Which countries celebrate Easter with Easter eggs and bunnies?

Answer 1

Many western countries incorporate the concept of Easter bunnies delivering Easter eggs. This tradition hails originally from Germany, so it is countries with Germanic/British roots which have this custom. It does not exist traditionally in the rest of the west, although, through children's television, the Easter Bunny is making some inroads into other cultures.

Easter bunny believing countries include the UK, USA, Canada, Germany, New Zealand and Australia (although there are moves to try to promote an Easter bilby, as proceeds from sales go to the preservation of this endangered creature).

Most European (and western) cultures decorate eggs for Easter, usually by simply dyeing them one color. Ukraine and other Eastern European countries have a long history of more intricate egg decoration in the spring. You can find out more about Ukrainian eggs, called Pysanky, in the "Pysanky Egg Art" section of Wiki Answers, under Hobbies and Collectibles/Arts and Crafts (see link below).

The giving of Easter eggs has transcended political borders, though not necessarily religious borders. For example, the countries most likely to celebrate with eggs and bunnies are those where Christianity has made the greatest inroads - but again, it is not limited to these countries. In general, it can be said that cultures and traditions that were once restricted to particular countries are crossing borders with increasing regularity. Countries around the world are seeing a flow-on effect of some festivals and holidays, not only with the spread of western influences, but also with the spread of Christianity. Thus, you will find a prevalence of Easter eggs and Easter bunnies in countries such as Japan, China and many other Asian nations.

Countries of the Middle East are not exempt from the traditions, with Easter eggs (along with Easter bunnies and Easter cakes) being found in Israel. Saudi Arabia even markets a "date-filled Easter egg". African Christians celebrate Easter with joy, in particular remembering Christ's death and resurrection, but they also embrace the practice of giving Easter eggs. Easter celebrations are also important to the more remote Pacific nations and, by association, Easter eggs and bunnies have become part of those celebrations.