The UNIC Alliance includes the University of Lodz, Erasmus University Rotterdam in the Netherlands, University of Deusto in Spain, Ruhr University Bochum in Germany, University of Liège in Belgium, University of Oulu in Finland, University of Zagreb in Croatia, Koç University in Turkey, Malmö University in Sweden and University College Cork in Ireland. This alliance of 10 universities develops socially engaged education and research with strong ties to post-industrial cities.
And how is Easter celebrated in these countries?
According to Dr Ewelina Kostrzewska, what's most surprising is how many elements remain common despite cultural differences.
Some things are common: a sumptuous Sunday breakfast that extends into dinner, with eggs, meat and sweets on the menu. On the second day, we visit friends and acquaintances, and venture out into nature
– says the researcher.
Local stories are the most spectacular
We can tell about the bells in Belgium, the kingdom of chocolate, which fly to the Vatican on Thursday to be blessed by the Pope and return on Sunday filled with sweets for children that get lost along the way
– says Dr Kostrzewska.
In the Netherlands, the holiday has a floral accent.
The Netherlands reigns supreme with tulips and has sent them to the Vatican since 1985. The Pope thanks for the flowers in his Sunday message
– reminds the anthropologist.
In Germany, the Easter Bunny is strongly present, the same one that has also made its home in Poland.
In Spain, Easter takes on the form of a spectacle.
Exceptional processions in Spain, especially in Seville, held at night by numerous brotherhoods, are a unique experience. Hooded figures roaming the streets are impressive
– says the researcher.
In Sweden and Finland, on the other hand, you can encounter such unique customs as cheese-rolling celebrations.
In this context, Polish Easter proves to be very European.
Our menus are very similar though
– notes Dr Kostrzewska.
Eggs, various types of meat, cakes and the festive breakfast are recognisable motifs almost everywhere. However, the blessing of food remains a custom particularly strongly associated with Poland. As does the attachment to holiday symbolism embedded in specific gestures, products and family rituals. Eggs are also common, and not just on plates.
Eggs on the Easter table are universal and, interestingly, decorating them has been known for thousands of years
– emphasises the researcher, adding that this symbol is much older than many contemporary customs.
Egg decorating has been known since ancient times and its unique power has underlined in various cultures. In Poland, we still dye eggs today, most often traditionally red, though we don't always remember how deeply rooted in Christian symbolism this colour is.
Poland also has its own more local, less obvious Easter stories.
The herring and żurek funeral in Kujawy, celebrated at the end of Lent is a rather interesting local ritual
– says Dr Kostrzewska. After weeks of fasting, żurek and herring become the symbols of a symbolic farewell, and the festive bounty can finally appear on the table.
What about religiosity?
According to the expert, Poland still stands out from some parts of Western Europe.
I also think that in Poland, we still pay attention to the spiritual dimension of this most important holiday in the Catholic Church and don't forget why we celebrate, whereas in Western countries it’s often seen as an important holiday, but people sometimes forget the reason behind all this springtime excitement
– she says.
How do young people experience Easter?
From my conversations with our students, it appears they still traditionally spend Easter at home with their families. They take their Easter basket with them, eat breakfast on Sunday and they celebrate Śmigus-Dyngus on Monday. They do it in an elegant, as they described it "light" form
– says Dr Kostrzewska
It turns out that Europe speaks a common Easter language quite well. It's about eggs, a long family table, sweets, spring and the promise of a new beginning. However, everyone adds their own touch, with their own accent, temperament and imagination. We're scattered across different geographies. It smells a little different everywhere, sounds a little different and looks a little different, but it still tells the same story – about getting together, about joy, the rebirth of the world and the need to be together. Thanks to this, even if we sit down at a table in different countries, we all essentially understand each other without much translation.
Source: Dr Ewelina Kostrzewska, Faculty of Philosophy and History, University of Lodz
Edit: Kacper Szczepaniak, Centre for Brand Communications, University of Lodz
Graphic: Michał Strzelec, Centre for Brand Communications, University of Lodz
