Uncover 10 Mind-Blowing Holiday Practices From Different Cultures

9. Cakes with Soul

Where is England? Cost of making: $2–$8* In the English countryside, soul cakes are customarily cooked during Halloween. Children receive these cakes on this holiday, and they knock on doors to sing and offer prayers for the deceased's souls. Sweets like this stand in for those souls.

Soul Cakes on Instagram @simplethingsmag Although it has since subsided, this was formerly common throughout the nation. It was customary to carry a horse's head on a stick with your soul cakes during the Middle Ages, according to historical accounts. In an effort to get people to pray for the family members of the carer, cakes are given to recipients all throughout the community.

10. Italian Cheese Rather than Rabbit Meat

Wherever in Italy * Price: $5 to $10 per pound of cheese If you find yourself in Panicale, an Umbrian town, in instance, you can replace your chocolate bunnies for cheese ones. Since there isn't an Easter Bunny in Italy, the country's chocolate customs differ slightly from those of the United States.

Using Italian Cheese Rather Than Bunnies Copyright Rimma Bondarenko/Shutterstock The Easter celebrations in Italy are a feast for the senses, a vibrant tapestry woven with religious traditions, joyous gatherings, and of course, a symphony of culinary delights. While Easter feasts across the globe are often associated with specific dishes, Italy embraces the spirit of abundance, ensuring that tables remain laden with culinary treasures throughout the entire Paschal season. Even as the echoes of Easter Sunday lunch fade, the tantalizing aromas of cured meats, freshly baked breads, and an assortment of cheeses continue to waft from Italian kitchens. Among these, a particular favorite is the "Pasqualina," a savory pie traditionally filled with ricotta cheese and spinach, symbolizing the arrival of spring and new beginnings. In the heart of Umbria, the charming village of Panicale sets the stage for a unique Easter tradition that blends athleticism with a love for all things cheese. As the sun climbs high in the sky on Easter Sunday, the heart of the village transforms into an arena, abuzz with anticipation and excitement. Here, the "Ruzzolone" takes center stage – a spirited cheese rolling competition where teams vie for the honor of rolling a ten-pound wheel of cheese around the village walls in the fewest strokes possible. Imagine the scene: the cobblestone streets echoing with cheers and laughter as teams strategize and maneuver their cheese wheels with a combination of strength and finesse. The bumpy terrain and unpredictable bounces add an element of chance, keeping both participants and spectators on the edge of their seats. And what awaits the victor of this cheesy contest? A cracked wheel of cheese, a testament to the day's spirited competition and a delicious reward for their efforts.