How we celebrate...

European Children Celebrate Comenius project 2010-2012

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Romania, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Turkey, Bulgaria

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Lithuania Traditional Christmas Greeting: "Linksmu Kaledu" Location: Eastern Europe Baltic Tree Type: Traditional Decorations:The ornaments (Staudinukai) are made from white straw. In Lithuania, the straw is bleached to attain the white color.

The ornaments on the museum's tree are made from white plastic soda straws made by one woman, the late Rose Maziliauskas. These ornaments are made into very complex geometric patterns and shapes; No lights are on the tree. On top of the tree is a straw cross that symbolizes the faith of the Lithuanian nation.

Other decorations may include eggshells, feathers, and nutshells, birds (Riesutas) made from walnut shells with wings made from birch bark, feathers, paper or flower-like aureoles surrounding centers of shiny beads, metal or mirrors. There also may be straw crosses.

Originally the Lithuanian Christmas tree wasn't a tree at all but evergreen boughs, hung with the bleached straw ornaments and placed in the house.

Traditions: The Christmas season begins with Advent, the four weeks before Christmas. In Lithuania this was also a time to stay in the home after dark because evil spirits were very active at this time of year. Children and young adults were these creatures favorite prey. Christmas Eve is a time of magic and secrecy. It is thought that the spirits of the dead return home on this night.

At sunset, a special meal (Kucios) is served. Before anyone sits down at the table they must be clean both in body and soul, at peace with the neighbors and free of debts. On the table is spread fresh sweet hay as a reminder of the manger. The hay is covered with a pure white tablecloth, which is only used on this day. A crucifix and a plate containing blessed wafers (Plotkele) are placed in the center of the table, and candles are placed on the table as well.

An empty place is left at the table if a family member has died during the

(Kaledu Senelis). Several costumed helpers attend to Father Christmas, and is

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On Christmas morning, the children receive a visit from Father Christmas

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year.

dressed in a fur coat that is inside out. Who has a flaxen beard. He carries a sack filled with grain. In the house, Father Christmas scatters grain into the corner of honor behind the table (krikstasuolis). In order for the children to receive their gifts they must perform a song or dance.

Traditional Christmas food: Twelve different dishes are served on the table because Jesus had twelve apostles. All the dishes are strictly meatless: fish, herring, slizikai with poppy seed milk, kisielius (cranberry pudding), a dried fruit soup or compote, a salad of winter and dried vegetables, mushrooms, boiled or baked potatoes, sauerkraut (cooked, of course, without meat) and bread. In keeping with Lithuanian Christmas tradition, only the dishes as they were prepared in Lithuania for this meal should be eaten and fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, exotic seafood should be left for another meal. It must not be forgotten that Lithuania is a northern European country where cucumbers, tomatoes, grapes, etc., do not grow in winter. The people whose lifestyle produced the Kucios traditions made do with foodstuffs prepared in t In certain Lithuanian regions apples were placed on the table because December 24th is the feast day of Adam and Eve. The apples recalled our first parents through whose sin mankind fell and that the world was saved through the submissiveness of the New Eve— Mary, the Mother of God—to God's will.

Everyone gathers at the dinner table as soon as the first star appears in the sky. If the night is cloudy, the meal begins when the father or grandfather announces it is time to eat. When everyone is assembled at the table, a prayer is said. The father then takes a wafer and offers it to the mother wishing her a Happy Christmas. "God grant that we are all together again next year," the mother responds and breaks off a piece of wafer. She offers the father her wafer in return. The father then offers his wafer to every family member or guest at the table. The mother does likewise. After them, all the diners exchange greetings and morsels of wafer. Care is taken not to skip anyone for that means terrible misfortune or even death the following year. In breaking a piece of wafer, each tries to get a piece larger than that remaining in the other's hand for it means his year will be better. The person holding the wafer tries to prevent a large piece being taken for this will "break his luck." he summer and fall: dried, pickled and otherwise preserved for the winter.

(Deep fried dumplings); Silkė su morkomis'( Herring with carrots); Spanguolių kisielius - cranberry and milk sauce dessert

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sweet small pastries made from leavened dough and poppy seed; Auselės

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Traditional foods:Poppy milk (aguonų pienas); Slizikai ( or kūčiukai) - slightly

Latvia Traditional Christmas Greeting: "Prieci 'gus Ziemsve 'tkus un Laimi 'gu Jauno Gadul" Location: Eastern Europe Baltic Tree Type: Traditional Decorations:The straw ornaments are made out of material found in the fields. There are also several cross shapes made from the tops of wheat. The straw ornaments are made into geometric shapes from simple to more complex designs. The garlands are made from cranberry, apples and pinecones. The tree was originally decorated with lit candles though today electrified candles are used.

Traditions: In Latvia the Christmas celebration is know as Ziemassvetki or winter festival. The festival is a direct descendent of ancient winter solstice celebrations. A central element to Ziemassvetki is the log burning which involves groups of people dragging a log around the house during the day, burning the log all night singing ritual songs and drinking beer.

The earliest mention of a decorated Christmas tree in Latvia is found is found in legal documents from the city of Riga. In 1510 it is stated that members of the local merchant guild carried a Firtree decorated with artificial roses to the marketplace. They danced around it and then set it on fire. The reasoning behind this has been lost to history, though it may have been associated with the ancient tradition of the Yule Log. On Christmas Eve the family gathers around the tree and sings traditional Christmas carols. Traditional foods served during this time include pork, pig's snout, pig's feet, beans, whole grains, peas and a variety of breads and rolls. Each food has a meaning: e.g. eat a pea you'll cry one day less; eat a bean one day you will mature; eat a pig's snout you will write a great deal; eat a dumpling there will be many sunny days. Later, Father Christmas may visit. He is a stern looking man dressed in gray and has a long white beard.

He brings gifts for the good children and for the bad ones he gives them stickswitches.

Traditional Christmas food: Special foods were eaten at the winter solstice, a

be a boiled pigs head with boiled pearl barley, although today the most

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be found on contemporary Latvian Christmas tables. A popular dish used to

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celebration to mark the days becoming longer. Many of these foods can still

popular traditional Christmas dish is boiled grey peas with pieces of fried meat and fatty bacon, usually eaten accompanied by a drink of rūgušpiens or kefīrs (curdled or cultured milk). This dish can be found in many restaurants and cafés in Latvia all year around. All of the peas boiled at Christmas must be eaten by the morning, otherwise there will be a lot tears shed in the new year. Another special Christmas food is the once-popular blood sausage with pearl barley, because its rounded bend is reminiscent of a circle, symbolising the solar year. In western Latvia a traditional Christmas snack is sklandu rauši (tarts filled with a mashed potato and carrot). In the last 100 years it has also become popular to bake gingerbread at Christmas, another tradition inherited from the Germans. Today one of the most popular Christmas meals is roast pork with sautéed sauerkraut. A modern festive table also often includes carp, and fish scales are placed in pockets and purses, so that the new year brings a lot of money. According to Latvian tradition you should eat nine meals at Christmas for the coming year to be rich, although today this ritual is performed only rarely.

