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The holiday of
Easter Easter, also called Pascha ( Aramaic: פַּסְחָא , ''paskha''; Greek: πάσχα, ''páskha'') or Resurrection Sunday, is a Christian festival and cultural holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, described in t ...
is associated with various
Easter customs Easter traditions (also known as Paschal traditions) are customs and practices that are followed in various cultures and communities around the world to celebrate Easter (also known as ''Pascha'' or ''Resurrection Sunday''), which is the centra ...
and
foodways In social science, foodways are the culture, cultural, society, social, and economics, economic practices relating to the production and consumption of food. ''Foodways'' often refers to the intersection of food in culture, traditions, and history. ...
(food traditions that vary regionally). Preparing, coloring, and decorating
Easter egg Easter eggs, also called Paschal eggs, are eggs that are decorated for the Christian holiday of Easter, which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus. As such, Easter eggs are commonly used during the season of Eastertide (Easter season). The ...
s is one such popular tradition. Lamb is eaten in many countries, mirroring the Jewish
Passover Passover, also called Pesach (; ), is a major Jewish holidays, Jewish holiday and one of the Three Pilgrimage Festivals. It celebrates the Exodus of the Israelites from slavery in Biblical Egypt, Egypt. According to the Book of Exodus, God in ...
meal. Eating lamb at Easter has a religious meaning. The
Paschal Lamb Paschal Lamb may refer to: * Passover sacrifice (''Korban Pesach''), a Jewish animal sacrifice * Lamb of God, a title for Jesus in Christianity * Paschal lamb (heraldry), a charge used in heraldry See also *Sacrificial lamb A sacrificial lamb ...
of the
New Testament The New Testament (NT) is the second division of the Christian biblical canon. It discusses the teachings and person of Jesus in Christianity, Jesus, as well as events relating to Christianity in the 1st century, first-century Christianit ...
is in fact, for Christianity, the son of God Jesus Christ. The Paschal Lamb, in particular, represents the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the sins of humanity. Eating lamb at Easter therefore commemorates the
Death and Resurrection of Jesus The resurrection of Jesus () is Christian belief that God raised Jesus from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion, starting—or restoring—his exalted life as Christ and Lord. According to the New Testament writing, Jesus wa ...
.


Easter eggs

Easter egg Easter eggs, also called Paschal eggs, are eggs that are decorated for the Christian holiday of Easter, which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus. As such, Easter eggs are commonly used during the season of Eastertide (Easter season). The ...
s, also called Paschal eggs, are
egg An egg is an organic vessel grown by an animal to carry a possibly fertilized egg cell (a zygote) and to incubate from it an embryo within the egg until the embryo has become an animal fetus that can survive on its own, at which point the ...
s that are decorated for the Christian feast of
Easter Easter, also called Pascha ( Aramaic: פַּסְחָא , ''paskha''; Greek: πάσχα, ''páskha'') or Resurrection Sunday, is a Christian festival and cultural holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, described in t ...
, which celebrates the
resurrection of Jesus The resurrection of Jesus () is Christianity, Christian belief that God in Christianity, God Resurrection, raised Jesus in Christianity, Jesus from the dead on the third day after Crucifixion of Jesus, his crucifixion, starting—or Preexis ...
. As such, Easter eggs are common during the season of
Eastertide Eastertide (also known as Eastertime or the Easter season) or Paschaltide (also known as Paschaltime or the Paschal season) is a festal season in the liturgical year of Christianity that focuses on celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. P ...
(Easter season). The oldest tradition, which continues to be used in Central and
Eastern Europe Eastern Europe is a subregion of the Europe, European continent. As a largely ambiguous term, it has a wide range of geopolitical, geographical, ethnic, cultural and socio-economic connotations. Its eastern boundary is marked by the Ural Mountain ...
, is to use dye and paint chicken eggs. Although eggs, in general, were a traditional symbol of fertility and rebirth, in
Christianity Christianity is an Abrahamic monotheistic religion, which states that Jesus in Christianity, Jesus is the Son of God (Christianity), Son of God and Resurrection of Jesus, rose from the dead after his Crucifixion of Jesus, crucifixion, whose ...
, for the celebration of Eastertide, Easter eggs symbolize the
empty tomb The empty tomb is the Christian tradition that the tomb of Jesus was found empty after his crucifixion. The canonical gospels each describe the visit of women to Jesus' tomb. Although Jesus' body had been laid out in the tomb after crucifixi ...
of
Jesus Jesus (AD 30 or 33), also referred to as Jesus Christ, Jesus of Nazareth, and many Names and titles of Jesus in the New Testament, other names and titles, was a 1st-century Jewish preacher and religious leader. He is the Jesus in Chris ...
, from which Jesus was resurrected. In addition, one ancient tradition was the staining of Easter eggs with the colour red "in memory of the
blood of Christ Blood of Christ, also known as the Most Precious Blood, in Christian theology refers to the physical blood actually shed by Jesus Christ primarily on the Cross, and the salvation which Christianity teaches was accomplished thereby, or the sacram ...
, shed as at that time of his crucifixion." This custom of the Easter egg, according to many sources, can be traced to
early Christians Early Christianity, otherwise called the Early Church or Paleo-Christianity, describes the historical era of the Christian religion up to the First Council of Nicaea in 325. Christianity spread from the Levant, across the Roman Empire, and bey ...
of
Mesopotamia Mesopotamia is a historical region of West Asia situated within the Tigris–Euphrates river system, in the northern part of the Fertile Crescent. Today, Mesopotamia is known as present-day Iraq and forms the eastern geographic boundary of ...
, and from there it spread into Eastern Europe and Siberia through the Orthodox Churches, and later into Europe through the Catholic and Protestant Churches. Additionally, the widespread usage of Easter eggs, according to mediaevalist scholars, is due to the prohibition of eggs during
Lent Lent (, 'Fortieth') is the solemn Christianity, Christian religious moveable feast#Lent, observance in the liturgical year in preparation for Easter. It echoes the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert and enduring Temptation of Christ, t ...
after which, on Easter, they have been blessed for the occasion. A modern custom in some places is to substitute chocolate eggs wrapped in coloured
foil Foil may refer to: Materials * Foil (metal), a quite thin sheet of metal, usually manufactured with a rolling mill machine * Metal leaf, a very thin sheet of decorative metal * Aluminium foil, a type of wrapping for food * Tin foil, metal foil ma ...
, hand-carved wooden eggs, or plastic eggs filled with
confectionery Confectionery is the Art (skill), art of making confections, or sweet foods. Confections are items that are rich in sugar and carbohydrates, although exact definitions are difficult. In general, however, confections are divided into two bro ...
such as
chocolate Chocolate is a food made from roasted and ground cocoa beans that can be a liquid, solid, or paste, either by itself or to flavoring, flavor other foods. Cocoa beans are the processed seeds of the cacao tree (''Theobroma cacao''); unprocesse ...
.


