Orthodox Easter Celebrations!

Easter decorations in Skopje

I already discussed Rome but I can't forget to mention the Macedonian Easter. I will tell you the highlights because their traditions are so interesting!! One thing that surprised me is that I asked many of the Macedonians why they do certain traditions and many didn’t know. They were simply continuing to pass down the traditions from their families. Oh and before I forget, the Orthodox Easter is a week after the Catholic Easter. 

There was much anticipation about this holiday and it was all anyone seemed to talk about. On Thursday morning, before the sunrise, the Macedonians wake up early to boil and dye red eggs to symbolize the blood of Jesus. The first 3 eggs that are dyed are the most important. The first egg is for Jesus Christ and needs to be brought to the church on Saturday night, the second egg is for the home (they keep this egg all year long in their house and then burry the old when after boiling the new one) and the last egg is for good health. Apparently the rumor is that you dye the eggs before sunrise because Mary wept for the death of Jesus after sunrise.

The 1st three eggs that were dyed 

Later that evening, my host mom and I dyed the other eggs different colors and I taught her how to mix the egg dyes to create really cool colors. She also put oil on the eggs to make them look shiny. Then you shower with the red egg that was set aside for good health! Yes that's right, it comes in the shower with you! You are supposed to rub it over your body and it will bring you good health for the next year.

The finished eggs!

Friday is the day of going to church. There is an alter type table set up in the middle of the church. People put flowers and money on top of the table. When you walk under the table, you are supposed to make a wish. There was also a cross near the table and people put towels and socks on the cross as an offering.

The table/alter 

Saturday, before midnight, people go to the church and buy candles. They circle around the church 3 times to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. People bring out the red egg they made for the church and crack it against each other’s egg.

On Sunday, it seemed similar to the Orthodox Christmas where some people go to church and some don’t. My host grandmother prepared a big lunch and of course there were plenty of eggs at the meal! There were so many eggs from the weekend; my host family was eating egg salad for days!

The students in my school also participated in a Easter "pazar" in the town center with a few of the other local schools. Students channeled their creativity and made Easter decorations and treats to sell to raise funds for the school. 

It was a memorable Easter to say the least and I am thankful for my Peace Corps experience so I can learn about how others across the world celebrate different holidays like Easter.