The Spirit of Easter at the Patisserie de Pera: Easter Traditions Different Around the World

When we think of Easter, we probably think of colorful eggs and sweets. So, what do these colorful eggs represent? What is the Easter holiday?

The word Easter means Pascha in Latin and Greek, Pasha in Aramaic, Pasen in Dutch, and Påaske in Scandinavian languages. The word Easter in modern English is derived from the Old English word Ēastre or Ēostre, which appeared before 899. According to some sources, this month takes its name from the Anglo-Saxon Pagan goddess Ēastre. Easter, which is accepted as the oldest and most important holiday in Christianity, is the harbinger of spring in Pagan traditions.

Eggs and rabbits, which are symbols of fertility and new life, are indispensable elements of Easter. Of course, don’t forget the donuts. As every year, Pera Palace Hotel’s historical French patisserie Patisserie de Pera is already ready for Easter, but this year, pastry chef Feyzullah Özkaya has a very special recipe that he wants to share with you!

 

How to make Easter buns?

We knead flour, powder, sugar and eggs by hand. Then add milk and water and continue kneading slowly. Then we add mahaleb and yeast. We grind the mastic into powder and add it. Lastly, we add the melted boza-like butter and let the dough rest in the fridge for 1 hour. We knit 3 of the 200 gr dough chard, sprinkle egg yolk and almonds on top, and bake in the oven at 80 degrees for an average of 30 / 35 minutes.

 

Ingredients

1 kg of flour

300 g granulated sugar

250 g melted butter

250 g cold milk

250 g cold water

3 whole eggs

30 g yeast

5 g mahaleb

3 g mastic gum

For the decoration of 250 gr almonds

 

Easter Traditions Different Around the World

While enjoying the delicious recipe of pastry chef Feyzullah Özkaya, let’s examine the different Easter traditions all over the world together.

 

1. Italy

There is a magical phrase that is often heard in Italy, dedicated to the Easter period. “Natale con i tuoi, Pasqua con chi vuoi!” is “Christmas with your family, Easter with your own friends!”

You may not be able to stumble upon an Easter egg hunt in Italy, but here you can see the most magnificent chocolate eggs you’ve ever seen in the world. Moreover, surprise gifts began to be placed in these flamboyant eggs, which date back 100 years. As with many things, we can identify Italy with delicious traditions and rituals during Easter.

 

2. Britain

It can be said that England is home to all the Easter traditions we are familiar with. Easter eggs painted in traditional red (representing the sacrifice of Jesus Christ) and green; Easter bunnies symbolizing abundance at home… The Easter Egg Hunt, which is at the top of the to-do list!

 

3. Poland

In addition to the rituals of spring cleaning, Easter baskets and, of course, painting Easter eggs with traditional or modern methods, there is another ritual developed by the Polish people from this period. Śmigus-Dyngus, meaning wet Monday, water war!

 

4. Bulgaria

According to the Bulgarian people, the Easter egg must be full to bring blessings to the families. In Bulgaria, far from the riot of colors, the embroidery-oriented eggs, which taste like works of art, attract attention. According to Ethnography Institute Specialist, Dr. Rakşieva, the ornaments on the easter egg are not from the art of needlework or wood carving, but folkloric Easter motifs such as the three-branched swastika, which is the sun symbol unique to Bulgaria, and the butterfly, which is the symbol of the soul and resurrection, which fits the shape of the egg.

 

5. Norway

Although Easter is the harbinger of spring, Norway continues to stay in winter during this period. The Norwegian people have a very, very different tradition, far, far away from Easter eggs, buns or bunnies.

They spend the day reading detective novels and watching movies in their tradition known as ‘Paaskekrimmen’. Miss Marple character of Agatha Christie is also among the most watched and read detective stories.

 

Easter Spirit at Patisserie de Pera

In the heart of Pera, the unique and iconic Patisserie de Pera awaits you with its unique presentations, colorful Easter-themed eggs, chocolates, delicious donuts and much more. It is possible to taste all the traditions of the world with the French Patisserie of Pera Palace Hotel, which offers its guests a high-level experience with its 130-year history!