By country


English world

A
hot cross bun A hot cross bun is a spiced bun, usually containing small pieces of raisins and marked with a cross on the top, traditionally eaten on Good Friday in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, India, Pakistan, M ...
is a
spiced bun A spiced bun is a sweet roll, sweet bun to which spices were added during the baking process. Common examples are the hot cross bun and the Jamaican spiced bun. Common spices Spices used in the preparation of spiced buns include: * cinnamon * ...
usually made with fruit, marked with a
cross A cross is a religious symbol consisting of two Intersection (set theory), intersecting Line (geometry), lines, usually perpendicular to each other. The lines usually run vertically and horizontally. A cross of oblique lines, in the shape of t ...
on the top, which has been traditionally eaten on
Good Friday Good Friday, also known as Holy Friday, Great Friday, Great and Holy Friday, or Friday of the Passion of the Lord, is a solemn Christian holy day commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus and his death at Calvary (Golgotha). It is observed during ...
in the
United Kingdom The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Northwestern Europe, off the coast of European mainland, the continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotlan ...
,
Australia Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country comprising mainland Australia, the mainland of the Australia (continent), Australian continent, the island of Tasmania and list of islands of Australia, numerous smaller isl ...
,
New Zealand New Zealand () is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It consists of two main landmasses—the North Island () and the South Island ()—and List of islands of New Zealand, over 600 smaller islands. It is the List of isla ...
,
South Africa South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa (RSA), is the Southern Africa, southernmost country in Africa. Its Provinces of South Africa, nine provinces are bounded to the south by of coastline that stretches along the Atlantic O ...
,
Canada Canada is a country in North America. Its Provinces and territories of Canada, ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean, making it the world's List of coun ...
,
India India, officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia. It is the List of countries and dependencies by area, seventh-largest country by area; the List of countries by population (United Nations), most populous country since ...
,
Pakistan Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country in South Asia. It is the List of countries and dependencies by population, fifth-most populous country, with a population of over 241.5 million, having the Islam by country# ...
,
Malta Malta, officially the Republic of Malta, is an island country in Southern Europe located in the Mediterranean Sea, between Sicily and North Africa. It consists of an archipelago south of Italy, east of Tunisia, and north of Libya. The two ...
,
United States The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 U.S. state, states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 ...
and the
Commonwealth Caribbean The Commonwealth Caribbean refers to a group of English-speaking world, English-speaking sovereign states in the Caribbean, including both island states and mainland countries in the Americas, that are members of the Commonwealth of Nations and ...
. They are available all year round in some places, including the UK. The bun marks the end of the Christian season of
Lent Lent (, 'Fortieth') is the solemn Christianity, Christian religious moveable feast#Lent, observance in the liturgical year in preparation for Easter. It echoes the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert and enduring Temptation of Christ, t ...
and different parts of the hot cross bun have a certain meaning, including the cross representing the
crucifixion of Jesus The crucifixion of Jesus was the death of Jesus by being crucifixion, nailed to a cross.The instrument of Jesus' crucifixion, instrument of crucifixion is taken to be an upright wooden beam to which was added a transverse wooden beam, thus f ...
, the
spice In the culinary arts, a spice is any seed, fruit, root, Bark (botany), bark, or other plant substance in a form primarily used for flavoring or coloring food. Spices are distinguished from herbs, which are the leaves, flowers, or stems of pl ...
s inside signifying the spices used to
embalm Embalming is the art and science of preserving human remains by treating them with embalming chemicals in modern times to forestall decomposition. This is usually done to make the deceased suitable for viewing as part of the funeral ceremony or ...
him at his burial and sometimes also
orange peel The orange, also called sweet orange to distinguish it from the bitter orange (''Citrus × aurantium''), is the fruit of a tree in the family Rutaceae. Botanically, this is the hybrid ''Citrus'' × ''sinensis'', between the pomelo (''Citrus m ...
to reflect the bitterness of his time on the cross. The
Greeks Greeks or Hellenes (; , ) are an ethnic group and nation native to Greece, Greek Cypriots, Cyprus, Greeks in Albania, southern Albania, Greeks in Turkey#History, Anatolia, parts of Greeks in Italy, Italy and Egyptian Greeks, Egypt, and to a l ...
in the 6th century AD may have marked cakes with a cross. In the
Christian A Christian () is a person who follows or adheres to Christianity, a Monotheism, monotheistic Abrahamic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus in Christianity, Jesus Christ. Christians form the largest religious community in the wo ...
tradition, the making of buns with a cross on them and consuming them after breaking the fast on Good Friday, along with "crying about 'Hot cross buns'", is done in order to commemorate the
crucifixion of Jesus The crucifixion of Jesus was the death of Jesus by being crucifixion, nailed to a cross.The instrument of Jesus' crucifixion, instrument of crucifixion is taken to be an upright wooden beam to which was added a transverse wooden beam, thus f ...
. It is hypothesised that the contemporary hot cross bun of Christianity originates from
St Albans St Albans () is a cathedral city in Hertfordshire, England, east of Hemel Hempstead and west of Hatfield, Hertfordshire, Hatfield, north-west of London, south-west of Welwyn Garden City and south-east of Luton. St Albans was the first major ...
in