Poland Traditional Christmas Greeting: "Wesolch Swiat" Location: Central Europe Tree Type: Traditional Decorations: Traditionally, the Christmas tree is decorated on the Wigilia day - quite an event for children. Early on, the tree was decorated with apples to commemorate the forbidden fruit - the apple of paradise (the garden of Eden). Today, the Christmas tree is adorned with apples, oranges, candies and small chocolates wrapped in colorful paper, nuts wrapped in aluminum foil, hand-blown glass ornaments, candles or lights, thin strips of clear paper (angel's hair), and home-made paper chains. The latter, however, has become rarer because commercially produced aluminum foil chains are

and meaningful. The Christmas season begins with the first Sunday of

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Traditions: Polish customs, especially at Christmas time, are both beautiful

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being sold.

Advent. Many days before the actual celebration nearly everywhere women are cleaning windows in apartments and houses just before Christmas. The insides of the houses are also cleaned thoroughly. It is believed that if a house is dirty on Christmas Eve, it will remain dirty all next year. Weatherforecasting is quite popular during Christmas. Everything that happens on Christmas, including the weather, has an impact on the following year. Only a white Christmas is considered a real Christmas; therefore, everybody is happy when there is fresh snow outside. Some ceremonies take place before the Christmas Eve supper. Among farmers, a popular ritual is the blessing of the fields with holy water and the placing of crosses made from straw into the four corners. It is also believed that animals can speak with a human voice. Another important customs in Polish tradition is straw which is put under white tablecloth. Some maidens predict their future from the straw.

After supper, they pull out blades of straw from beneath the tablecloth. A green one foretells marriage; a withered one signifies waiting; a yellow one predicts spinsterhood; and a very short one foreshadows an early grave.

Poles are famous for their hospitality, especially during Christmas. In Poland, an additional seat is kept for somebody unknown at the supper table.

No one should be left alone at Christmas, so strangers are welcomed to the Christmas supper. This is to remind us that Mary and Joseph were also looking for shelter.

It is still strongly believed that whatever occurs on Wigilia (Christmas Eve) has an impact on the coming year. So, if an argument should arise, a quarrelsome and troublesome year will follow. In the morning, if the first visiting person is a man, it means good luck; if the visitor is a woman, one might expect misfortune. Everyone, however, is glad when a postman comes by, for this signifies money and success in the future. To assure good luck and to keep evil outside, a branch of mistletoe is hung above the front door.

Christmas Day, called the first holiday by the Poles, is spent with the family at home. No visiting, cleaning, nor cooking is allowed on that day; only previously cooked food is heated. This is a day of enjoyment, for Jesus was born. On Christmas Day, people start to observe the weather very closely. It is believed that each day foretells the weather for a certain month of the following year. Christmas Day predicts January's weather; St. Stephen's Day impacts February's, etc.

stamping and jingling, followed by Christmas carol singing outside. Carolers

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and exchanging Christmas greetings. When night begins to fall, you can hear

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St. Stephen's Day is known as the second holiday. This is a day for visiting

begin their wandering from home to home. Herody, a popular form of caroling, is a live performance usually played by twelve young boys. Dressed in special costumes, they include King Herod, a field marshal, a knight, a soldier, an angel, a devil, death, a Jew, Mary, shepherds, and sometimes the Three Kings and an accordionist. They sing pastoral songs and carols, and when let into a house, perform scenes from King Herod's life. Oration and songs vary and depend upon to whom they are being addressed: the owner of the house, a young woman about to be married, a widow, etc. At the conclusion, the performers are offered refreshments and some money. Also popular is caroling with a crib (szopka) and with a star. Usually, those are items are carried by three caroling teenagers. They, too, are given some money.

The Breaking of the Oplatek One of the most beautiful and most revered Polish customs is the breaking of the oplatek. The use of the Christmas wafer (oplatek) is not only by native Poles in Poland but also by people of Polish ancestry all over the world.

The oplatek is a thin wafer made of flour and water. For table use, it is white. In Poland, colored wafers are used to make Christmas tree decorations. In the past, the wafers were bake by organists or by religious and were distributed from house to house in the parish during Advent.

Today, they are produced commercially and are sold in religious stores and houses. Sometimes an oplatek is sent in a greeting card to loved ones away from home.

On Christmas Eve, the whole family gathers and waits impatiently for the appearance of the first star. With its first gleam, they all approach a table covered with hay and a snow-white tablecloth. A vacant chair and a place setting are reserved for an unexpected guest, always provided for in hospitable Polish homes.

The father or eldest member of the family reaches for the wafer breaks it in half and gives one half to the mother. Then, each of them breaks a small part from each other's piece. They wish one another a long life, good health, joy and happiness, not only for the holiday season, but also for the New Year and for many years to come. This ceremony is repeated between the parents and their children as well as among the children; then, the wafer and good

though meatless supper, after which they sing koledy (Christmas carols and

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strangers. When this activity is over, they all sit down and enjoy a tasty

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wishes are exchanged with all those present, including relatives and even

pastorals) until time for midnight Mass, also known as Pasterka ("the Mass of the Shepherds").

Traditional Christmas food: Christmas is the most festive holiday of the year in Poland. There are many traditional dishes that are served on this occasion, and rarely at any other time of the year. At least a month ahead of time, there is great activity in the kitchen. Because traditionally there are twelve dishes served on Christmas Eve, and many guests are expected, there is a lot of work to be done. Fortunately, many dishes can be prepared weeks in advance and, when properly stored, will still be fresh when the Holiday arrives. There is no meat, but there is lots of fish, usually herring and fried carp. There is also sauerkraut (a cabbage dish), Christmas borsh (beetroot soup) and traditional dumplings with cabbage and mushrooms. It is a tradition that everybody must try every dish. There are a lot sweet things to eat as well: cheesecake, ginger care and everybody’s favorite, poppy seed cake and a traditional drink made from dried fruit.

After supper Poles sing or listen to Christmas carols and wait for Santa Claus to come. Sometimes presents appear suddenly under the Christmas tree, sometimes there is a big bag on the doorstep, and sometimes Santa appears in person and gives the presents to the family!

Romania Traditional Christmas Greeting: "Sarbatri Fericite" Location: Eastern Europe Tree Type: Traditional Decorations: The star symbolizes the star of the Magi. The lights are part of any momentous occasion of Christian life. The globes represent the joy of the world. Some of the globes are handcrafted making them look more beautiful.

The dolls, which are handcrafted, according to Romanian tradition symbolize the purity of the child. The apples, fir-cones and nuts represent the original ornaments with which the Romanians decorated their trees.

