Chocolate hares and strange traditions: Easter in the USA through the eyes of our immigrants

The inhabitants of the United States are very religious - more than 80% of the population consider themselves Christians, most of them profess Protestantism, and only a quarter - Catholicism. Many people go to church weekly, and not only in the outback. Needless to say, they will spend Easter Sunday (Catholics celebrate Easter a week earlier than Christians) at solemn services - in New York, the main Easter service is held at St. Patrick's Cathedral, the author writes blog "50 shades of New York" on "Yandex.Zen".

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Of course, the celebration of Easter has long gone beyond religious worship and has acquired quite secular features. A couple of weeks before the holiday, people decorate their houses and lawns with bright Easter symbols in the European manner - rabbits, flowers and colorful eggs. By the way, eggs are often hung on trees or put the so-called Easter tree in the apartment.

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On the eve of the holiday, carnivals are widely held, the most famous of which is Mardi Gras. On Easter Sunday, every city holds a magnificent parade, the participants of which flaunt in elaborate hats with holiday symbols and rabbit costumes.

After that, dinner will be with family and friends. On a traditional table there is ham, turkey, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie. And children are always given sweet gifts - chocolate eggs and figures of hares.

They are not just handed. Since ancient times, there has been Easter hunting - parents hide eggs under the guise of tricks of the Easter rabbit and arrange competitions for children to find them.

Another famous tradition, which is already a century and a half, is “Easter egg skating” at the White House. Children are also traditionally involved here. They should race Easter eggs to the finish line. And all this happens on the green lawn in front of the president’s residence and is always stormy by the press.

As you understand, Americans simply adore Easter and are really looking forward to it. And although this day is not considered an official holiday, many institutions arrange a day off so as not to miss the joy of celebration. I really hope that this year Easter will mark the beginning of a more favorable period for New Yorkers.

The original column is published in the blog “50 shades of New York” on “Yandex. Zen”.

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