England England is a Countries of the United Kingdom, country that is part of the United Kingdom. It is located on the island of Great Britain, of which it covers about 62%, and List of islands of England, more than 100 smaller adjacent islands. It ...
, where in 1361, Brother Thomas Rodcliffe, a 14th-century Christian
monk A monk (; from , ''monachos'', "single, solitary" via Latin ) is a man who is a member of a religious order and lives in a monastery. A monk usually lives his life in prayer and contemplation. The concept is ancient and can be seen in many reli ...
at
St Albans Abbey St Albans Cathedral, officially the Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban, also known as "the Abbey", is a Church of England cathedral in St Albans, England. Much of its architecture dates from Norman times. It ceased to be an abbey follo ...
, developed a similar recipe called an 'Alban Bun' and distributed the bun to the poor on
Good Friday Good Friday, also known as Holy Friday, Great Friday, Great and Holy Friday, or Friday of the Passion of the Lord, is a solemn Christian holy day commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus and his death at Calvary (Golgotha). It is observed during ...
. Grasshopper pie is a no-bake mint-flavored
mousse A mousse (, ; ) is a soft prepared food that incorporates air bubbles to give it a light and airy texture. Depending on preparation techniques, it can range from light and fluffy to creamy and thick. A mousse may be sweet or savory. as early ...
pie with a chocolate crumb crust. Typically light green in color, it is associated with spring, and especially with
Easter Easter, also called Pascha ( Aramaic: פַּסְחָא , ''paskha''; Greek: πάσχα, ''páskha'') or Resurrection Sunday, is a Christian festival and cultural holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, described in t ...
celebrations in the
United States The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 U.S. state, states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 ...
. The pie takes its name from the Grasshopper cocktail. Grasshopper pie filling is made by folding
whipped cream Whipped cream, also known as Chantilly cream or (), is high-fat dairy cream that has been aerated by whisking until it becomes light, fluffy, and capable of holding its shape. This process incorporates air into the cream, creating a semi-soli ...
into
marshmallow Marshmallow (, ) is a confectionery made from sugar, water and gelatin whipped to a solid-but-soft consistency. It is used as a filling in baking or molded into shapes and coated with corn starch. This sugar confection is inspired by a medicina ...
or
cream cheese Cream cheese is a soft, usually mild-tasting fresh cheese made from milk and cream.Oxford English Dictionary Cream cheese is not naturally matured and is meant to be consumed fresh, so it differs from other soft cheeses such as Brie and Neuf ...
. The cream cheese version is made by adding green
food coloring Food coloring, color additive or colorant is any dye, pigment, or substance that imparts color when it is added to food or beverages. Colorants can be supplied as liquids, powders, gels, or pastes. Food coloring is commonly used in commercia ...
to a mixture of
condensed milk Condensed milk is Milk#Cow, cow's milk from which water has been removed (roughly 60% of it). It is most often found with sugar added, in the form of sweetened condensed milk, to the extent that the terms "condensed milk" and "sweetened condensed m ...
with cream cheese, then gently folding in chocolate-covered mint cookie crumbs and
whipped topping Whipped cream, also known as Chantilly cream or (), is high-fat dairy cream that has been aerated by whisking until it becomes light, fluffy, and capable of holding its shape. This process incorporates air into the cream, creating a semi-soli ...
. Alternately, melted marshmallows can be gently folded into fresh whipped cream. The filling is infused with creme de menthe and creme de cacao, which give the mousse its characteristic green coloring. The crust is a chocolate cookie crumb crust, variations of which can be made with crumbled
sandwich cookie A sandwich cookie ( US and Canada), also known as a sandwich biscuit ( UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa), is a type of cookie made from two cookies with a filling between them. Typically the hard, thin cookies known as biscu ...
s, or by melting chocolate in a
double boiler A bain-marie ( , ), also known as a water bath or double boiler, a type of heated bath, is a piece of equipment used in science, industry, and cooking to heat materials gently or to keep materials warm over a period of time. A ''bain-marie'' ...
and stirring in
crisped rice Puffed rice and popped rice (or pop rice) are types of puffed grain made from rice commonly eaten in the traditional cuisines of Southeast Asia, East Asia, and South Asia. It has also been produced commercially in the West since 1904 and is popul ...
cereal, then pressing the mixture into a pie dish and allowing it to set in the refrigerator. Easter was traditionally the most important date in the Christian calendar in
Ireland Ireland (, ; ; Ulster Scots dialect, Ulster-Scots: ) is an island in the North Atlantic Ocean, in Northwestern Europe. Geopolitically, the island is divided between the Republic of Ireland (officially Names of the Irish state, named Irelan ...
, with a large feast marking the end of lent on Easter Sunday. Among the food commonly eaten were lamb,
veal Veal is the meat of Calf (animal), calves, in contrast to the beef from older cattle. Veal can be produced from a calf of either sex and any List of cattle breeds, breed; however, most veal comes from young male calves of Dairy cattle, dairy b ...
, and
chicken The chicken (''Gallus gallus domesticus'') is a domesticated subspecies of the red junglefowl (''Gallus gallus''), originally native to Southeast Asia. It was first domesticated around 8,000 years ago and is now one of the most common and w ...
, with a meal of
corned beef Corned beef, called salted beef in some Commonwealth countries, is a salt-cured brisket of beef. The term comes from the treatment of the meat with large-grained rock salt, also called "corns" of salt. Sometimes, sugar and spices are added to ...
, cabbage, and floury potatoes was a popular meal. It was traditional for farmers to share the meat from a slaughtered bullock or lamb with neighbours and or the less fortunate. Another tradition was that if a beggar called to a house, they would be given roasted potatoes. At this time of year, eggs were plentiful, and would be eaten at each meal.


