Easter Traditions on Both Sides of the Atlantic

In the third episode of our online series “Geographies of Tradition", which looks at mirroring Romanian and American traditional celebrations, we highlight the complex beliefs and customs associated with Easter in Romania and the United States and explore how this most sacred date in the Christian calendar is observed by Romanians and Americans.    

In Christian tradition, Easter evokes the resurrection of Jesus Christ, on the third day after his Crucifixion, and this year the holiday falls on April 4 for the Catholics and May 1 for the Orthodox Christians. Easter Sunday is one of the most festive events among Christians worldwide, celebrated with special church services, music, candlelight or flowers, even if in time the holiday has become more commercialized with the sale of chocolate eggs, cards and baskets. Overall the Easter holiday is still seen as a special day for spending time with family and friends and enjoying…