Traditions: According to Romanian tradition the Christmas tree was one of

tress. The Romanian reverence for the season is reflected in the presentations

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take great pride and receive great joy from the way they decorate their

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the gifts that the Magi brought to the Christ Child and Romanian families

of the story of Christ's birth. From large theatrical presentations to puppet shows each dramatize the Nativity story. Carols form an important part of the Romanian folklore. Romanian carols are not simple songs with religious origin, but reflect many aspects of Romanian culture. On Christmas Day, the boys parade through the towns and villages carrying a great wooden star (Steaua) decorated with tiny bells, colored paper and ribbons. The star is illuminated with a candle and is decorated with a picture of the Christ Child and the Magi.

Traditional Christmas food: Romanian Christmas food is so special and tasty.

You could to say on Christmas every Romanian family have on their table: Piftie - pork and beef based aspic, with pork meat, vegetables and garlic; Cârnaţi - pork-based sausages; Tobā - various cuttings of pork, liver boiled, diced and "packed" in pork stomach like a salami; Sarmale - rolls of cabbage pickled in brine and filled with meat and rice; Cozonac, sort of Romanian equivalent of panettone.

Bulgaria Traditional Christmas Greeting: "Chestita Koleda" Location: Eastern Europe Tree Type: Traditional Traditions: The Christmas holidays start in Bulgaria on Ignajden (20th December) and finish on Stephen’s Day (28th December). It is believed that on the 20th of December the birth pangs of Virgin Mary have started and Christ is born on the ―Little Christmas‖ (Christmas Eve, 24th December).

The Ignajden celebration is connected to the custom ―polazvane‖ (crawling in English). Depending on the first person to enter the house, it is guessed what the next year will be – good or bad. The celebration is named after St. Ignat Bogonosec, he is called Bogonosec (God carrier in English), because he always said that he carries god in his heart.The Yule Log and the table with the

the night. There are three kinds of ritual breads: true Christmas ones (called

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Log is made by oak or pear wood, with its help the fire is kept lit throughout

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Christmas dishes play the most important role in the Christmas Eve. The Yule

―kolak‖ or ―pogacha‖, it’s meant for the people), ―economic‖ ones (for the animals in the home) and for the ―Koledars‖.

The ―Koleduvane‖ starts after midnight on the 24th of December. The ―koledars‖ have chosen their leader on Ignajden and until Christmas Eve they’ve learnt songs. The participants in this custom are only young and non-married men. With their songs they wish luck, health and wellbeing to the owners. The owners gift them with belts, meat and fruits.

It’s a Bulgarian custom to build ―survachki‖ – big wooden rods, decorated with strands made out of popcorn, dried plums, garlic and colorful wool.

With it the children pat the adults for health on the 1st of January.

Traditional Christmas food: The table for Christmas Eve – the dinner should start early on that day; during the dinner nobody should get off the table; 7, 9 or 11 meatless dishes are served: beans, ―sarmi‖ with wheat and rice, stuffed peppers, pumpkin-head, corn, walnuts, ―oshav‖(boiled dry fruits like compote), wine, honey and dried fruits. A coin is placed in the Christmas cake, whoever finds it will have the most luck next year.

Turkey Traditional Christmas Greeting: ―Mutlu Yıllar‖ Location: A Bridge Asian to Europe Tree Type: No tree at home but only some of the big restaurants there are pine trees.

Traditions: In Turkey at the night on 31th of December only we celebrate the New Year. We make a lot of kinds of food, a bit dance. We enjoy until morning. We don’t sleep when the time is 00:00. We believe that if we sleep or feel bad at that time we will be in bad feelings by the New Year. People give presents to each other.

Traditional Christmas food: There is no specific traditional food consumed during Christmas time since Turkey is predominantly Muslim and most

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Chicken for New Years.

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people do not celebrate Christmas. However, many people roast a Turkey or

Kunefe-Turkey Ingredients: 500 gr (~1lb) shredded dough, 4 Tbsp butter, 300 gr unsalted cecil cheese (mozzarella works too), 3 cups sugar, 3 cups water, Ground pistachio for garnish.

Preparation: In a pot, prepare the syrup mixing 3 cups of sugar and 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil. Then turn the heat off and let it cool. Melt the butter and pour all over the shredded dough. Mix it using your hands and make sure they get mixed up well. Meanwhile, split the shredded dough into small pieces by pulling them apart with your fingers. Grease a middle size oven tray or Pyrex. Then, spread half of the shredded dough and press down using your hands. Slice unsalted cecil cheese or Mozzarella (about ¼ inch thick).

Place sliced cheese over the shredded dough evenly and then, cover with the remaining half of the shredded dough. Again press down to compress using your hands.

Preheat the oven to 400 F (200 C) and bake Kunefe until the top turns light brown. Then, take it out of the oven and turn upside down with the help of a flat tray. Again bake until the other side turns light brown. Pour the cooled syrup all over the hot Kunefe and set aside for 5-7 minutes before serving.

After the syrup is absorbed slice the Kunefe as you like and garnish with ground pistachio.

Banitsa-Bulgaria In Bulgaria, banitsa is a symbol of Bulgarian cuisine and traditions.

Traditionally, Bulgarians prepare and serve banitza on two holidays – Christmas and New Year's Eve. On these days; people add literally lucks, meaning fortunes.

Dough: Traditionally, ―banitsa‖ is made with homemade or commercially

pulling the sheet of dough with one's fingers until it becomes less than a millimeter thin, or by using a rolling-pin in several stages with vegetable oil

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flour, eggs, and water. At home the sheets can be spread by continuously

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made pastry sheets that are prepared from a baker's hard dough including

sprinkled between the partially spread leaves, or by a very difficult technique comprising waving movements of the entire sheet over the head of the cook, which resembles pizza dough making techniques. Commercially available sheets are mechanically spread and somewhat dried before packing.

Filling: Tikvenik (sweet banitsa with pumpkin filling) The traditional filling is made of crushed white cheese ( sirene ), yoghurt, and eggs. Sometimes baking soda is added to the yogurt,[1] which makes the yogurt rise (as the baking soda reacts with the acid in yogurt). The addition of baking soda results in a fluffier filling.

Vegetable fillings include spinach, sorrel, nettles, leeks, onions, or sauerkraut.

The cabbage variant is called zelnik and the leek or onion variant is called luchnik .

In some regions of Bulgaria, a filling with rice is made. There are also meat fillings with minced meat, onions, and mushrooms. Sweet fillings with apples (similar to apple pie or strudel) or pumpkin with sugar, walnuts and cinnamon exist as well. In some regions, only the walnuts, sugar, and cinnamon are used. The apple variant is called shtrudel , and the pumpkin variant is tikvenik .

Preparation: In a large greased baking dish, individual sheets are layered one by one with small amounts of filling and vegetable oil between them.