European nordic countries

For lunch or dinner on Holy Saturday, families in Sweden and Denmark traditionally feast on a smörgåsbord of herring, salmon, potatoes, eggs, and other kinds of food. In Finland, it is common to eat roasted lamb with potatoes and other vegetables. In Finland, the Lutheran majority enjoys mämmi as another traditional Easter treat, while the Orthodox minority's traditions include eating pasha (also spelled paskha (meal), paskha) instead.


Germany

In Germany, during the weeks before Easter, special Easter bread is sold (in ). This is made with yeast dough, raisins, and Almond#Culinary uses, almond splinters. Usually, it is cut in slices and spread with butter. People enjoy it either for breakfast or for tea time (in German: ''German cuisine#Structure of meals, Kaffee und Kuchen'', literally ″coffee and cake″).


Greece

In Greece, the traditional Easter meal is , a hearty stew of chopped lamb liver and wild greens seasoned with egg-and-lemon sauce. Traditionally, Easter eggs, hard-boiled eggs dyed bright red to symbolize the spilt Blood of Christ and the promise of eternal life, are cracked together to celebrate the opening of the Tomb of Christ. Greek foods of the Easter tradition are Flaouna, Lazarakia, Koulourakia, Magiritsa and Tsoureki. Flaouna is a cheese-filled pastry from Cyprus and Greece, which may include raisins or be garnished with sesame seeds. Flaounes are traditionally prepared for
Easter Easter, also called Pascha ( Aramaic: פַּסְחָא , ''paskha''; Greek: πάσχα, ''páskha'') or Resurrection Sunday, is a Christian festival and cultural holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, described in t ...
. Regional names for flaouna include ''vlaouna'', ''fesoudki'' () in Karavas, and ''aflaouna'' in Karpass Peninsula, Karpasia. Flaounes are traditionally served in Cyprus, parts of Greece (especially Arcadia (regional unit), Arcadia) and more widely in the Greek diaspora as a celebratory food for the breaking of the Lenten fast, being prepared on Great and Holy Friday for consumption on Easter Sunday. They are eaten in place of bread on Easter Sunday, and continue to be made and eaten for the weeks following. Creating the flaounes can often be a family tradition shared with multiple generations. Koulourakia or Koulouria, are a traditional Greek dessert, typically made around
Easter Easter, also called Pascha ( Aramaic: פַּסְחָא , ''paskha''; Greek: πάσχα, ''páskha'') or Resurrection Sunday, is a Christian festival and cultural holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, described in t ...
to be eaten after Holy Saturday. They are a butter-based pastry, traditionally hand-shaped, with egg glaze on top. They have a sweet delicate flavor with a hint of vanilla. Koulourakia are well known for their sprinkle of sesame seeds and distinctive ring shape. The pastries can be shaped into braided circles, hairpin twists, figure eights, twisted wreaths, horseshoes or Greek letters, although they are still often shaped into a snake style. Often, a clove is added atop the center of the pastry for added flavor. They are commonly eaten with morning coffee or afternoon tea. Like all pastries, they are normally kept in dry conditions in a jar with a lockable lid. Koulourakia have been prepared since at least the time of the Minoan civilization.


Hungary

In the Eastern part of Hungary, an Easter specialty known as () is made for the occasion. Sárgatúró is a delicacy, prepared mostly in Eastern Catholic Churches, Eastern Catholic regions, notably in Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County and in the Hajdúság. It is made by combining milk, chicken egg, eggs and sugar and boiling the mixture, stirring often, until it begins to lump, much like curd cheese or quark (dairy product), quark. Vanilla flavor is then added. When the lumps have formed, the mixture is put into a strong cloth and squeezed to get extra moisture out. The top of the cloth is then tied with a ribbon and the ''sárgatúró'' hung outside to let it drip and stick together. It is served cold, with other Easter foods like ham, Kalach (food), kalács and boiled eggs. Besides the basic recipe, family recipes may vary, adding raisins, and/or cinnamon or nutmeg as additional spices. Pogača is a type of bread baked in the ashes of the fireplace, and later in modern ovens. Found in the cuisines of the Balkan cuisine, Balkans and Hungarian cuisine, Hungary it can be leavened or unleavened, though the latter is considered more challenging to make.


