easter Monday.
Easter Monday in the Americas
In many Latin American countries, Easter Monday is a time for celebration and feasting. In Mexico, people celebrate “Lunes de Pascua” by enjoying traditional foods such as “mole” (a sauce made from chili peppers and chocolate) and “bacalao” (salted cod). In Brazil, people celebrate “Segunda-Feira da Páscoa” with a traditional dish called “Bolo de Páscoa,” which is a chocolate cake with hidden Easter eggs inside.
In the United States, Easter Monday is not a federal holiday, but some states and schools observe it as a holiday. In the White House, Easter Monday is celebrated with the annual Easter Egg Roll, which is a tradition that dates back to 1878. Children from all over the country come to roll colorful hard-boiled eggs on the White House lawn and participate in various other activities and entertainment.
Easter Monday in Africa and Asia
In many African and Asian countries, Easter Monday is not widely celebrated as a holiday, but there are still some traditions and customs associated with the day. In Ethiopia, Easter Monday is called “Fasika,” and it is a time for family gatherings and feasting on traditional foods such as injera (a sourdough-risen flatbread) and doro wat (a spicy chicken stew).
In the Philippines, Easter Monday is called “Lunes ng Araw ng Pagkabuhay,” and it is observed as a public holiday. People traditionally spend the day with family and friends, enjoying special meals and visiting loved ones in cemeteries.
Conclusion
Easter Monday is a day for reflection, rest, and celebration in many countries around the world. While the customs and traditions associated with the day vary from country to country, they all share a common theme of renewal, hope, and joy. Whether it’s the water splashing tradition in Hungary, the White House Easter Egg Roll in the United States, or the feasting and family gatherings in Ethiopia and the Philippines, Easter Monday is a time for communities to come together and celebrate the arrival of spring and new beginnings.