After half of the sheets are placed in the pan, a large portion of the filling is spooned onto the leaves and is then covered with the remaining sheets and filling in the same manner. The pastry is then baked at 200–250 °C. In some recipes, just before the banitsa is finished, a glass of lemonade or mineral water is poured into the tray, and the baking continues for several more minutes. An alternative method of preparation is taking each sheet of dough, laying it out flat and sprinkling some of the filling on it. Then, the sheet is rolled up into a tight roll with the filling on the inside of the roll. The long roll is then taken and rolled up in a circle. This first sheet of dough is then placed in the baking pan. The process is repeated with the remaining sheets of dough and each consecutive roll is placed around the first one in the pan.

The resulting shape resembles a spiral (see photo). The banitsa is then

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sprinkled with vegetable oil and baked.

COZONAC-Romania Ingredients: 8 cups flour, 8 eggs, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup butter, 2 tbs. oil, 2 cups milk, 50 gr. yeast (2 pkgs), 1 tbs. salt, 1 tbs. rum, vanilla extract, 1 lemon scraped skin Preparation: First put the flour in a large bowl in a warm place. Dissolve the yeast in ½ cup warm milk and a teaspoon of sugar. Separately dissolve 3 tbs. flour in milk, mixing well until the mixture is homogeneous. Mix well with the yeast and beat until it makes big bubbles. Spread some flour on top, cover with a towel and place in a warm place to rise. Meanwhile separate 7 yolks from egg whites. Keep 4 egg whites in a bowl. Put the other 3 in another bowl if you intend to cook walnuts sweet bread (see below). Mix the yolks with salt and a half of sugar till they become a frothy cream. Then mix the butter with the rest of sugar until they become a frothy cream. Beat 4 egg whites until makes a foam. When the yeast has risen enough, put on the top of the flour. Add the yolks and a little bit of warm milk and mix. Add the foam from egg whites, a little bit of warm milk and mix a little bit. Then start to knead. Knead for at least half an hour, bringing the dough from the sides to the middle. Add the oil, rum, vanilla, lemon scraped skin and little by little, the melted warm butter. Add flour till the dough doesn't stick to your fingers. If the dough is too hard, add a little more milk. In the end the dough must have an elastic consistency and air bubbles. Cover the bowl with a towel and place in a warm place. Let it to rise for about 2-3 hours to triple in bulk. If the dough is ready to overflow the bowl punch down and let it rise a little more.

When the dough has risen enough, grease your hands with oil, take dough pieces, place on the floured work surface and give it the desired shape (round, oval, braided etc. depending on your pan shape). We use the braided shape, especially for Easter. The pan shape symbolizes the coffin and the braided sweet bread is Jesus Christ's body before He rose to heaven. Then place in the baking pan previously greased with oil or butter. The dough must only fill the pan halfway. Allow it to rise some more (about 20-30 minutes), still in a warm place. Beat an egg and brush each sweet bread with. Sprinkle sugar, walnuts or raisins on top. Place in the warm oven and bake at medium heat for about 30-40 minutes. The top should look brown.

When the sweet bread is ready, remove from the pan, place on a towel, cover

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it's cold, generally next day.

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with a blanket and let it cool off slowly in a warm place. Serve it only after

Piernik - Honey Cake-Poland Set oven temperature to 350°F (175C) and preheat.

Pour into saucepan: 1 cup (240ml) honey, 1 cup strong coffee, 1 cup canola or vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon (5ml) ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground cloves, 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg Preparation: Mix together and bring to a boil. Then set aside and allow cooling down to a warm temperature. In a mixing bowl, beat 3 large eggs with 1 cup (240ml) of brown sugar and 3 teaspoons (15ml) of baking powder.

Slowly add the warm liquid to the beaten eggs, mixing at slow speed. Add 4 cups (950ml) of plain white flour (NOT self-raising), and mix thoroughly.

Pour the final mixture into the loaf pans and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Remove pans from oven and allow cooling for 15 minutes. Cut each loaf into 3 layers, spread jam (strawberry, raspberry or apricot) and then reassemble.

Prepare chocolate frosting as follows: Place into saucepan: 2½oz (70g) semi-sweet chocolate, 3oz (80g) sweet (unsalted) butter, 1/3 cup (80ml) water, ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) vanilla extract, 1 cup (240ml) white granulate sugar Stir the chocolate, butter, vanilla and water together, gradually adding sugar. Bring it slowly to a boil, stirring constantly. Let it boil for 5 minutes.

Let it cool until it becomes a thick mass, easily spreadable with a knife.Place cakes with flat side down and spread chocolate frosting evenly on top and sides. Cool completely in refrigerator, until the frosting is hard. Wrap in aluminum foil, then in plastic.

CHRISTMAS EVE BISCUITS ―Kūčiukai‖-Lithuania Ingredients: 1/2 k (1 lb) flour; 1 cup milk, 50 g (4 tablespoons) vegetable oil, 20 g (4 teaspoons) fresh yeast, 2 tablespoons poppy seed; 1/4 cup sugar Preparation: Blend yeast with sugar and dissolve in warm milk. Add half of the flour to yeast and mix well. Dust top of batter with flour, let rise in warm spot for 1 hour. Beat dough, add remaining flour, oil and scalded

and cut into same lengths. Place dough pieces on floured baking sheet and

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Let rise in warm spot for 1 hour. Roll dough into 1cm/, 1/2 inch thick rolls

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poppy seed. Mix well and knead until dough is not sticky, about 30 minutes.

bake in preheated oven at 350F/160C, until golden brown. These biscuits are baked for Christmas Eve supper, when they are served with poppy seed milk.

Pīrāgi (Bacon rolls)-Latvia Preparation: The making of Pīrāgi can be separated into four distinct steps.

Preparation of Dough: Milk, flour, yeast and other ingredients (for varying tastes) are mixed together in a bowl. The mixture is then kneaded to a proper consistency - determined by the individual preparer - and then set to rise until the volume has doubled (approx. 90 min.). While the dough is ri sing, the Filling is prepared.

Preparation of Filling: Bacon, ham, and onions (for the meat-variety of Pīrāgi) are chopped into little bits and then lightly baked on a pan. The now mixed-together ingredients are then strained - to remove any fat that might have seeped during the baking - and then deposited into a bowl along with caraway seeds and any additional ingredients one would desire. These ingredients are then mixed together and the Filling is prepared.

Forming Pīrāgi: A chunk of dough is taken out of the bowl and then flattened. A bit of dough is pulled toward the preparer from the chunk. A tablespoon of filling is placed in lower ½ of the bit of dough. A glass with a diameter of approx. 3 in. is used to cut out a circle of dough. The circle of dough is then folded over, and formed into the Pīrāgi shape.

Baking Pīrāgi: Uncooked, formed Pīrāgi are placed on a baking pan, glazed

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with a mixture of beaten egg and water, and then baked for 10-15 minutes.