Italy

Easter in Italy () is one of the public holidays in Italy, country's major holidays. Traditional Italian dishes for the Easter period are abbacchio, cappello del prete, casatiello, Colomba di Pasqua, pastiera, Penia (bread), penia, pizza di Pasqua and pizzelle. Abbacchio is an Italian cuisine, Italian preparation of lamb typical of the Roman cuisine. It is a product protected by the European Union with the Geographical indications and traditional specialities in the European Union#Protected geographical indication, PGI mark. In Italy at Easter, abbacchio is cooked in different ways, with recipes that vary from region to region. In Rome it is roasted, in Apulia in the oven, in Naples it is cooked with peas and eggs, in Sardinia it is cooked in the oven with potatoes, artichokes and myrtle and in Tuscany it is cooked in cacciatore style. Other local preparations include frying and stewing. Abbacchio is an Italian cuisine, Italian preparation of lamb typical of the Roman cuisine. It is a product protected by the European Union with the Geographical indications and traditional specialities in the European Union#Protected geographical indication, PGI mark. In Romanesco dialect, the offspring of the sheep who is still suckling or recently weaned is called ''abbacchio'', while the offspring of the sheep almost a year old who has already been shorn twice is called ''agnello'' ("lamb"). This distinction exists only in the Romanesco dialect. In Italy at Easter, abbacchio is cooked in different ways, with recipes that vary from region to region. In Rome it is roasted, in Apulia in the oven, in Naples it is cooked with peas and eggs, in Sardinia it is cooked in the oven with potatoes, artichokes and myrtle and in Tuscany it is cooked in cacciatore style. Other local preparations include frying and stewing. Casatiello (, ) is a leavened savory bread Neapolitan cuisine, originating from Naples prepared during the Easter period. Its basic ingredients are flour, lard, cheese, salami, cracklings, eggs and black pepper. The bread's name derives probably from the Neapolitan language, Neapolitan word ''caso'' (, "cheese", hence ''casatiello''), an ingredient that is part of its dough. Colomba di Pasqua (English language, English: "Easter Dove") is an Italian cuisine, Italian traditional Easter bread, the Easter counterpart of the two well-known Italy, Italian Christmas desserts, panettone and pandoro. The dough for the colomba is made in a similar manner to panettone, with flour, Eggs as food, eggs, sugar, natural yeast and butter; unlike panettone, it usually contains Candied fruit, candied peel and no raisins. The dough is then fashioned into a Columbidae, dove shape (''colomba'' in Italian language, Italian) and finally is topped with Nib sugar, pearl sugar and almonds before being baked. Some manufacturers produce other versions including a popular bread topped with chocolate. The colomba was commercialised by the Milanese baker and businessman Angelo Motta as an Easter version of the Christmas speciality panettone that Motta foods were producing. Pastiera is a type of Neapolitan cuisine, Neapolitan tart made with cooked wheat, eggs, ricotta cheese, and flavoured with orange flower water. It is usually eaten at
Easter Easter, also called Pascha ( Aramaic: פַּסְחָא , ''paskha''; Greek: πάσχα, ''páskha'') or Resurrection Sunday, is a Christian festival and cultural holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, described in t ...
. Various writers repeat legends about the origin of pastiera. One story connects it to the siren Parthenope (Siren), Parthenope, whom the Neapolitans thanked for her sweet singing by giving her ricotta, flour, eggs, milk, spices, and sugar; Parthenope gave these ingredients to the gods, who made pastiera out of it. Another story connects it to a spring celebration of the goddess Ceres (mythology), Ceres.Eli Rogosa, ''Restoring Heritage Grains'', , p. 206–207 The pizza di Pasqua ("Easter pizza" in English), in some areas also called crescia di Pasqua, torta di Pasqua, torta al formaggio or crescia brusca, is a leavened savory cake typical of many areas of central Italy based on wheat flour, eggs, pecorino and parmesan. Traditionally served at breakfast on Easter morning, or as an appetizer during Easter lunch, it is accompanied by blessed boiled eggs, ciauscolo and red wine or, again, served at the Easter Monday picnic. Having the same shape as panettone, the pizza di Pasqua with cheese is a typical product of the Marche region, but also Umbrian (where, as a traditional food product, it obtained the Prodotti agroalimentari tradizionali, P.A.T. recognition). There is also a sweet variant. The peculiarity of this product is its shape, given by the particular Mold (cooking implement), mold in which it is leavened and then baked in the oven; originally in earthenware, today in aluminum, it has a flared shape. The name ''pizza'' is here to be understood not in the recent meaning that has spread into Italian through the Neapolitan language, but in the original medieval Latin meaning of 'focaccia', thus suggesting an ancient origin of the dish.


Jamaica

In Jamaica, eating bun and cheese is a highly anticipated custom by Jamaican nationals all over the world. The Jamaica Easter Buns are spiced and have raisins, and baked in a loaf tin. The buns are sliced and eaten with a slice of cheese. It is a common practice for employers to make gifts of bun and cheese or a single loaf of bun to staff members. According to the ''Jamaica Gleaner'', "The basic Easter bun recipe requires wheat flour, brown sugar, molasses, baking powder or yeast and dried fruits."


Mexico

Capirotada or Capilotade, also known as Capirotada de vigilia, is a Traditional food, traditional Mexican food similar to a bread pudding that is usually eaten during the
Lent Lent (, 'Fortieth') is the solemn Christianity, Christian religious moveable feast#Lent, observance in the liturgical year in preparation for Easter. It echoes the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert and enduring Temptation of Christ, t ...
en period. It is one of the dishes served on
Good Friday Good Friday, also known as Holy Friday, Great Friday, Great and Holy Friday, or Friday of the Passion of the Lord, is a solemn Christian holy day commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus and his death at Calvary (Golgotha). It is observed during ...
. Despite originally being consumed before Lent, ''capirotada'' is now consumed ''during'' Lent, especially during Holy Week and on Good Friday. Recently, it has been given a spiritual meaning in relation to the passion of Christ and the Lenten season, thus, for many people, the bread represents the Body of Christ, the syrup is his blood, the cloves are the nails of the cross, and the whole cinnamon sticks are the wood of the cross. The melted cheese stands for the Holy Shroud. A cascarón is a hollowed-out chicken egg (food), egg filled with confetti or small toys. Cascarones are common throughout Mexico and are similar to the
Easter egg Easter eggs, also called Paschal eggs, are eggs that are decorated for the Christian holiday of Easter, which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus. As such, Easter eggs are commonly used during the season of Eastertide (Easter season). The ...
s popular in many other countries. They are mostly used in Mexico during Carnival, but in American and Mexican border towns, the cultures combined to make them a popular Easter tradition. Decorated, confetti-filled cascarones may be thrown or crushed over the recipient's head to shower them with confetti. This originated in Spain. When a child would act up, their father would crack an egg over their head as a consequence, and a way of showing their disappointment in them. In addition to
Easter Easter, also called Pascha ( Aramaic: פַּסְחָא , ''paskha''; Greek: πάσχα, ''páskha'') or Resurrection Sunday, is a Christian festival and cultural holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, described in t ...
, cascarones have become popular for occasions including birthdays, New Year's, Halloween, Cinco de Mayo, Fiestas Patrias (Mexico)#Grito de Dolores and Aniversario de la Independencia, Dieciséis, Day of the Dead, and weddings. Wedding cascarones can be filled with rice. Like many popular traditions in Mexico, cascarones are increasingly popular in the southwestern United States. For example, they are especially prominent during the two-week, citywide festival of Fiesta San Antonio, Fiesta in San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas. Cascarones are usually made during Easter time.


