Experiencing Orthodox Easter in Greece: A Holiday Like No Other
Before studying abroad in Greece, I had no idea that Easter wasn’t always celebrated on the same day around the world. Growing up, Easter meant pastels, Peeps, and a brunch that usually ended with a food coma and family photos. But here in Greece, I quickly learned that Orthodox Easter is the major holiday, like way bigger than Christmas, and filled with traditions that are both deeply spiritual and beautifully communal. What’s funny is that this year, by some rare twist of the calendar, Orthodox Easter happened to fall on the same day as American Easter. But make no mistake, Easter here is celebrated on a whole different level. In the weeks leading up to the holiday, I started noticing little things around me changing. Grocery stores were stocked with bright red eggs, and I was curious enough to ask the woman at the market what they were for. She explained that the red symbolizes the blood of Christ, and that the eggs are used in a game where people crack them against...