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Romania Easter is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm throughout the world. On the occasion of Easter, the Christian community presents in every nook and corner of the world celebrates this day as the day of the resurrection of Jesus Christ after crucifixion. The celebration of Easter is marked by morning services at the church and feasting and party in the evening. In almost all the countries around the world, the festivities of Easter are more or less the same. However, certain specific traditions of the place make the Easter at a particular country stand a little different from the other. Here in this article we have explored the Easter celebrations in Romania.

Easter in Romania is celebrated according to the rituals of the Eastern Orthodox Church. The Easter entire season consists of Flowers Saturday (Lazarus’ Saturday), Palm Day (Flowers Day), Great Thursday, Great Friday, Easter, The Small Fountain and Good People’s Easter. Each of these has small interesting rituals. The Easter celebration goes on for a long week and finally wraps with Good People’s Easter celebrated in honor of the ancient spirits.

The Friday before the Easter is called the Great Friday or the Friday of sufferings, as it is the day when Jesus was crucified. On Saturday, people go to church for the midnight mass, taking with them a bowl of Pasca, eggs and steak, where these aliments are blessed by the clergy. On returning home from the mass, people first eat some of the sanctified aliments and only then the rest.

Starting with Holy Thursday, people start painting eggs in a multitude of colors. The predominant color is red, but other colors are also applied yellow, green, blue and even black. Decorated eggs or 'oua incondeiate' are an integral part of Easter celebration in Romania. The eggs are decorated using a type of thin and round sticks called chisita, made of beech wood.

The special Easter cake, known as Pasca, is baked on Great Thursday. The Pasca can have a round shape (reminding little Jesus' diapers) or a rectangular one (the shape of his grave). The shells of the eggs used for the Pasca are thrown in a river. This action stems from the ancient belief that

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announcing them the Easter has came.

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the shells are taken by the river to the country of the Good People,

In some regions (Bucovina, Transylvania), there is a tradition called "the wetting". On Monday morning, the boys take a bucket of water and go to the houses of the unmarried girls. If they found them sleeping, the boys throw water on them. As it is believed that those girls will marry soon, they reward the boys who had wetted them by giving them the most beautiful decorated eggs and Pasca or cake.

Poland Easter is one of the major Christian festivals celebrated in order to commemorate the holy resurrection of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion. This festival is celebrated as the holy day of hope and auspiciousness in all the countries where the people of Christian community reside. This festival is generally marked with extensive church service and festivities. Though the celebration of Easter is more or less the same in every country, a little difference can be observed in regional practices and traditions.

Like the other central-European nations, Easter is a prominent festival in Poland also. The rich cultural heritage of Poland is reflected in the Eastertide celebrations. While religious ceremonies follow the rituals of the Christian church, Easter celebrations have imbibed elements of native Polish culture.

There are several such traditions that seem to be the confluence of the polish and Christian culture. Therefore apart from some regular Easter rituals, there are certain Polish rituals which make Easter celebrations, a little different in the country.

The "blessing basket" is one of the unique Easter traditions in Poland. The blessing basket is prepared the Saturday before Easter Sunday. The basket, stashed with colored eggs, bread, cake, salt, paper and white colored sausages, is taken to the church to have it blessed. This tradition stems from the belief that the Great Lent, which is the forty day fast before Easter, is not over until the basket has been blessed. Hence it is called the Blessing Basket.

It is considered to be sanctified and auspicious.

The family breakfast on Easter Sunday morning is an important part of

decorated with green leaves and a sugar lamb may be placed as a centrepiece. As no smoke is allowed, no warm meals were served. Sharing a boiled

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wishes the others of the family good luck and happiness. The table is

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Polish Easter celebration. On the breakfast table, each of the participants

egg with one’s relatives is a national tradition of Poland on Easter breakfast table. A piece of egg with salt and pepper, sanctified by priest, is a vital item on this occasion.

Another traditional ritual is Dyngus or Smingus Dyngus, celebrated on the first Monday after Easter. On this day boys roam around the neighborhood to sprinkle girls with water or perfume. This custom of watering has its roots in pagan traditions since the pouring of water is an ancient spring symbol of cleansing and purification. Easter Monday has also been celebrated as "Switching Day" because on this day boys switch girls with a small willow branch. So, apart from the regular Easter norms, the special rituals of Easter make it unique in Poland.

Bulgaria Easter is one of the most significant holidays in the Bulgarian calendar.

Starting with Palm Sunday, the holy week leads up to the Great Day. In the country, the festival is popularly known as "Velikden", which literally means 'the faith in the resurrection of Jesus Christ'. Easter traditions in Bulgaria are a derivative of the Eastern Orthodox Church rituals. In tune with worldwide Orthodox traditions, bright red colored eggs and Easter breads known as "kolache" or "kozunak" are the prominent symbols of Easter in Bulgaria. In the article, explore all about the traditions and celebrations of Easter in Bulgaria.

Easter Celebration in Bulgaria-congregation: At midnight on the Saturday before Easter Sunday, people in Bulgaria gather at church, with red painted eggs and bread. The priest proclaims three times "Christos Voskrese" (Christ has risen) and the congregation replies "Vo istina voskrese" (Indeed he has risen). One of the Easter breads is specially decorated with one or more (but an odd number) of red eggs. After a special sequence of services, the clergy blesses the breads and eggs brought by the people.

Good Luck Crack:The Bulgarian 'good luck crack' is a unique Easter tradition in all over the wolrd. Eggs are cracked after the midnight service and over

first egg that people eat after the long fast of Lent. People take turns in tapping their eggs against the eggs of others, and the person who ends up

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cracked before lunch. The egg that is cracked on the wall of the church is the

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the next few days, during the festive season of Easter. On Easter, the eggs are

with the last unbroken egg is believed to have a year of good luck. He/she is considered as the most successful, healthy and happy person for the rest of the year.

Easter Presents: The tradition of presenting Easter eggs to loved ones is a tradition followed since ages, in Bulgaria. According to the tradition, in days preceding Easter, Christian families send a loaf of bread and 10-15 red eggs as gifts to their Turkish friends. The person, who delivers the eggs, usually receives money in return. Such breads and eggs are presented not only to the Turkish friends, but also to the Spiritual parents, to the biological parents and to the near and dear, including relatives and friends.

Traditional Easter Feast: Bulgarian Easter is believed to be incomplete without the traditional recipes, indigenous to the country. The traditional Easter recipes served on the festival in Bulgaria include 'Banista' (Bulgarian pastry), Easter cake ―Kozunak‖, the lamb and coloring boiled eggs The traditional recipes are prepared and served on the Easter Sunday. The entire family takes part in the feast. Friend and far away acquaintances are also often called upon to join in the feast.