Poland

Easter in Poland, a public holiday, is one of that country's major holidays in Poland, holidays, often compared in importance to Christmas. Associated with it are many specific customs and traditions. In Poland, Weisswurst, white sausage and mazurek (cake), mazurek are typical Easter breakfast dishes. The butter lamb (Baranek wielkanocny) is a traditional addition to the Easter meal for many Polish Catholics. Butter is shaped into a lamb either by hand or in a lamb-shaped mold. Mazurek is a variety of cake with a flat shape. It is very sweet. According to Polish gastronomy coursebooks, typical mazurek is a cake that can be made of one or two sheets of short pastry, short (or half-short) pastry or one sheet of short (or half-short) pastry covered with a sheet of butter sponge cake. The two sheets are fixed together with a help of a Layer cake, layer of marmalade. In case of one-sheet version, marmalade is skipped or goes on top, under the layer of Icing (food), icing. The top of ''mazurek'' is covered with a layer of icing (i.e. sugar icing or Dulce de leche, kajmak) or Fruit preserves#Jelly, jelly. It is also decorated with nut-based icing or almond-based icing and candied fruits. Traditionally, home-baked ''mazurek'' cakes are often decorated with dried fruits and nuts.


Portugal

Folar or folar de Páscoa is a traditional Portugal, Portuguese bread served at
Easter Easter, also called Pascha ( Aramaic: פַּסְחָא , ''paskha''; Greek: πάσχα, ''páskha'') or Resurrection Sunday, is a Christian festival and cultural holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, described in t ...
. The recipe varies from region to region and it may be sweet or savory. During
Easter Easter, also called Pascha ( Aramaic: פַּסְחָא , ''paskha''; Greek: πάσχα, ''páskha'') or Resurrection Sunday, is a Christian festival and cultural holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, described in t ...
festivities, godchildren usually bring a bouquet of violets to their godmother on Palm Sunday and this, on Easter Sunday, offers him a folar. Folar is sometimes served with a boiled egg, that symbolically represents rebirth and the Resurrection of Jesus, Resurrection. Folar de Chaves, popular in the north-eastern Portuguese regions of Chaves (Portugal), Chaves and Valpaços, is stuffed with pork, ham, salpicão and linguiça. There are also sweet folars like the folar from Olhão, that consists of seven layers with melted sugar and cinnamon, and the more common folar with anise and cinnamon. Pão de Ló is a Portuguese cuisine, Portuguese sponge cake made of eggs as food, eggs, sugar, and wheat flour. Unlike other cakes or breads, yeast or baking powder is generally not used. Rather, to provide volume, air is suspended into the cake batter during mixing. The first record of ''pão de ló'', written as "''pãoo de llo''", was indicated in the manuscripts of Infante of Portugal, Infanta Maria of Portugal, Hereditary Princess of Parma, Maria of Portugal in the mid-1500s. Unlike the ''pão de ló'' seen today, it was a thick pudding made solely with ground almonds instead of wheat flour.Carvalho, Bruno; Sena, Maria (4 June 2019).
Pão-de-ló: history & recipe of Portugal's favorite cake
. Amass. Cook.
Portuguese sweet bread refers to an enriched sweet bread or yeasted cake originating from Portuguese cuisine, Portugal. Historically, these sweet breads were generally reserved for festive occasions such as Easter or Pentecost and were typically given as gifts. However, in contemporary times, many varieties are made and consumed year round. Outside of Portugal, Portuguese "sweet bread" transliterated as "" is often associated with Azorean "" which are similar but traditionally prepared differently. Many traditional Portuguese sweet breads are defined by the associated region or by the conventual sweets, convents, artisan bakers or religious confraternity, confraternities (similar to a guild) that historically made them. Since many have deep historical and cultural significance to the area which they originate from, these breads are as well as other foods and ingredients are inventoried by the Portuguese governmental office ''Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development'' (DGARD), which collaborates with a collective of independent confraternities known as the ''Portuguese Federation of Gastronomic Confraternities'' (FPCG) throughout Portugal.


Spain

The Easter mona is a Spanish kind of cake that is especially eaten on Easter, Easter Sunday or Easter Monday in the Spain, Spanish regions of Catalonia, Land of Valencia, Valencia and Region of Murcia, Murcia. In other Spanish regions, these Easter cakes are common with variations in the recipe and name. According to the writing of Joan Amades, mentions of the ''mona'' date back to the 15th century, though in the Joan Lacavalleria's 1696 dictionary, ''Gazophylacium Catalano-Latinum'', ''mona'' still has a purely Zoology, zoological definition (meaning female monkey). The 1783 edition of the dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy has the following definition: "Catalonia, Valencia and Murcia. Cake baked with eggs in their shell at Easter, known in other parts of the Iberian Peninsula as Hornazo". Marañuela is a typical sweet from Asturias, Spain, made mainly by Wheat flour, flour, sugar, eggs, clarified butter and Zest (ingredient), lemon zest. Its origin is somewhat uncertain, although the closest history links it to the seafaring world. During Holy Week the boats used to return to port and stock up on them before leaving again. That is why traditionally they continue to be made on this time of the year. They are typical of coastal villages Candás y Luanco, although the elaboration in this two places is slightly different. Even though they can be made all year round, they are usually made on Resurrection Sunday and offered among family members, mainly among godparents and godchildren.


