8 Easter Food Traditions From Around The World
Christians around the world celebrate Easter with many unique, cultural traditions. When we look at the Easter meal around the world, we see some fun similarities between cultures and some very unique differences.
Take a look at these 8 Easter food traditions from Italy, Germany, Poland, the United Kingdom, Mexico, the Unites States, France, and Greece. Maybe you'll find the next tradition for your Easter celebration!
Italy - Pani di Pasqua
Sweet breads are a common appearance in many cultures' Easter celebrations. They are a beloved way of returning from the traditional Lenten time of fasting which included fasting from luxury items like butter, eggs, and sugar.
Pane di Pasqua and Colomba di Pasqua are two well-loved Italian Easter breads.
Germany - Herb Soup
A green herb soup is the traditional German meal for Holy Thursday. This day commemorates Christ's last Supper and is also known as Maudy Thursday, or Green Thursday.
The soup traditionally contains 7 herbs, as a reminder of Christ's 7 last words on the Cross.
United Kingdom - Hot Crossed Buns
A widely known and loved Easter food tradition comes from the United Kingdom: Hot Cross Buns.
These buns have a long history and are traditionally eaten on Good Friday, to signify the end of Lent.
Poland - White Borscht
On the day before Easter in Poland, families bring Easter baskets filled with dyed eggs, sausage, bread, butter, and many other symbolic items to their church to be blessed.
The ingredients in the basked are then used for the Easter meal and, in particular, to make Polish White Borscht.
France - Easter Monday Omelette
A unique French Easter tradition comes from the town of Bessiers, in Southern France. On Easter Monday, it is traditional to enjoy an omlette. This is a long-standing tradition, going back to the time when Napoleon and his army stopped in the town and ate omelettes.
Now, Easter Monday is the day for omelette festivals in many French towns.
Mexico - Capirotada
In Mexico Easter celebrations last two weeks, from Palm Sunday, through Pasqua, the full week after Easter Sunday.
Capirotada is a bread pudding that is traditionally served on Good Friday. The ingredients are full of symbolism that point to the crucifixion that is celebrated on that day.
United States - Easter Ham
While many European countries enjoy Lamb as the main dish on their Easter table, in the United States, a glazed ham is the more common main dish.
Like other countries, tables are rounded out with sides that feature spring vegetables and fresh herbs. A white cake with flaked coconut is a common ending to the meal.
Greece - Lemon Chicken Soup
In Greece the Easter meal often starts with a first course of a lemon chicken soup called Avgolemono.
Easter eggs are traditionally dyed only red for Easter in Greece to symbolize Christ's blood. And, a sweet treat, Koulourakia are a traditional crispy Greek Easter cookie.
There are so many Easter food traditions around the world!
If your family celebrates Easter with a particular cultural dish or practice, leave a comment below! We'd love to hear about it!
Sarah founded Curious in 2010 as a way to save her recipe creations and share culinary experiences. Her love for cultural cuisines was instilled early by her French Canadian Grandmother. Her experience in the kitchen and in recipe development comes from over 10 years working in professional kitchens. She has traveled extensively and enjoys bringing the flavors of her travels back to create easy-to-make recipes.