Lithuania The word for Easter, Velykos, has been borrowed from Beylorussian and means "important day." The word is very accurate because Easter was the year's most solemn feast in Lithuania. Easter is not only the feast of Christ's Resurrection, but also nature's awakening from winter's sleep.

The early Eastern morn, just before dawn, abounds with magical power.

Much of this magic is concentrated in flowing water. Bathing in such water before sunrise prevents all boils, sores, rashes and other skin ailments. If it rains on Easter morning, it is necessary to stand bareheaded in the rain to ensure good growth. Small children who wanted to grow quickly were reminded of this. As the sun rises on Easter morning, it "dances" swaying from side to side and changing color: from green to blue, to red and then golden yellow. This phenomenon can be seen by rising before dawn and

accident. To avoid calamity it was necessary to turn around, return home and then take another road to church.

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Resurrection services. If on the way you passed a woman, you'll have an

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watching for the sun's first appearance on the horizon. Everyone went to the

In Lithuania the Easter morning procession was usually conducted around the church. It was very solemn: church flags were held high, girls strewed flowers, the choir and all the people sang, alternating with a brass band, and the church bells pealed loudly. Three turns were made while singing the Lithuanians' favorite Easter Hymn Linksma diena mums prašvito (A Happy Day Has Dawned for Us). After the services, a blessing was made over the Easter food which was arranged in baskets decorated with greens and placed on the altar-rails. At the conclusion of the liturgy in church, the people hurried home. In fact, all large and small roads, every path was the scene of races: whoever arrived home first would be successful all year and would complete all work on time. Even persons walking tried to pass those ahead and reach home first. It is not surprising that accidents happened during such races. Perhaps that is why it was said that a woman met on the road brings disaster (someone had to be blamed!).

At home, Easter breakfast was eaten. The meal began when the homemaker peeled a blest Easter egg, cut it and gave a piece to every member of the family. This was done so that peace and love would always reign within the family and everyone would live in harmony. Afterward, a variety of other dishes was consumed: meat, sausages, cakes. On Easter it was necessary to eat well and to satiety, to "recover from Lent" because of the fast all through Lent. If the area had poor families with no Easter food, their neighbors shared what they had and brought the disadvantaged families everything they need to be satisfied and happy.

Children hunted for hidden Easter eggs left them by the Velykų Senelė (Easter Granny) or Velykė. Bunnies who painted Easter eggs were also a familiar fixture, but they were only helpers for the Velykų Senelė. Very early Easter morning they loaded Easter eggs into a beautiful little cart pulled by a tiny swift horse. The Velykų Senelė used a sunbeam as a whip. Sometimes the bunnies themselves pulled the cart laden with Easter eggs.

The Easter Granny travels around the country, stopping in every child's yard to leave eggs in baskets placed or hung for that purpose. When they awake, good children find beautifully decorated Easter eggs (and in. more recent times even sweets). Bad children only find a single plain completely white egg. If this happens, the child is disgraced. His friends and family laugh at him. Sometimes bunnies accompany the Granny and help her

leave their children behind, they promise to bring them a gift, bunny cookies.

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Easter day, but all year round baking cookies for children. When parents

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distribute the Easter eggs. They are kept busy not only before Easter and on

A variety of games were played with Easter eggs. The simplest is an eggbreaking contest. Two players face off, each holding an Easter egg and hit each other's egg. The one whose egg remains intact is the winner. The egg is held in the fist so that only its tip protrudes. The other player hits it with the tip of his egg. If the egg breaks on the side, the impact was wrong and the owner of the broken egg is not considered the loser. The winner claims the broken egg. After the game the number of eggs won was tallied. It was of paramount importance to have a hard-shelled egg that withstands breaking.

In selecting a strong egg, the contestant taps an unboiled egg against his teeth. If the sound is clear and sharp the shell is hard: if dull and muffled, the egg will break quickly, it's not even worth coloring.

Some smart alecks devised an "unbreakable" egg. It was made this way: a raw egg's shell is pricked at both ends. A thin straw is inserted into one end and used to blow out the contents through the opposite end. Another straw with one end shaped as a funnel is then placed into the hole and melted pine or fir sap is poured until the egg is full. If the sap does not flow smoothly, a helper inserts a straw into the opposite hole and draws the air out of the egg.

After the egg is filled with sap, the holes are carefully concealed and the egg is then tinted along with others. It weighs about the same as a real boiled egg.

Sometimes the empty shell was filled with melted sugar, but it was much heavier and the sugar hardened unevenly making it more difficult to play.

Of course, if caught, the cheat was punished. The direst penalty was to eat the "Easter egg."

Another amusing Easter game was egg rolling. This was best done outdoors, but also could be played in a larger room. A trough is made from pieces of wood or bark to measure about 10 cm long and 15 cm wide (it can also be much longer). One end of the ramp is propped up to produce a downward incline, but not too steep. A small circle is drawn at the bottom of the slope for the playing field into which the eggs will roll. When the game is played outdoors, the trough must be placed on a smooth surface because the eggs will not roll in the circle if there are pebbles, high grass, etc. When played indoors, the surface of the circle must not be too slippery for the eggs will roll out. A low wall or enclosure may be built around the circle. When all the preparations are completed, the players begin the contest. Four to eight persons play. Each uses an egg of a different color to tell them apart. Eggs

and tap it. If the egg hits the first one, its owner wins and takes the first egg.

The eggs are rolled down the slope in turn. A contestant who wins an egg

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one contestant finishes, the next rolls his egg aiming to reach the other's egg

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may also be marked in different ways. The egg is let down the incline. After

rolls out of turn until his egg fails to hit another. Another player then takes his egg from the circle and rolls it.

Eggs used in the rolling contest may already be cracked (for instance, already used and won in an egg-breaking contest), but their sides should be intact because eggs with cracked sides do not roll well. The trough may be straight or curved in different ways to make the eggs roll longer. The slope may also be made of cardboard from an old box, plastic or any other material strong and rigid enough to support the weight of an egg.

A simpler egg-roll is done without a trough. A circle at least one meter in diameter is traced on a smooth surface. Barriers or enclosures are placed around the circle to keep the eggs from rolling out (crumpled newspaper may be used). A gate is kept open on one side through which the players push their eggs. The first player is chosen by lot. He rolls his egg into the circle.

The second player attempts to roll his egg so that it will tap the first one. The game is played like the one using an incline, but in this case the eggs are rolled into the circle by hand with the player kneeling or sitting on the ground. Because the egg does not roll down a ramp, the entire game depends on the contestant's skill, how he rolls his egg into the circle. If the egg is rolled so hard that it leaves the playing field, the contestant loses his turn.

In the past, only young men and adolescents played egg-rolling contests. It was not proper for girls to do so. They provided their beaus with eggs, cheered the contestants on and guarded the eggs won. Today mostly children (boys and girls) roll eggs.

