Yesterday was Good Friday, and tomorrow begins Easter, special days for Christians. For the Dutch, Good Friday also means the start of the Easter weekend and therefore a long weekend, during which many go out. In this article we take a closer look at Good Friday and Easter.
Good Friday is an important day in the Christian tradition and is celebrated in different ways in different countries. Here is a brief overview of how Good Friday is celebrated in the Netherlands, Belgium and Thailand.
Good Friday in Belgium
Good Friday is recognized and celebrated in Belgium, but it is not an official holiday and most businesses and schools are open. Just like in the Netherlands, there are special church services on Good Friday, in which the crucifixion and suffering of Jesus are commemorated. In Belgium, too, some people choose to fast or not eat meat on this day.
Good Friday in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, Good Friday is an official holiday, but it is not an obligatory day off for everyone. Schools, government agencies and some businesses are closed, but shops are usually open. On Good Friday, special services are held in churches to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus, often with an austere and subdued atmosphere. Some people fast on this day or do not eat meat.
Good Friday in Thailand
Although the majority of Thailand's population is Buddhist, there is a small Christian community that celebrates Good Friday. The Good Friday celebration in Thailand is similar to that in other countries, with church services and prayers to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus. Since it is not a national holiday, daily life and activities continue for the rest of the Thai population.
Although the celebration of Good Friday varies between the Netherlands, Belgium and Thailand, the core of the commemoration is the same: honoring the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.
Easter
Easter is an important Christian holiday celebrated worldwide, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Although the traditions and festivities surrounding Easter may differ from country to country, there are also similarities. In this article we discuss the celebration of Easter in the Netherlands, Belgium and Thailand.
Easter in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, Easter is celebrated exuberantly and the party lasts for two days: Easter Monday (Sunday) and Easter Monday (Monday). Many Dutch people go to church on Easter Sunday to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus. An important tradition in the Netherlands is the Easter egg hunt. Children mainly look for chocolate eggs that are hidden by the Easter bunny in gardens and parks. There are also many Easter markets and events throughout the country, such as the famous Easter fire in the east of the country.
Easter in Belgium
Easter is also celebrated extensively in Belgium. Just like in the Netherlands, people often go to church on Sunday morning. The Easter egg hunt also occurs in Belgium. Here the eggs are not hidden by the Easter bunny, but by bells that return to Belgium from Rome. On Easter Saturday, the bells of the church are on their way to Rome to be blessed by the Pope. On their return on Easter Sunday, they scatter eggs over the land. Chocolatiers in Belgium make beautiful chocolate eggs and other Easter-related treats.
Easter in Thailand
In Thailand, Easter is not a public holiday, as the country is predominantly Buddhist. However, the Christian communities in Thailand celebrate Easter in their own way. In the larger cities, such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai, there are Catholic and Protestant churches that hold Easter services. Expats and tourists from Western countries can attend these services to celebrate Easter. Furthermore, special Easter brunches and buffets are available in some hotels and restaurants for those who want to celebrate.
Easter is celebrated in different ways in all three countries, but each one revolves around gathering with family and friends and commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. While traditions and activities may vary from country to country, the essence of Easter is the same everywhere.
Easter weekend
In the Netherlands it is a tradition to organize various events and shows during Easter. One of the popular activities during Easter is a visit to the furniture boulevards. Many people use these days off to redecorate their home, buy new furniture or get inspiration for their interior. Furniture boulevards therefore often set up special Easter shows to attract customers, with extra discounts, demonstrations and advice from interior experts.
In addition, car shows are also organized during Easter. These events give car enthusiasts the chance to admire the latest models and technologies, take test drives and talk to experts about their favorite cars. Car dealers and importers often organize special promotions and discounts during these shows, which makes it extra attractive to visit.
In addition to furniture boulevards and car shows, there are many other activities to experience during Easter in the Netherlands, such as Easter markets, music festivals, flower parades and cultural events. Easter is a time when people enjoy getting together with family and friends and enjoying spring, and these events and shows add to the festive atmosphere.
Easter breakfast
The Easter breakfast is an important Easter tradition in many countries, including the Netherlands and Belgium. It is a festive meal that is usually eaten on Easter Monday or Easter Monday and where family and friends come together to eat together.
The Easter breakfast consists of an extensive range of foods, with bread and eggs as the main focus. Typical dishes include fresh rolls, croissants, Easter bread (a sweet bread filled with raisins, nuts and almond paste) and of course various spreads, such as cheese, cold cuts, jam and chocolate sprinkles.
Eggs play an important role during Easter breakfast, as they symbolize new life and the resurrection of Jesus. They are prepared in various ways, such as boiled, baked or scrambled. In addition, decorating and painting eggs is a fun activity for both children and adults. The decorated eggs are often placed on the breakfast table as decoration. In addition to bread and eggs, there are also other delicacies on the Easter breakfast, such as fresh fruit, yoghurt, granola and sweet treats such as Easter eggs and chocolate Easter bunnies.
Easter breakfast is a convivial moment to gather with family and friends and enjoy delicious food in a festive atmosphere. It is an important part of the Easter celebration and ensures a cheerful start to the day.
Easter fires
Easter fires are an age-old tradition in the Netherlands, especially in the eastern provinces such as Drenthe, Overijssel and Gelderland. They are usually lit on Easter Monday or Easter Monday, marking the beginning of spring. These fires symbolize the victory of light over darkness and the fertility of the land. Easter fires bring communities together to enjoy socializing, music and sometimes food and drink, while watching the impressive spectacle of the huge flames.
How do you celebrate Easter?
In Thailand there is almost nothing to notice about Easter. The Thais eat eggs almost every day, so it makes no difference. And with free-roaming chickens you also have to look for them every day.
And to be even more precise: the Christian churches (people hardly know the difference between Catholic and Protestant) and their celebrations do not resemble the churches in the West. In Bangkok I had some single Thai women who had become Christian mainly to meet a foreign man there. They firmly believed that it would work.