The strangest Easter traditions from around the world - from whipping people to giant omelettes large enough to feed 2,000 people and hiding cigarettes near churches

While Brits are hiding chocolate bunnies, making Spring-themed bonnets or putting their feet up and enjoying a buttered hot cross bun, countries from around the world are celebrating Easter with their own strange traditions. 

From hiding cigarettes near churches to making a giant omelette and whipping family friends, each country has a unique spin on hour to celebrate Easter and some traditions might surprise you.

France

In the French town of Bessières in the southwest of France, locals celebrates Easter by cooking up a giant omelette.

Around 15,000 eggs are used to create the huge feast which is cooked in a single pot by around 50 volunteers and served to 2,000 people.

It all started in 1973 to mark the occasion of Napoleon Bonaparte visiting a small inn and enjoying a delicious omellette - he is said to have enjoyed it so much he ordered a giant one for his army. 

Around 50 volunteers work together to make the giant omelette, cracking eggs and stirring the large pan

Around 15,000 eggs are used to create the huge feast which is cooked in a single pot and served to 2,000 people

The designated cooks stor the pan with giant spatulas that look more like paddles or oars than cooking utensils 

Czech Republic 

In the Czech Republic, instead of tucking into a chocolate bunny with friends and family, relatives wish each other good health - by gently whipping each other with a stick decorated with ribbons.

Called a pomlázka, the word comes from pomladit, which means to make younger.

Girls dress up in traditional costumes and are gently whipped as a sign of good health

The whip is called a pomlázka and comes from pomladit, which means to make younger

Finland

While we might associate witches with Halloween, in Finland, children dress up as the spooky spectres and roam the streets, going from door to door asking for treats and offering blessings.

Dressed in witches' hats and cloaks and carrying twigs decorated with coloured paper and fabric, they promise to ward off evil spirits. 

Papua New Guinea  

In Papua New Guinea, people have adapted to the heat and instead of hiding chocolate eggs, people hide cigarettes in trees near churches.

After the traditional Easter service, worshippers go out and search for the packets.

While it might not be the healthiest treat it no doubt increases attendance.

Russia and Slovenia 

In Russia and Slovenia instead of enjoying a chocolate animal, these countries make a butter version.

As a symbol of the sacrifice of Jesus, people carve a lamb out of butter.

They decorate it using peppercorns or dried cloves for eyes and a red ribbon around the neck to symbolise the blood of Christ.

In Russia and Slovenia instead of enjoying a chocolate animal, these countries make a butter version.

Russians typically  carve a lamb out of butter and decorate it using peppercorns or dried cloves for eyes 

Norway

In a tradition that seems to have almost nothing to do with Easter, Norwegians thoroughly enjoy a crime drama.

It started in 1923 with a front-page advert in a national newspaper for a book entitled ‘The Bergen Train Was Robbed in the Night’.

Many thought it was a real robbery and book sales soared.

Now, every Easter, publishers and TV producers cash in on the tradition of Påskekrim, or Easter crime, and release new crime fiction.

Poland  

You might be advised to take an umbrella with you if you visit Poland during Easter as children are encouraged to soak passers-by with buckets, water pistols and hoses.

The tradition dates back to pagan fertility festivals where women who were soaked could expect to convceive but now it's open to everyone.