If guests arrive on Easter, they are given Easter eggs as gifts. The guests also bring an Easter egg for each family member (or at least the hosts and sweets for the children). Easter morning children go "egg begging" but only to the homes of acquaintances, close neighbors or godparents. When they arrive, they say hello and stand silent at the door. It is quite obvious to everyone that an Easter egg is required. The children politely say thank you, wish a Happy Easter and continue on. When Easter was celebrated for three days, no one went visiting the first day, it was unacceptable to intrude upon people on such a holy day as if someone had thrown you out of your own home.

eat well and "recover from Lent." The second day was for recreation, visiting friends and having company. The third day was devoted to relaxation.

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to conduct themselves seriously and quietly, spend time with their family,

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The first day of Easter was said to be dedicated to God, people were expected

People slept late, recovered from all the merrymaking because work was waiting in the wings.

For Easter, homemakers set out Easter dishes which remained on the table all day. When guests arrived, the women could then spend time with the company and did not need to work. The table was covered with a white cloth and decorated with greens or fruit tree branches (mostly cherry) which were cut and set in water several weeks earlier so they would bloom for Easter.

(Easter lilies were unknown.) Greens were also attached to the tablecloth hem which hung down from the table. The table was laden with cold Easter dishes: baked ham, goose, suckling pig, a basket or plate full of Easter eggs, sweet cheese, bread, cakes, etc. Beer (mostly homemade), liqueurs and cider were served as beverages.

Everyone who arrives to extend Easter greetings must be served. It was considered very impolite for the guest to refuse refreshment. Everything had to be at least sampled and the cook praised, else she would feel insulted.

The young who behaved with such solemnity all during Lent wanted to have fun on Easter. They assembled at a larger house to sing and dance. This usually was done in late afternoon or evening. During the day, it was popular to swing in swings and sing. If the Easter weather was warm and fair, the swings were hung from a tall tree so the young could swing higher.

Given inclement weather, the swing ropes were tied from barn rafters.

People swung not only for the fun of it but to ensure a good harvest next summer, just as on Shrove Tuesday. While swinging, the girls and young men sang special songs.

A group of young men assembled to practice singing Linksma diena mums praĹĄvito (a popular Easter hymn), some other songs and make the rounds.

These are the so-called lalauninkai (from lalauti — to talk loudly and much).

In many other countries, such as the United States or England, carolers make the rounds before Christmas singing Christmas carols and songs. They may be compared to Lithuania's Easter lalauninkai.

These singers are usually unmarried men sometimes accompanied by a fiddler or harmonica-player. Upon arriving at a house, they first sing an Easter hymn; convey their Easter wishes and then carol. The homemaker

household. Although most homes were visited, it was predominantly those with unmarried girls. They were told before Easter that the singers would

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refreshments. The Easter eggs are handed out by the young girls of the

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gives them cake, sausages, Easter eggs while her husband serves liquid

arrive and tried to make beautiful Easter eggs. This was a perfect opportunity to display their talents and show off before the other village girls. It sometimes happened that the singers refused to accept an Easter egg judged to have a poor appearance and this was considered a major disgrace.

The songs these carolers sang were noted for the refrains repeated after every verse. The verses were short, usually composed of only two lines. The refrain had no connection with the song's overall content. These singers were especially well-known in Dz큰kija which is famous for similar types or harmony songs.

Latvia Latvian traditional culture is the heritage from ancient times where old and longstanding traditions coexist with newer traditions, while inherited traditions mix with imported and invented ones, thus shaping the unique features of contemporary Latvian culture. The particularity of the traditional culture is found both in its diverse regional manifestations and also in the heritages saved by the individual and extended families.

Nowadays the values of the traditional culture in most cases are inherited partially. Nevertheless, being only one facet of the contemporary culture it plays an important role both in the construction of Latvian identity and in the creation of the uniqueness of Latvian culture that makes us interesting to the other.

Lieldienas, "The Great Day", "Great Days" - these are designations used in the folk songs for the spring equinox. According to folk tradition Easter has arrived when the day has become longer than the night for the first time that year.

On Easter morning people arose before the rising of the sun, and to obtain health and beauty, they hurried to wash their faces in a spring or a stream running east. This was followed by one of the most important Easter activities - awaiting the sunrise exactly when it appears on the equinox morning. In Liv villages the morning began with the calling and awakening

them with steamed birch branches. In this way a special force that

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Those who had risen first awoke those who were still sleeping and switched

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of birds so they might protect the people from evil and sickness.

encouraged fertility and endowed people with health and success was transferred from the branches. This ritual is connected with archaic concepts about the staff of life and its fertility enhancing power.

The spring equinox (March 21) is the time when farmers are hurried by endless labors and must keep up with the rapid awakening of nature and the rhythm of work. But the Latvian preserves a certain independence from this haste: for instance, one of the most important Easter rituals is the hanging of the swing and swinging. But when swinging at Easter, one must not stop the swing; it must stop on its own. Only when the swinging is gentle, will the flax field finish its blooming without being beaten down by rain or wind.

According to archaic beliefs, swinging is connected with fertility, and it must be done, so the livestock will do well, as well as the flax, and one will be spared bites from mosquitoes and gadflies. The first to be swung were usually the master and mistress, after that the rest took their turns. In return for swinging them, the girls paid the boys eggs, pies, or even handmade mittens and socks.

In the past, eggs for different peoples were a symbol of life, and also in Latvian spring equinox traditions they were given a special place. Awaiting Easter, eggs were colored with onion skins, rye shoots, chamomile, or hay cuttings. This is not such an old custom, but in our day very popular. Eggs are given for swinging, and eggs are knocked together to see which one survives cracking, as according to belief, the one whose egg shell was strongest, will live longer. During Easter, eggs are rolled and eaten in great quantities, because in addition to round flatbreads and sprouted grains, they are the primary Easter foods.

Turkey Spring holidays and festivals in Turkey The 23rd April is a national holiday in Turkey because it is national sovereignty day which commemorates the establishment of the first national parliament in Turkey in 1920.Although only one day, the decorations and

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flags make it seem like a festival.

Turkey's tulip festival is held in Istanbul towards the end of April. The beginning of May in Turkey sees the Ephesus festival of culture and art held in Selcuk near Izmir. The festival holds concerts, singing, dancing and craft displays.

The last week of May in Turkey sees the Festival of Pergamum held in a roman theatre north of Izmir. The festival provides drama and folk dancing.

Being one of the holiest Christian festivals, Easter is associated with a host of traditional symbols and icons. Most of the Easter symbols pre-date Christianity and are remnants of ancient Pagan symbolism. Each of them is related to the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ. Since Easter festival heralds the advent of spring, the symbols connected to it stand for fertility, purity and peace. For instance, Easter symbols such as the bunny and eggs represent the fertile state of mother earth. White lily flowers, which are used to decorate the altar of churches on Easter, represent peace and sanctity.