Ukraine

Preparations for Easter celebration in Ukraine begin weeks before the feast day, with Great Lent being part of it. The Ukrainian Easter eggs include Pysanka, pysanky, krashanky (edible, one-colour dyed eggs), driapanky (a design is scratched on the eggshell) etc. During the Easter Vigil a priest also blesses the parishioners' Easter baskets, which include Easter eggs, Paska (bread), paska, butter, cheese, kovbasa, salt and a few other products. With this food, on their return home, people break their fast.


Other noteworthy dishes

Paskha (also spelled ''pascha'', or ''pasha'') is a Slavic festive dish made in Eastern Orthodox countries which consists of food that is forbidden during the fasting, fast of Great Lent. It is made during Holy Week and then brought to Church on Great Saturday to be blessed after the Paschal Vigil. The name of the dish comes from Easter, Pascha, the Eastern Orthodox celebration of Easter. Besides Russia, Ukraine, etc. Pasha is also often served in Finland. Cheese paskha is a traditional Easter dish made from tvorog (like cottage cheese, ), which is white, symbolizing the purity of Christ, the
Paschal Lamb Paschal Lamb may refer to: * Passover sacrifice (''Korban Pesach''), a Jewish animal sacrifice * Lamb of God, a title for Jesus in Christianity * Paschal lamb (heraldry), a charge used in heraldry See also *Sacrificial lamb A sacrificial lamb ...
, and the joy of the Resurrection. It is formed in a mold, traditionally in the shape of a truncated pyramid which symbolizes the first
Passover Passover, also called Pesach (; ), is a major Jewish holidays, Jewish holiday and one of the Three Pilgrimage Festivals. It celebrates the Exodus of the Israelites from slavery in Biblical Egypt, Egypt. According to the Book of Exodus, God in ...
in Egypt, a nod to Christianity's early Jewish beginnings and a reminder that the Last Supper of
Jesus Jesus (AD 30 or 33), also referred to as Jesus Christ, Jesus of Nazareth, and many Names and titles of Jesus in the New Testament, other names and titles, was a 1st-century Jewish preacher and religious leader. He is the Jesus in Chris ...
was a Passover Seder. Others believe the pyramid is a symbol of the Trinity, the Christian Church, Church; Holy Sepulchre, Tomb of Christ). It is usually served as an accompaniment to rich Easter breads called paska (bread), paska in Ukraine and Kulich (bread), kulich in Russia (where the "paskha" name is also used in the Southern regions) and Poland “Pascha”. The Easter foods; bread and cheese paska are very rich and made of many dairy items given up during Great Lent. They are brought to church on Easter to be blessed by the priest. Kulich (bread), Kulich is the Russian language, Russian name for Easter bread. For the eastern Slavs, festive bread was round and tall, and dough decorations were made on top of it. The cylindrical shape of the cake is associated with the church practice of baking artos. The Paska (bread), Paska bread tradition spread in cultures which were connected to the Byzantine Empire and is a traditional cultural part of countries with an Eastern Orthodoxy, Orthodox Christian population. It is eaten in countries like Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Romania, Armenia, Georgia (country), Georgia, Moldova, North Macedonia and Serbia. Kulich is a variant of Paska (bread), paska Easter breads and represents not only
Easter Easter, also called Pascha ( Aramaic: פַּסְחָא , ''paskha''; Greek: πάσχα, ''páskha'') or Resurrection Sunday, is a Christian festival and cultural holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, described in t ...
but also the Spring (season), spring. Easter is a very important celebration in Eastern European countries, even more important than Christmas. Paska (bread), Paska is a sweet decorative bread native to Russia, Slovakia and Ukraine. It is a variation of Easter bread, a Christians, Christian tradition particularly spread in Central and Eastern Europe, and countries with cultural connections to the ancient Byzantine Empire, Eastern Orthodoxy or Eastern Catholic Churches, Eastern Catholicism. Easter breads are a traditional element in the Easter holidays of Armenia, Austria, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Georgia (country), Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland and Ukraine. It is also a common tradition amongst the Assyrian diaspora. It is also eaten in countries with large immigrant populations from Central and Eastern Europe such as the
United States The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 U.S. state, states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 ...
,
Canada Canada is a country in North America. Its Provinces and territories of Canada, ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean, making it the world's List of coun ...
and the
United Kingdom The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Northwestern Europe, off the coast of European mainland, the continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotlan ...
.