Easter eggs have been used as gift items, since they are also a symbol of the festival. Other symbols of Easter such as Easter cross and Easter lamb are purely religious, since they symbolize the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter lamb, one of the traditional recipes of the festival, is also regarded as a symbol. The very delicious meat is served as a lip smacking delicacy, at Easter lunch or dinner. Another peculiar symbol of the festival is Easter hot cross bun, which derives its name from its Cross icing. Go through

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our related section to know all about the popular symbols of Easter.

Most of the major festivals are associated with a unique set of colors. For instance, red, green and white are the traditional colors of Christmas, while pink is used in almost all the decorations for Valentine's Day. Yellow stands for friendship and hence, it is predominantly used on the occasion of Friendship Day. Being a festival of high religious symbolism as well as springtime festivity, Easter brings to our mind a myriad of hues that reflect the dichotomous nature of the festival. Colorful Easter eggs, bright colored baskets and Easter flowers represent the joyous colors of the spring season.

On the other hand, colors such as red and white symbolize the religious connotations of Easter. Go through the following lines to know all about the vibrant colors of Easter.

Red-The color red is symptomatic of the blood that Lord Jesus Christ shed from his forehead, when the crown of thorns pierced into his bones. He shed the blood as atonement for the sins of humanity. Red color is extensively used to make designs on Easter eggs. Red spring flowers such as tulips are extensively used to decorate Easter eggs and included in flower baskets.

White-According to the legends, while was the color of the robe, by which Lord Jesus Christ was taken before he was scourged. The color white symbolizes the hope of the resurrection, as well as the purity and newness that comes from victory over sin and death. White lily, one of the traditional flowers of Easter, is widely used for decorations of home and premises. It is used to adorn the altar at churches as well.

Purple-Purple color is the color of royalty. It is the color of the garment that covered Jesus, when he was taken to the crucifix. Jesus Christ's face and eyes turned purple in color, when he was tortured while crucifixion. Purple tulips can be used to adorn Easter flower bonnet. You can also make a beautiful bouquet by making use of purple colored spring flowers.

Black-Black is the color of sin or darkness that engulfed the world after Christ's crucifixion. As an exception, black color is not used to decorate the

Yellow-Yellow symbolizes the light of the world brought by the risen Christ that enlightens the world. Spring season is the time for the bloom of

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can always wear black colored outfit during the holiday season.

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home and premises during the ceremonious occasion of Easter. However, you

attractive yellow colored flowers, such as chrysanthemums, gerberas and sun flowers. You can make use of the beautiful blooming flowers in your decorations for Easter.

Easter egg Hunt Easter is a wonderful occasion to have fun with kids. Hiding the beautifully decorated Easter eggs in the home's premises is a tradition followed since ages. According to the legends, the Easter Bunny hides all the eggs, which is in turn searched by the kids. In the modern times, parents have taken the charge of hiding the eggs, so that they have a lot of fun with the kids, who search for the treat. Sweat treats such as toffees and chocolates are hid with the Easter eggs as well. In the following lines, check out the instructions for playing the basic Easter egg hunt game.

Things Needed: Plastic Eggs; Toys and Candies Rules: Adults of the household fill little plastic eggs with toys and candies.

-They hide the eggs under bushes and in other 'strategic' places. This task is supposedly done by the Easter bunny.

-On the Easter Sunday morning, the children of the house scour the household to locate the eggs.

-Elders help the kids in their search by suggesting hints.

-The child who finds the most number of eggs is presented a gift basket of candies.

Easter egg cracking The festival of Easter is celebrated with great enthusiasm by Christians all over the world. The occasion commemorates the Resurrection of Lord Jesus

making use of Easter eggs is a good old tradition. One such game is Easter Egg Cracking, which can be played by people of all ages. If you want to know

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occasion by having a lot of fun with their near and dear. Playing games by

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Christ. Apart from following the rituals for the festival, people celebrate the

how to play the game, then this article is what you need. Go through the following lines and get the instructions for playing Easter Egg Cracking.

You Will Need: Eggs Rules: Test the eggs first by knocking them against their eye tooth, and then choose the best egg to use for the game.

-The contestants must agree beforehand on how much of their eggs will be covered by their hands, as revealing a large part of the egg's shell is much more risky.

-The game begins with the contestants trying to crack the pointed ends of each other's eggs.

-The person who loses must then turn his or her egg upside down. If a player cracks both ends of someone's egg, then he/she wins the egg.

Match the Eggs Playing with Easter eggs became a tradition many centuries ago. Well before the ancient period, Easter egg found its place in the folklore and superstitions of many cultures. It was viewed as the symbol of rebirth by ancient Romans, Chinese and Egyptians. In the medieval period, the tradition of coloring eggs took the shape of a renowned art, when English kings dispersed hundreds of decorated gold-leaf eggs throughout their royal household, during the festival of Easter. In the modern times, playing with Easter eggs became a tradition.

In this article, we have given an easy game to play with Easter eggs. Check out the instructions for playing 'Match the Eggs', in the following lines.

Things Needed: Decorative Paper, Easter Eggs, Scissors Rules: Cut all the paper Easter eggs in two odd shapes.

-Mix them up and distribute each half to the children.

-Let the children mingle and find their egg match.

-Those that get paired are to sit down while others continue to play.

-The game starts again, except for the children, who have already lost.

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like a bunny.

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-The last of all children are to do something - such as sing a song or hop

-The winning pair gets an Easter basket full of Easter eggs.

Says So Easter Bunny A number of legends are connected to the celebration of the Christian festival of Easter. Easter Bunny, a anthropomorphic rabbit, is perhaps the most popular legendary character of the festival. As per the stories, the Easter Bunny brings basket full of colorful eggs, to symbolize the Resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ, on Easter. Therefore, decorating eggs and playing with it has become one of the traditions of the festival. A number of games revolve around the theme of Easter Bunny and eggs. One such popular game is 'Says So Easter Bunny', mostly played by children. In this article, we have given the instructions to play the popular Easter party game - 'Says So Easter Bunny'.

You Will Need: Group of Children Rules: One player is called as 'Easter Bunny' and gives instructions to the other children.

-Whenever 'Easter Bunny' gives an instruction adding 'Says so Easter Bunny' to its prefix, all the children have to follow it, but if it does not add the phrase to the prefix, children do not have to follow it.

-For example, if the 'Easter Bunny' says 'Says So Easter Bunny, hop on one foot', everybody will start hopping and will not stop even if the 'Easter Bunny' says 'Stop!' They will stop only when the 'Easter Bunny' says 'Says So Easter Bunny, stop hopping.' Anybody, who stops before this is said, is out of the game.

-'Easter Bunny' tries to fool people by sometimes giving the instructions with the phrase and sometimes without it.

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-The child, who remains in the fray until last, is the winner.