List of Easter foods

Easter foods include: *Abbacchio, in Italy *Akvavit, in Scandinavia *Artos, in the Eastern Orthodox Church, Eastern Orthodox and Byzantine rite, Byzantine Eastern Catholic Churches, rite catholic churches. *Awara broth, in French Guiana *Babka (cake), Babka, in the History of the Jews in Poland, Jewish communities of Poland and Ukraine. *Bigos, in Poland *Butter lamb, for many Russian, Slovenian and Poland, Polish Catholicism, Catholics. *Cacavellu, in Corsica *Campanile (cake), Campanile, in Corsica *Canestru, in Corsica *Capirotada, in Mexico *Cappello del prete, in Italy *Casatiello, in Italy *Cascarón, in Mexico *Chocolate bunny, general diffusion *Chocolate egg, general diffusion *Carrot cake, general diffusion *Chakapuli, in Georgia (country), Georgia *Colomba di Pasqua, in Italy *Cozonac, throughout Southeastern Europe, Romania, Bulgaria and Serbia, North Macedonia, Greece, etc. *Dock pudding, in
England England is a Countries of the United Kingdom, country that is part of the United Kingdom. It is located on the island of Great Britain, of which it covers about 62%, and List of islands of England, more than 100 smaller adjacent islands. It ...
*Drob, in Romania *Easter basket, general diffusion *Easter biscuit, in England *Easter bread, general diffusion *Easter bunny, general diffusion *
Easter egg Easter eggs, also called Paschal eggs, are eggs that are decorated for the Christian holiday of Easter, which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus. As such, Easter eggs are commonly used during the season of Eastertide (Easter season). The ...
s, general diffusion *Easter mona, in Spain *Fanesca, in Ecuador *Feseekh, in Egypt *Figolla, in
Malta Malta, officially the Republic of Malta, is an island country in Southern Europe located in the Mediterranean Sea, between Sicily and North Africa. It consists of an archipelago south of Italy, east of Tunisia, and north of Libya. The two ...
*Flaouna, in Cyprus and Greece *Folar, in Portugal * Grasshopper pie, in the
United States The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 U.S. state, states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 ...
*Habichuelas con dulce, in Dominican Republic *Harees, in Armenia *Hornazo, in Spain *Hot cross bun, in the
United Kingdom The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Northwestern Europe, off the coast of European mainland, the continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotlan ...
,
Australia Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country comprising mainland Australia, the mainland of the Australia (continent), Australian continent, the island of Tasmania and list of islands of Australia, numerous smaller isl ...
,
New Zealand New Zealand () is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It consists of two main landmasses—the North Island () and the South Island ()—and List of islands of New Zealand, over 600 smaller islands. It is the List of isla ...
,
South Africa South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa (RSA), is the Southern Africa, southernmost country in Africa. Its Provinces of South Africa, nine provinces are bounded to the south by of coastline that stretches along the Atlantic O ...
,
Canada Canada is a country in North America. Its Provinces and territories of Canada, ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean, making it the world's List of coun ...
,
India India, officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia. It is the List of countries and dependencies by area, seventh-largest country by area; the List of countries by population (United Nations), most populous country since ...
,
Pakistan Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country in South Asia. It is the List of countries and dependencies by population, fifth-most populous country, with a population of over 241.5 million, having the Islam by country# ...
,
Malta Malta, officially the Republic of Malta, is an island country in Southern Europe located in the Mediterranean Sea, between Sicily and North Africa. It consists of an archipelago south of Italy, east of Tunisia, and north of Libya. The two ...
,
United States The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 U.S. state, states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 ...
and the
Commonwealth Caribbean The Commonwealth Caribbean refers to a group of English-speaking world, English-speaking sovereign states in the Caribbean, including both island states and mainland countries in the Americas, that are members of the Commonwealth of Nations and ...
. *Lazarakia, in Greece and Cyprus *Jansson's temptation, in Sweden and Finland *Jelly bean, in the
United States The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 U.S. state, states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 ...
*Kerststol, in the Northwestern Europe *Kibbeh nayyeh, in Levant *Kifli, general diffusion *Kolach (bread), Kolach, in Albania, Belarus, Bulgaria, Hungary, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Ukraine *Kokoretsi, in Balkans and Anatolia *Koulourakia in Greece and Pontus (region), Pontos *Kulich (bread), Kulich, in Russia *Inuliata, in Corsica *Mämmi, in Finland *Ma'amoul, for Christian Arabs *Magiritsa, in Greece *Maqluba, for Christian Arabs *Marañuela, in Spain *Mazurek (cake), Mazurek, in Poland *Paas (dye), Paas, in the
United States The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 U.S. state, states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 ...
*Pão-de-Ló, in Portugal *Paska (bread), Paska, in Russia, Slovakia and Ukraine. *Paretak pastries, in Bosnia and Herzegovina *Paskha, in the Eastern Orthodox countries *Pastiera, in Italy *Peeps, in the
United States The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 U.S. state, states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 ...
*Penia (bread), Penia, in Italy *Pesaha Appam, in
India India, officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia. It is the List of countries and dependencies by area, seventh-largest country by area; the List of countries by population (United Nations), most populous country since ...
*Pickled herring, general diffusion *Pinca, in Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia and Italy *Pizza di Pasqua, in Italy *Pizzelle, in Italy *Pogaca, in the Balkans and Hungary *Poppy seed roll, general diffusion *Portuguese sweet bread, in Portugal *Salted herring, general diffusion *Sárgatúró, in Hungary *Sarma (food), Sarma, former Ottoman Empire, Ottoman territories *Simnel cake, in the
United Kingdom The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Northwestern Europe, off the coast of European mainland, the continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotlan ...
*Šoldra, in Poland, Germany and the Czech Republic *Święconka, in Poland *Tansy cake, in the medieval cuisine, medieval English cuisine *Tsoureki, ArmeniaRoufs, Timothy G.; Roufs, Kathleen Smyth (2014-07-29). Sweet Treats around the World: An Encyclopedia of Food and Culture: An Encyclopedia of Food and Culture. ABC-CLIO. ISBN 978-1-61069-221-2. and Greece *West Slavic fermented cereal soups, in the West Slavs, West Slavic countries


See also

*Chiviri *Fat Tuesday *List of foods with religious symbolism *
Passover Passover, also called Pesach (; ), is a major Jewish holidays, Jewish holiday and one of the Three Pilgrimage Festivals. It celebrates the Exodus of the Israelites from slavery in Biblical Egypt, Egypt. According to the Book of Exodus, God in ...
*Pisanica (Croatian) *Śmigus-Dyngus


References

{{Easter Easter food,